Netherlands> Sights & Attractions

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands is an international cultural attraction and a monument to the Dutch artist. Born in 1853 in Groot-Zundest to a pastor, he lived in a religious environment marked by strict discipline, and consequently developed into a highly nervous and self-conscious adult. He decided to become an artist between 1860 and 1880, realizing the grace of his true calling early in life.

He studied art in Belgium. His early Dutch series, featuring works in subdued colours with fascinating light effects emerged thereafter. His most famous work of this period is The Potato Eaters, also displayed at the museum. Van Gogh visited Antwerp in the 1880s, where he became familiar with Rubens and his art.

Unfortunately he only sold one painting in his life, a life marked by fits of lunacy. He committed suicide in 1890. His immense artistic genius is appreciated and respected today.

The Amsterdam museum features the biggest Van Gogh collection worldwide. It is also a research centre, prominent since the 1980s. It offers detailed studies related to the artist's life with the aim to motivate greater activity on the art scene and promote research of 19th century art. Another major goal of museum staff is to attain greater publicity and draw international art experts. The museum's prime consideration involves maintaining a scholarly approach to the art collections. Academic findings and conclusions are published in reputable media sources and in the museum's almanac, titled "Van Gogh Studies".

The main gallery lists the stages of the artist's life. It is divided into five main phases, each associated with a setting to a class of his works. There are his first Dutch period, Paris, Arles, Saint-Remy and Auvers-sur-Oise. Some famous works are Bedroom in Arles and, of course, the Sunflowers.

An extraordinary exhibition of his finest works was held at the museum in 2005. It consisted of more than 100 works, some of which were produced in his draughtsmanship period. In fact, he concentrated on drawing, not painting, for a few years early on in his career. Drawing was always his passion. His peak achievement in this field is indisputably the seven splendid scenery drawings with reed pen, completed in 1884. These were also displayed at the exhibition, which can be seen as a celebrated event in itself, as his drawings are rarely shown to the public, being extremely sensitive to light.

His Arles period is dominated by landscape drawings of local settings. The highlight of this series is the Montmajour set of works.

Four examples of "The harvest" series are also characteristic of his Arles period, and indicative of his affinity for country life. They consist of two drawings, one painting and one watercolour piece. This series portrays a fascinating blend of drawing and painting, and the masterful transition from one media to another. His last two periods are characterized by magnificent colour and rhythm interplay. Only four of Van Gogh's sketchbooks are preserved, all a part of the museum's collection.

The architecture of the museum is also a noteworthy aspect. The main part was designed by Rietveld and completed in 1973. Kurokawa completed the Exhibit Sector in 1999. A large number of renowned architects have collaborated to establish the museum's unique design. Additionally, it has been remodelled and restructured several times. The interior was restored in 1999 by Greiner Van Goor Architects to include more and wider spaces. The same architects designed a new wing and a passageway between the old and new structures.

As a result of this multilateral cooperation, the museum has developed into an eclectic and superior work of art in itself.

The museum has suffered shocking heists. In 2002 some works were stolen, and the two thieves were caught approximately one year later. However, the works were never recovered.

This monument is easily accessible by tram, with a prime location in Amsterdam.

You are welcome to visit the gift shop, which offers some unforgettable art souvenirs.