Hermitage Amsterdam breaks off its relationship with
Russia

For a long time the Hermitage Amsterdam has distanced itself from political developments in Putin's Russia. After all, politics focuses on the reality of daily life, while our focus is on art treasures and movements that span centuries. The ties we had carefully built with the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg gave us access to one of the world's most famous art collections, which we could draw from for our exhibitions. 

Russia's recent attack on Ukraine makes keeping this distance no longer tenable. Our Board and directors have decided to cut ties with the State Hermitage Museum. 

It is with difficulty that the supervisors, directors, management and employees of the Hermitage Amsterdam break ties with the Hermitage Saint Petersburg. Over the past decades, the collaborations with Russian colleagues have been harmonious. Differences of opinion had always proved bridgeable. It led to beautiful, well-attended exhibitions in Amsterdam. With the invasion of the Russian army in Ukraine, a border has been crossed. War destroys everything. Even 30 years of collaboration. The Hermitage Amsterdam has no other choice. Like everyone else, we hope for peace. Also for changes in the future of Russia that will allow us to restore ties with the Hermitage Saint Petersburg. 

The exhibition Russian Avant-Garde | Revolution in the Arts is closed until further notice.