In the framework of the Year of Netherlands in Russia, on June 18 the History Museum opens an exhibition dedicated to the Russian-Dutch communications throughout four centuries.

      These communications, as we know, were really strong. Dutch handicraftsmen worked in Moscow during the reign of Tsar Alexey Mikhaylovich, Dutches were first teachers for Peter the Great in seamanship, Russia had brisk trade with Holland through Arkhangelsk, where Dutch merchants appeared under Ivan the Terrible, and then the first sea traveling charts helping seamen to find a way to Russia (rich cartographical heritage of two countries is presented at the exhibition) were made.

      The Hermitage Museum collection in many ways owes its glory to the 17th century Dutch masters’ art works that were purchased by Catherine II. A separate section of the exposition is dedicated to participation of the Russian armies in liberation of the Netherlands from Napoleon in 1813 and restoration of the national independence.

      The exhibition will be open till September 16.