US EditionDirector Warns that the Van Gogh Museum May Close if the Dutch Government Doesn't Help Fund Repairs
The Van Gogh Museum seeks a 29% increase in annual government subsidy to fund a €104 million renovation crucial for preserving its art and ensuring visitor safety.
- The Amsterdam institution housing the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's works faces possible closure without government funding for critical building repairs set to begin in 2028 to safeguard its artworks and visitors.
- Negotiations over a $121 million renovation budget have stalled due to the state's refusal to increase an annual subsidy from 8.5 to 11 million euros, despite a 1962 agreement still in force.
- The museum’s extensive collection includes hundreds of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings, but ongoing structural issues with its climate control, elevators, and safety infrastructure threaten both the preservation of the artworks and public access.
- Director Emilie Gordenker warned that without funding for critical repairs, the museum might have to shut down, emphasizing a $35 million budget gap that could be bridged by an ongoing annual subsidy increase of $2.9 million.
- The museum's legal complaint against the state will be heard in February 2026, underscoring the urgent need for government action to prevent closure and preserve a national cultural treasure.
39 Articles
39 Articles
The Amsterdam Vincent van Gogh Museum sees itself in danger of closure without the government's help of repair. The building, which belongs to the Dutch state, is in such a bad condition that urgent and extensive repairs are required, said museum director Emilie Gordenker
World’s Largest Van Gogh Collection Faces Uncertain Future
Since 1973, Vincent van Gogh masterpieces including his beloved sunflowers, wistful wheatfields, and self-portraits have been housed in Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum. The institution was established via a historic 1962 agreement between the painter’s nephew and the Dutch government to ensure the long-term preservation of hundreds of paintings, drawings, and letters comprising van Gogh’s oeuvre.Now, the museum says that the collection’s future is u…
Humidifiers, dryers, temperature controllers, gas boilers, climate control, cables, elevators, and restrooms—they're failing the Van Gogh Museum. "If the situation persists, we'll have to close the building."
Associated Press News
Director warns that the Van Gogh Museum may close if the Dutch government doesn't help fund repairs
The director of the Van Gogh Museum is warning that the gallery may have to close if the Dutch government does not help to foot the bill for major maintenance.
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