Van Gogh Museum

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The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of acclaimed 19th century Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, displaying over 200 paintings, 400 drawings, and 700 letters by him. It also showcases his collection of Japanese prints, and selected works by his some of his artist friends such as Gaughin and Monet.

The museum is spread over 2 buildings - the main Rietveld building which exhibits the permanent collection, and the Kurokawa wing which hosts temporary exhibitions. The Rietveld building has 4 floors – the ground floor introduces the museum, the first floor showcases Van Gogh's works, the second floor has information on the restoration of paintings and displays temporary exhibitions, and the third floor shows paintings of Van Gogh's contemporaries in the Impressionist and post-Impressionist movements.

The collection of Van Gogh's works is chronologically arranged, exploring the different periods of his paintings and tracing his development as an artist. Take the audio tour around to better understand Van Gogh's life and his paintings transitioning from moody darkness in Netherlands to vibrant colors in Paris.

Nuenen (1883 - 1885)
This was one of Van Gogh's most productive periods, with works largely focused on the hard everyday lives of weavers, and rural scenes with cottages. The 'Avenue of Poplars in Autumn' and 'The Potato Eaters' is from this time.

Antwerp (1886)
Van Gogh became interested in the study of colour theory and spent time in museums, particularly studying the works of Peter Paul Rubens. He broadened his palette to include carmine, cobalt blue and emerald green, and enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts. The 'Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette' is from this period.

Paris (1886–1888)
Van Gogh initially painted portraits of friends and acquaintances, still life paintings, views of Le Moulin de la Galette, scenes in Montmartre, Asnières and along the Seine. He also tried his hand at Japonaiserie. In 1887, he adopted elements of Pointillism. Works from this periods include 'Agostina Segatori Sitting in the Café du Tambourin', 'Wheat Field with a Lark', 'Garden with Courting Couples: Square Saint-Pierre', 'Self Portrait', and 'View of Paris from Vincent's Room in the Rue Lepic'.

Arles (1888–1889)
Van Gogh's most prolific period was in Arles where he lived from February 1888 to April 1889, producing more than 300 works of art in 15 months. Leaving the Impressionist influences of Paris allowed Van Gogh to develop his distinct style of contrasting colors and noticeable brushwork. Higlights include 'The Zouave', 'The Sower', 'Bedroom in Arles', 'The Yellow House', and the iconic 'Sunflowers'.

Saint-Rémy (1889–1890)
Van Gogh entered the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum, and with limited access outside, he had to use his imagination and work on interpretations of other artist's paintings. The 'Almond Blossoms' and 'Irises' are from this period.

Auvers-sur-Oise (1890)
Inspired by landscapes with vast fields, Van Gogh painted 'Wheatfield with Crows' and 'Wheatfield under Thunderclouds' which also represent his loneliness and melancholy.