Allard Pierson Museum

Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, the Allard Pierson Museum stands as a beacon of archaeological wonder and historical significance. This museum, a part of the University of Amsterdam, is one of the foremost archaeological museums in the Netherlands. It boasts a vast and varied collection that offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean world.

The History of the Allard Pierson Museum

The museum is named after Allard Pierson (1831-1896), a professor of Art History, Aesthetics, and Modern Literature at the University of Amsterdam from 1877 to 1895. Pierson had a profound interest in archaeology, which was reflected in his academic endeavors. During his tenure, he amassed a collection of plaster casts of sculptures from classical antiquity, laying the foundation for what would become the museum's collection.

After Pierson's death, his son, Jan Lodewijk Pierson, a banker, established the Allard Pierson Foundation to promote scientific research, particularly in archaeology. Thanks to the efforts of classicist and archaeologist Geerto Snijder, the Allard Pierson Museum was officially founded on November 12, 1934. Snijder became the museum's first professor-director. Initially, the museum's collection comprised around 6,000 objects, including archaeological collections from Jan Six and the Hague banker and amateur archaeologist Constant Lunsingh Scheurleer, who had a particular interest in Greek and Egyptian antiquities.

The museum was initially housed in an old school building on Sarphatistraat. In 1976, it moved to its current location at Oude Turfmarkt 127, the former headquarters of De Nederlandsche Bank. After extensive renovations, the museum was inaugurated by Princess Beatrix in October 1976. In January 2019, the Allard Pierson Museum merged with the Special Collections of the University of Amsterdam, forming Allard Pierson - The Collections of the University of Amsterdam. Following another renovation in 2019, the museum reopened on September 15, 2020, with an additional 500 square meters of exhibition space and 500 square meters of public space.

The Collection

The Allard Pierson Museum's archaeological collection primarily features antiquities from the great civilizations of the Mediterranean region, including Ancient Egypt, the Ancient Near East, the Greek world, pre-Roman Italy (Etruscans, Magna Graecia), and the Roman Empire. The museum also houses approximately 300 plaster casts of ancient sculptures. Since the 2019 merger with the Special Collections, the museum has acquired significant collections related to theater and book history, graphic design and typography, cartography, and cultural history.

The permanent exhibition, titled From Nile to Amstel, showcases objects and their stories, offering a comprehensive view of the quality, diversity, and relevance of the museum's sub-collections. Visitors can explore a wide range of artifacts, from ancient pottery and sculptures to manuscripts and maps, each telling a unique story of human history and cultural development.

The World-Renowned Loan Collection

In February 2014, the Allard Pierson Museum hosted the international exhibition Crimea: Gold and Secrets of the Black Sea, featuring Scythian art objects from four museums in Crimea and one in Ukraine. This exhibition marked the largest cross-border display of Ukrainian treasures ever organized. However, the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in March 2014 led to an international dispute over the ownership of these pieces. The artifacts remained in the Netherlands while the matter was resolved. On October 26, 2021, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal ruled that the art treasures belonged to Ukraine.

Publications and Academic Contributions

Since 1970, the Friends Association of the Allard Pierson Museum, in collaboration with the museum, has published its own journal, initially titled Mededelingenblad van de Vereniging van Vrienden van het Allard Pierson Museum and since 2009 known as Allard Pierson Mededelingen. The journal, published several times a year, focuses on the museum's collection, new acquisitions, and exhibitions. Many antiquities, particularly Greek pottery, have been published in the museum's scientific series, Allard Pierson Series, as well as in international corpora such as the Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum and the Corpus Antiquitatum Aegyptiacarum. Since 2011, exhibition catalogs have been published in the Allard Pierson Museum Series, offering insights into the museum's diverse exhibitions.

Exploring the Allard Pierson Museum

Visitors to the Allard Pierson Museum can embark on a journey through time, exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient civilizations. The museum's thoughtfully curated exhibitions and interactive displays provide an engaging and educational experience for all ages. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student, or a curious traveler, the Allard Pierson Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the past, making it a must-visit destination in Amsterdam.

In conclusion, the Allard Pierson Museum is not just a repository of artifacts; it is a vibrant center of learning and discovery. Its extensive collection and innovative exhibitions highlight the interconnectedness of human cultures and the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations. A visit to this remarkable museum promises to be an enriching and unforgettable experience, offering a deeper understanding of our shared history and cultural heritage.