Building cultural bridges
In 2014 we celebrated at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the 250th anniversary of the State Hermitage Museum, which was effectively established in 1764 by Catherine the Great for her personal art collection. In November 2014, with the initiative and support of the Hermitage Museum Foundation Israel, the Israel Museum, has lent the State Hermitage Museum works from the Vera and Arturo Schwarz Collection of Dada and Surrealist Art, including a selection of remarkable works by Duchamp, Man Ray and others. This was the first time that such an important Dada and Surrealist Art collection was shown in Russia.
In 2016, the State Hermitage Museum’s Romanov Dynasty Banquet celebrated the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Israel at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The historic ties between Israel and Russia date back to the latter half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, when many Russian Jews, involved in the cultural and political spheres, were influential in laying the foundation for the future State of Israel.
Through the Hermitage Museum Foundation Israel, I see the long-term possibility of building bridges between our countries, beyond state political initiatives, by establishing programs with strong potential for an ongoing cultural exchange in the various fields of the arts. The success and achievements of the Foundation is dependent on your kind support, enthusiasm and engagement with the State Hermitage Museum.
Dr. Mikhail B. Piotrovsky
Director
The State Hermitage Museum