Explore the treasures of Russia's most magnificent museum in this Dutch satellite branch, the Hermitage Amsterdam.
What Is the Hermitage Amsterdam?
Photo Courtesy of Hermitage Amsterdam, by Marcus Koppen
The original phase of the Hermitage Amsterdam opened on the Nieuwe Herengracht in February 2004, with small-scale exhibitions and plans to expand. In June 2009, the museum opened in its current location on the Amstel River with much fanfare and an official visit by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev.
The entirely renovated new space, a 17th-century former home for the elderly, spans 10 times the size of the museum's original home (the former building now houses Hermitage for Children educational center).
What's to See at the Hermitage Amsterdam?
Matisse c/o Pictoright Amsterdam 2010
As a branch of a museum whose collection comprises more than three million objects -- including artworks from Rembrandt, da Vinci and Matisse, as well as thousands of items from the Russian aristocracy -- the Hermitage Amsterdam has a palatial treasure chest from which to choose for its rotating exhibitions.
The current exhibition, "Matisse to Malevich: Pioneers of Modern Art from the Hermitage" (March 6 - September 17, 2010), features the works of influential avant-garde artists Matisse, Malevich, Picasso, Van Dongen, Kandinsky and their modernist peers.
The state-of-the-art interior, inner courtyard garden and old chapel of the meticulously renovated Amstelhof space make for an even more rewarding visit.
Hermitage Amsterdam Visitor Information
Photo © Hans van Heeswijk Architects, by Aerofoto Schiphol B.V.
Hermitage Amsterdam Location
Amstel 51 (on the east side of the river)
Opening Times
- Daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Wednesdays until 8 p.m.
- Closed: January 1, April 30, December 25
- Adults: € 15
- Children up to 16: free
- With the I amsterdam Card: free
Available in English for € 3.
Café/Restaurant Neva
Aptly named after the river upon which its Russian cousin sits, the museum café has a great terrace. Open daily, 10 - 1 a.m. (also to non-museum visitors).
Get There
- Tram 4 to Rembrandtplein
- Tram 9 or 14 to Waterlooplein
More Information
Call the information line at +31 (0)20 530 74 88 or see the Hermitage Amsterdam website.