Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam Gears Up for Week van de Klassieken 2026
The Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam is preparing for the 2026 edition of the national Week van de Klassieken, a celebrated cultural week dedicated to classical antiquity in the Netherlands. Running from April 9 to April 19, 2026, this year's theme, "Multivocal Antiquity: Voices from Then, Voices from Now," promises a deep dive into the diverse perspectives of ancient worlds. The museum has organized a special program of activities to engage visitors of all ages.
Engaging Programs and Tours for Visitors
During the Week van de Klassieken, the Allard Pierson Museum offers a variety of guided tours, discussions, and creative workshops designed to highlight its extensive collections and current exhibitions. All listed activities are included with standard museum admission, providing an excellent opportunity to explore ancient history.
Special Events and Guided Experiences:
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Guided Tour: From Nile to Amstel Conservator Laurien de Gelder will lead visitors through 10,000 years of cultural history, exploring permanent displays ranging from ancient Egyptian animal mummies and decorated Greek pottery to fragile Roman glass and desert-preserved textiles.
- Date: April 9
- Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Program: Slavery in Antiquity This program offers insights into the historical presence of slavery across ancient societies, from Mesopotamia and Egypt to Greece and the Roman world. Curators of the "Not My Soul: On Slavery, Law, and Freedom" exhibition will provide short talks that illuminate and deepen themes from this significant display.
- Date: April 11
- Time: 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
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Family Guided Tour: From Nile to Amstel Designed for younger visitors and families, this engaging tour provides an introduction to the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians through the museum's fascinating collection.
- Dates: April 11 and April 18
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Workshop: Drawing in the Plaster Attic Discover the craft of a sculptor and hear stories behind famous ancient sculptures. Afterwards, unleash your creativity with pen and paper in the museum’s plaster attic, sketching some of the iconic pieces.
- Dates: April 11 and April 18
- Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
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Lecture by René van Beek Conservator René van Beek will discuss the exhibition "Glass, Made in Antiquity," which features over 200 glass objects from the Allard Pierson's archaeological collection. Following the lecture, he will be available in the exhibition space until 5:00 PM to answer questions and provide further commentary.
- Date: April 19
- Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
These programs offer a rich and varied way to connect with classical antiquity. For more details on these and other cultural happenings, you can explore events and museums in Amsterdam through Musemap (musemap.art) by browsing what's on or discovering more museums in the city.
