Van Gogh Museum; Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is the world’s leading institution dedicated to inspiring a diverse audience with the life and work of Vincent van Gogh and his time. Guided by its core values of being authentic, connected, and original, the museum is housed in a unique architectural complex that is itself a dialogue between different design philosophies, reflecting the innovative spirit of the artist it celebrates.

A Modernist Home for a Modern Master

The museum’s main building, which houses the permanent collection, opened in 1973 and was designed by Gerrit Rietveld, an important member of the Dutch modernist movement De Stijl. His vision, which stressed geometric shapes and light-filled open spaces, is particularly evident in the central hall’s grand staircase. In 1999, this cubic structure was complemented by a contrasting exhibition wing designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. His elliptical, asymmetrical building reflects a symbiosis between Japanese and European culture. In 2015, a transparent glass entrance hall was added, physically and symbolically uniting the two distinct architectural wings.

A Vision of Connection and Innovation

The Van Gogh Museum’s ambition extends beyond simply displaying its collection. It sees its walls as “porous,” aiming to be a meeting place where dialogue happens and the collection is given ever more meaning in the contemporary world. The museum feels a responsibility to lead the way in the museum sector, pushing boundaries in research, exhibitions, education, and sustainability. By constantly innovating, it aims to serve as a “beacon” for museums at home and abroad, continually offering inspiration to its visitors, partners, and staff.

The Mesdag Collection: A Source of Inspiration

Since 1990, the Van Gogh Museum Foundation has also administered The Mesdag Collection, a “hidden gem” located in The Hague. This second museum was formerly the home of the 19th-century artist couple Hendrik Willem Mesdag and Sientje Mesdag-van Houten, who assembled an impressive collection renowned for its masterpieces of the French Barbizon and Dutch Hague Schools. These were the very artists and movements that Vincent van Gogh deeply admired and that were a crucial source of inspiration for his work. In an 1882 letter to his brother Theo, Vincent wrote with great enthusiasm after seeing the collection. This important connection makes the two museums complementary, together providing a rich overview of the art of the late 19th century.