The Hermitage is in St. Petersburg, right? Well, yes but there’s another in Amsterdam. Seems that Tsar Peter the Great had a thing for Amsterdam and when the Russian powers that be were looking for a site for a “branch” they picked Amsterdam.
The building used to be a senior living facility. Everyone living there was relocated and serious renovation took place. The museum opened in July 2009 and it’s terrific–rather bland outside with a wonderful courtyard lined with stone benches and very contemporary inside right up to the elevator with glass on all six sides. The Neva Cafe could be in any large city, very white with lots or orchids and a stylish menu. Tulips are the flower I associate with Holland but during the non-tulip season, Amsterdam seems to have adopted the orchid which were in many public spaces.
The exhibit, Alexander the Great, is a tribute to the myth, the reality and the heritage of this Macedonian conqueror. A clever video encapsulates the 22,000-plus miles Alex traveled during his war years — pretty impressive especially as it was all done on horseback. Conquering Asia Minor, into X into India, until his death, possibly of West Nile Virus or wounds combined with years of serious drinking.