The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam could be forced to shut its doors unless the Dutch government agrees to fund critical repairs to its deteriorating building, its director has warned. Since opening in 1973, the museum has welcomed nearly 57 million visitors to view its world-class collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, The Potato Eaters, and his famous Bedroom in Arles. Director Emilie Gordenker stated that the state-owned building is now in such disrepair that extensive maintenance is urgently required to protect both the artworks and visitors.
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Ms Gordenker explained that the museum needs approximately €104 million (£88 million) for essential works, with repairs scheduled to begin in 2028 and last three years. She stressed that the issue can no longer be delayed, warning: “If we don’t address the major maintenance that needs to happen, we will have to close.” The museum expects reduced ticket revenues during the renovations and has appealed for government assistance with “basic maintenance”. Essential upgrades are needed for air conditioning, lifts and even the sewage system, rather than any large-scale expansion or redesign.
The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science responded by saying the museum already receives an annual subsidy considered “sufficient to carry out the necessary maintenance”, based on expert assessments commissioned by the Ministry. It added that the museum had objected to this subsidy decision last year and has filed an appeal, which is due to be heard in court in February. Officials described the process as a normal review procedure when subsidy arrangements are disputed.
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The disagreement traces back to 1962, when Van Gogh’s family transferred more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 900 letters, along with works by artists such as Paul Gauguin, to a foundation to ensure the collection remained intact. In exchange, the Dutch government pledged to construct and maintain a museum to house the collection. Ms Gordenker now argues that this commitment extends to funding the urgent repair works required today.
