Holland, also known as the Netherlands, showcases more art and culture per square kilometre than any other country on earth. To highlight this, the four largest cities in Holland will be taking part in a large-scale art and cultural event called “Holland Art Cities” until early 2011. The top 10 museums in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht will join forces to put together an unprecedented art spectacle.Some of the most beautiful museums in the world are located within only an hour’s travel of one another in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. During Holland Art Cities, the cities will be inundated with art and culture. Cultural organisations and the top 10 museums from the Netherlands cooperated to schedule a cultural calendar of the highest quality. The programme, which consists of over 25 exhibitions, is a must for art lovers.

Hermitage Amsterdam, with exhibitions from the extensive art collection of the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, opened its doors to the public in spring 2009. The Hermitage Amsterdam is now located in a building with a surface of over 4000 square metres. The museum will host the exhibition “Pioneers of Modern Art” from March 6, 2010 to September 17, 2010. It presents one of the finest collections of French paintings from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. This collection includes outstanding paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Van Dongen, De Vlaminck and Derain to name just a few.The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam reopens its doors in early 2010. The historic building will have been completely renovated and expanded with an extensive new wing as well as a new main entrance. The new Stedelijk Museum will be a classic museum with a contemporary platform. In addition to a spectacular presentation of the collection in the original museum building, contemporary trends will be a focal point of the new section.

Several themes play an important role in the Holland Art Cities programme. Special exhibitions around the theme “Young: Modern and Contemporary Art and Design” will be held until mid-2010. The Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, for example, presents the first major solo exhibition of former fashion designer Michael Raedecker.

Dutch Masters, such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer are in the spotlight from July 2010 to June 2011. The paintings of these artists originate from the Dutch golden age, a period spanning the 17th century during which the Netherlands was the most prosperous nation in Europe. Paintings of Dutch Masters show characteristics of baroque painting, but most lack the idealisation and love of splendour typical of much Baroque work.

Seven museums in three cities put together special exhibitions featuring Dutch Masters. The Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis in The Hague will show Old Masters from a private US collection. The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam has a major retrospective on Marlene Dumas. The Centraal Museum Utrecht presents works of art by the 17th-century painter Abraham Bloemaert.