The exhibition deals with the life of Emperor Nicholas II, his spouse Alexandra Fyodorovna and their children. It features the works of art and personal effects of the last Russian emperor's family.
Among the showpieces are photographs of the royal family, gala dresses of courtiers, the Faberge pieces and a bread-and-salt dish used during Nicholas II's coronation ceremony.
The exhibition boasts remarkable decorations. Even those who knew nothing of the royal family except that it was brutally assassinated receive much interesting knowledge. It is highly popular with elderly intellectuals.
A small shop offers icons, art albums, biographies of historic figures (Peter the Great, Catherine the Great and even Joseph Stalin), Russian films, etc. Customers can order expensive antiques in an electronic catalogue.
The Hermitage branch in Amsterdam is situated in Amstelhof, the former nursing home.
Only one building, Neerlandia, is currently opened. Its six halls can host only small exhibitions. In the future the whole quarter with the total area of 4,000 square meters will belong to the Hermitage. The reconstruction and this grandiose project cost 39 million euros.
The Hermitage monograms decorate the high windows of the building. The spirit of the exhibition is felt even in the neighboring cafй. Black-and-white photographs of the royal family are hanging on its wall.
