The work of one of the art world’s most enigmatic geniuses is the focus of this fascinating Amsterdam museum.
Troubled genius Vincent van Gogh never experienced fame during his lifetime, yet today he is one of the world’s favourite artists with an easily recognisable style that has inspired countless imitators. At this museum dedicated to his work, you can see some of his most beloved paintings and find out more about his short and tragic life.Van Gogh was born near Breda in the southern Netherlands in 1853. As a child he loved to draw, but he did not take up painting until he was 27 years old. For the next ten years he worked with manic compulsion, completing his remarkable oeuvre of more than 200 paintings, drawings and etchings, before serious mental health problems led him to commit suicide in 1890.Many of his most famous paintings are on display here, including The Potato Eaters, Starry Night, The Café Terrace, and several of the sunflower studies. The iconic Self Portrait with Felt Hat is one of the highlights of the permanent collection. Also on view are works by some of his illustrious contemporaries, including Monet, Gaugin and Seurat.Van Gogh was a volatile, tormented character with unpredictable mood swings. One notorious incident involved him cutting off his own ear with a razor as an act of remorse for having violently threatened his friend Gaugin. However the paintings completed after his move to the south of France are colourful and full of life. The library adjacent to the gallery contains many books and documents which will be of interest to visitors wishing to find out more about this enigmatic genius.The Van Gogh Museum is housed in a striking modern building dating from 1973 an impressive new glass entrance hall was added in 2013. It is located on Museumplein, just south of the city centre, and is served by numerous public transport options. The museum is open daily with some exceptions. The general admission fee covers most of the rotating exhibits. The taking of photographs is strictly prohibited, but posters and postcards of the most famous paintings can be purchased, along with a wide selection of Van Gogh-related merchandise and souvenirs.
