Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum, located in the heart of Amsterdam in the famous Museumplein, is one of the city’s main cultural attractions, dedicated to the life and work of the renowned painter Vincent van Gogh. Inaugurated on June 2, 1973, the museum was designed by the Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld, a representative of the De Stijl movement, with an extension completed in 1999 by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. The museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world, with over 200 paintings, 400 drawings, and 700 letters. The collection is organized to follow the different artistic phases of the artist chronologically, offering visitors a complete immersion into his stylistic and personal evolution. Among the most iconic works on display are “Sunflowers,” “The Bedroom,” “The Potato Eaters,” and “Wheatfield with Crows.” The exhibition path does not only showcase Van Gogh’s masterpieces but also delves into the historical and personal context of the artist, including his complex relationship with his brother Theo, his only moral and financial support. The museum narrative is enriched by Vincent’s letters, which provide an intimate look into his inner struggles and his relentless desire to improve as a painter. The museum has undergone several renovations to enhance the visitor experience and to preserve the artworks. A significant renovation took place between 1998 and 1999, with the addition of the new exhibition wing designed by Kurokawa, and a further update occurred in 2012. During this temporary closure, a selection of the works was displayed at the H’ART Museum. A notable event in the museum’s history was the discovery in 2013 of a lost Van Gogh painting, “Sunset at Montmajour,” found in a Norwegian attic and recognized as authentic thanks to a detailed description found in a letter from the artist to Theo. The museum has also experienced dramatic moments, such as the theft of twenty paintings in 1991, including “The Potato Eaters.” Fortunately, the works were recovered shortly after, although some were damaged. In 2002, two other works, “Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen” and “View of the Sea at Scheveningen,” were stolen and only recovered in 2016 in Italy. The visit to the museum is enriched by interactive tools and educational resources, including guided tours and an audio guide available in various languages, allowing visitors to explore the collection at their own pace. The museum also features a souvenir shop and a café, offering a complete cultural experience.