History of Russia abroad: Exhibition “Peter the Great, an Inspired Tsar” in Amsterdam

The Crown prince of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander on March 8, 2013 opened in the “Hermitage on the Amstel” – the branch of the State Hermitage Museum in Amsterdam – the exhibition “Peter the Great, an Inspired Tsar”. It is timed to the Year of Russia in the Netherlands, the official start of which is appointed on April 8.

Tsar Peter appears in the “Hermitage on the Amstel” as a great reformer, wishing to change his country. He is depicted as a man who was interested in different aspects of life, open to new knowledge, not shunning any work, who knows 14 different crafts, understanding politics, military and art. So, here is presented his collection of gold jewelry, weapons and objects of art from Asia, paintings and other artifacts, which Peter acquired during his visits to Europe.

Also to the Dutch capital were brought 47 costumes of Peter the Great – military uniforms, ceremonial vestments, sailor costumes, home clothes.

“The purpose of the exhibition – is to answer why the interest to this person does not weaken after a number of years”, - noted the curator of the exhibition, the keeper of costumes of the State Hermitage Museum Nina Tarasova.