Allard Pierson Museum

Introduction

The Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam is an essential destination for anyone interested in cultural and historical artifacts. This museum, named after Allard Pierson, the first professor of classical archaeology at the University of Amsterdam, offers a profound journey through 10,000 years of human history. From ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome to the contemporary cultural landscape of Amsterdam, the museum's extensive and diverse collection captivates visitors of all ages. This guide aims to provide comprehensive insight into the museum's history, collections, and practical visitor information to ensure a memorable experience. Notably, the museum's roots date back to the late 19th century when Allard Pierson's passion for antiquity led him to assemble a collection of plaster casts, which later evolved into the museum we know today (Wikipedia).

History and Significance

Origins and Founding

The Allard Pierson Museum, named after the first professor of classical archaeology at the University of Amsterdam, Allard Pierson (1831–1896), has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Allard Pierson, a former clergyman, was invited in 1877 to occupy the chair of Aesthetics, Art History, and Modern Languages at the newly founded university. His passion for antiquity, fueled by his travels to the Mediterranean area, led him to assemble a collection of plaster casts from 1877 to 1895 (Wikipedia).

The museum's formal establishment was significantly influenced by Jan Six, the second professor of archaeology at the University of Amsterdam. Six had a substantial personal collection of books and antique objects. Upon his death in 1926, the university expressed interest in acquiring his collection. In 1932, Pierson's son, Jan Lodewijk, established the Allard Pierson Foundation to make the antiquities collection available for research and teaching. The collection was initially housed in a building on the Weesperzijde in Amsterdam, with the top floor serving as a museum (Wikipedia).

Growth and Development

The Allard Pierson Museum officially opened on November 12, 1934, in a building at Sarphatistraat 129-131. Over time, the museum's collection expanded through purchases, gifts, and loans of artifacts and documents. By 1976, the museum had outgrown its original building. A new location became available when the Nederlandse Bank vacated their office at the Oude Turfmarkt. The museum was re-opened at this new location on October 6, 1976, with H.R.H. Princess Beatrix in attendance (Wikipedia).

Collections and Exhibitions

Permanent Exhibitions

The Allard Pierson Museum is renowned for its extensive and diverse collections, which span 10,000 years of cultural history. The permanent exhibition, "From the Nile to the Amstel," takes visitors on a journey through ancient Egypt, the Near East, the Greek World, Etruria, and the Roman Empire. The museum's collections include Egyptian mummies, Greek pottery, Roman glass, medieval bibles, cookbooks, manuscripts by Multatuli, and plaster casts of famous classical statues (I Amsterdam).

Temporary Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum hosts two major international exhibitions each year. One notable exhibition was "Crimea – Gold and Secrets of the Black Sea," held in February 2014. This exhibition included Scythian art objects from four museums in Crimea and one in mainland Ukraine. The exhibition became the center of an international dispute following the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, leading to legal battles over the ownership of the artifacts (Wikipedia).

Special Collections

The museum also houses the Special Collections of the University of Amsterdam. These include Medieval bibles, cookbooks, manuscripts by Dutch writer Multatuli, and plaster casts of famous classical statues. These collections provide valuable insights into various aspects of cultural history.

Educational and Cultural Significance

The Allard Pierson Museum serves as both a museum and a knowledge institute for the heritage collections of the University of Amsterdam. It plays a crucial role in the academic and cultural landscape of the city. The museum's collections are used for research purposes by students and researchers from universities worldwide. They also serve as a teaching resource for children, adults, students, and professionals (Allard Pierson).

The museum's educational programs include workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions with archaeologists and conservators. Events such as the Amsterdam Symposium on the History of Food, TypeAmsterdam, and the History of the Book Summer School further highlight the museum's commitment to bridging the gap between academia and society (Allard Pierson).

Visitor Information

Opening Hours and Tickets

The Allard Pierson Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on Mondays when it is closed. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum entrance. Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults: €12
• Students: €8
• Children (4-17): €6
• Children under 4: Free
• Museumkaart holders: Free

Accessibility and Travel Tips

The museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators available to all floors. It is located at Oude Turfmarkt 127, 1012 GC Amsterdam, and can be easily reached by public transport. The closest tram stop is 'Spui,' served by tram lines 4, 9, 14, and 24. Visitors are encouraged to check the public transport website for the latest travel information.

Nearby Attractions

While visiting the Allard Pierson Museum, consider exploring nearby attractions such as the Amsterdam Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum. These sites offer a deeper dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Amsterdam.

Recent Developments and Revamp

The Allard Pierson Museum has undergone significant renovations to enhance the visitor experience. The revamped museum now includes "Allard Pierson Live," a zone open to the public free of charge. Here, visitors can engage with archaeological shards, explore cartographic, theater, and music collections, and participate in various activities. The museum also features an Espresso bar with a view of the Rokin, one of Amsterdam's main thoroughfares (I Amsterdam).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Allard Pierson Museum's opening hours? The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on Mondays.

How much are tickets for the Allard Pierson Museum?

• Adults: €12
• Students: €8
• Children (4-17): €6
• Children under 4: Free
• Museumkaart holders: Free

Is the Allard Pierson Museum wheelchair accessible? Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

Are there guided tours available? Yes, the museum offers guided tours. Check the official website for more details.

Where is the Allard Pierson Museum located? The museum is located at Oude Turfmarkt 127, 1012 GC Amsterdam.