Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is one of the top three in Amsterdam in popularity and one of the most renowned in Europe. The name of Vincent Van Gogh is well known even to those who know nothing about art. He is one of the most influential painters of all time.

Although he was an artist who lived in the 19th century his legacy transcended time in the way the grand masters of the Renaissance managed to conquer the decay of time. Vincent Van Gogh is one of the greatest of all time. His life, volatile, haunting, and tense like his works created a mythical figure, an archetype of self-destructive genius that follows many artists to this day.

In the Rietveld building that houses the museum, you step directly into Van Gogh’s world. You see his masterpieces, but also his drawings and letters. You discover the ideas and ambitions behind his art. Van Gogh experienced life and the world intensely and wanted his art to portray the great themes of life, such as anxiety, suffering, love, and hope.

You follow the ongoing search of an artist who was constantly trying to improve himself. In this way, you get a new view of an artist you thought you knew. The story of his art is told throughout the galleries, not only giving a permanent position to his paintings but also his drawings and letters. Important aspects of Van Gogh’s art are highlighted and studied through varying themes.

Van Gogh’s ambition to paint farmers, his search for color and his interpretation of nature are given a prominent place in the museum, naturally featuring highlights like The Potato Eaters, The Bedroom, Sunflowers, and Almond Blossom. The museum focuses on the complete story: the artist, the context, his ambitions, his emotions, the myths, and his influence until this very day.

The huge impact of Van Gogh on the first generation of artists after his death will be shown by expressive works such as those by Maurice de Vlaminck and Kees van Dongen from the museum’s collection. A video installation in the hall shows how, after his death, Van Gogh has become the important (pop)cultural icon that he is today. Van Gogh’s hope that his work might go on inspiring the world after his death has come true: until this very day he reaches out to millions of admirers. Description / More : https://vangoghmuseum.nl/en