In this episode, I’ll be taking you on a little tour of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam which I visited in 2023. Welcome to Art, Culture & Books with me, Anthony King.
Situated in Amsterdam South, close to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to showcasing the artworks of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. Opening its doors on 2 June 1973, the museum holds the world’s most extensive collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings.
Vincent van Gogh’s demise in 1890 led to his unsold works passing into the possession of his brother, Theo. Following Theo’s death just six months later, the collection fell to his widow, Johanna. In an effort to promote awareness of Vincent’s art, Johanna sold many of his paintings while maintaining a private collection. This collection, bequeathed to her son Vincent Willem van Gogh in 1925, was later lent out and eventually transferred to the state-initiated Vincent van Gogh Foundation in 1962.
The museum, with its Strategic Plan 2021-2024, outlines the goals it aims to achieve. This plan strategically addresses the museum’s objectives, emphasizing its mission to fulfil the main purpose of the Van Gogh Museum.
“The Van Gogh Museum inspires a diverse audience with the life and work of Vincent van Gogh and his time.”
By Anthony King (c)