The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam showcases the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh and some of his contemporaries.
With over 200 paintings, 400 letters, and 700 personalized letters by the legendary artist, it attracts over 2.3 million visitors a year.
The most visited museum in the Netherlands hides some fascinating facts that often escape the casual observer’s attention.
This article will look into 8 uncommon facts about the Van Gogh Museum, shedding light on what makes it truly unique.
1. A Family Affair: Source of the Collections
Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh’s family donated the core collection?
Van Gogh and his brother Theo amassed an impressive collection of over 80 paintings, 75 drawings, and 70 prints during their lifetime.
This collection also included works by lesser-known artists and those associated with Van Gogh, such as Paul Gauguin, Emile Bernard, Eugène Boch, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Despite their financial constraints, they compiled a substantial body of work that reflected their common tastes and artistic interests.
2. The Story Behind the Museum’s Design
Did you know that the museum’s design was inspired by Van Gogh’s love of nature and struggles with mental illness?
While the museum’s courtyard and gardens evoke Van Gogh’s love of nature, the building’s angular lines and geometric shapes represent the artist’s mental health issues and emotional intensity.
The architects drew inspiration from Van Gogh’s works and used glass, steel, and concrete to evoke the dynamic energy of his paintings
The fusion of modern and traditional elements creates a unique atmosphere that honors the artist’s legacy while inspiring visitors worldwide.
3. Largest Collection of Van Gogh’s Works
The museum’s collection is the largest and most important of Van Gogh’s works.
The collection covers the entirety of his career, from his early works, such as The Potato Eaters (1885), to his later works, such as Sunflowers (1888) and Bedroom in Arles (1888).
You will also find some of his self-portraits reflecting his changing style and self-perception.
Today, the museum continues to acquire new works through donations, purchases, and bequests.
4. The 1991 Heist
Are you aware that 20 major paintings from the museum’s collection were stolen in 1991?
The significant works that were stolen on December 7, 1991, included “The Potato Eaters,” “The Bedroom,” and “The Bedroom in Arles.”
The criminals entered the museum through an open window on the first floor.
After entering the galleries, they carefully removed the paintings from the walls.
Although the paintings were recovered within a few hours, this event highlighted the need for tighter security measures to prevent art thefts.
5. Museum’s Hidden Areas
A hidden area in the Van Gogh Museum is inaccessible to the general public.
This place is dedicated to art conservation, where professionals work tirelessly to restore the museum’s collections.
This meticulous work ensures that the artworks survive for future generations to admire and understand.
You can see their work through occasional documentaries and special exhibitions.
6. Addition of Kurokawa Wing
Are you aware that the museum’s striking glass facade was not part of the initial building?
Kisho Kurokawa, a Japanese architect, built the Kurokawa wing on the museum’s side in 1999.
He emphasized the use of natural light and geometric shapes to convey a sense of spaciousness and fluidity.
The wing’s design elements improve the museum’s aesthetic appeal while also providing more space for visitors.
7. Exhibitions and Collaborations
The museum regularly conducts special exhibitions to showcase artworks that are not part of the permanent collection.
In the past, these exhibitions focused on Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Van Gogh’s influence on contemporary art.
The “Van Gogh & Japan” exhibit was a collaboration between the Van Gogh Museum and Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo in 2018.
The museum recently collaborated with the nearby Rijksmuseum to jointly present “ Van Gogh and the Sunflowers” in 2019.
8. More than what meets the Eye
The museum’s efforts to preserve Van Gogh’s legacy go beyond displaying his artwork.
They employ scientific techniques to analyze Van Gogh’s paintings and creative process.
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is used to identify the composition of the pigments used by Van Gogh and the hidden layers.
Similarly, infrared techniques are used to detect the heat signature of different materials.
This method helps in identifying the hidden sketches that are not visible to the naked eye.
These ongoing efforts are a testament to the museum’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Vincent Van Gogh.
FAQs
1. What are the most famous paintings at the Van Gogh Museum?
The museum holds numerous of Van Gogh’s most well-known pieces, such as “Almond Blossom,” “The Bedroom,” “Sunflowers,” and “The Potato Eaters.”
These works highlight his distinct post-impressionist aesthetic and creative growth.
2. Can I take photos at the Van Gogh Museum?
Yes, you can take non-flash, non-commercial photos for personal use.
However, tripods, flash photography, and commercial photography require the museum’s permission.
3. Are guided tours available at the Van Gogh Museum?
Yes, the Van Gogh Museum provides guided tours in various languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
These tours offer in-depth looks at Van Gogh’s life and art.
4. Can I rent audio guides at the Van Gogh Museum?
Indeed, audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
These guides offer more details about Van Gogh’s life and the artwork.
5. Are there any special events at the Van Gogh Museum?
The museum hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, such as workshops, concerts, and temporary exhibitions.
These gatherings provide rare opportunities to gain an understanding of Van Gogh’s life and work.
6. Can I purchase Van Gogh Museum merchandise?
The museum indeed has a gift shop where you can purchase various items with Van Gogh themes, such as books, posters, and mementos.
7. Are there any discounts available at the Van Gogh Museum?
Indeed, discounts are available for groups, seniors, and students at the museum.
Children under the age of eighteen and visitors with disabilities are also admitted free of charge.
Featured Image: Vangoghmuseum.nl