THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) – The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which houses a priceless collection of the renowned artist's works, is facing the risk of closure unless the Dutch government provides financial support for essential repairs to its aging facility. Museum Director Emilie Gordenker expressed her concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of the building, which opened in 1973 and has welcomed nearly 57 million visitors since its inception.
Among the celebrated masterpieces displayed at the museum are Van Gogh's iconic paintings "Sunflowers," "Almond Blossom," "The Potato Eaters," and the vividly colored depiction of his bedroom in Arles. However, Gordenker has warned that urgent and extensive repairs are needed to ensure the safety of both the collection and its visitors. She emphasized, "If we don’t address the major maintenance that needs to happen, we will have to close," highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The museum’s original structure, owned by the Dutch state, requires what Gordenker termed “major maintenance.” A protracted two-year negotiation with the government has yet to yield a resolution regarding the funding for repairs, which are projected to commence in 2028, span three years, and cost approximately 104 million euros ($121 million). Gordenker stated, "It’s now getting very urgent," indicating the pressing nature of the repairs required.
While the Van Gogh Museum anticipates a partial closure during renovations, which will inevitably lead to reduced ticket sales, Gordenker clarified, "The only thing we’re asking them to do is to help us finance the basic maintenance." She pointed out that their request is not for a complete overhaul akin to the extensive renovation of the nearby Rijksmuseum, but rather for essential upgrades to the museum’s infrastructure, including air conditioning, elevators, and the sewage system.
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science responded by asserting that the museum receives an annual subsidy deemed sufficient to cover necessary maintenance costs, a stance backed by extensive expert research commissioned by the ministry. The museum has contested this decision, filing an appeal in a Dutch court, with a hearing scheduled for February of the following year. The ministry acknowledged that it is not uncommon for subsidy decisions to be reviewed by the courts.
The ongoing dispute traces back to a pivotal decision by Vincent Van Gogh's family in 1962, which involved the transfer of a vast collection of his artwork—over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 900 letters, along with works by contemporaries like Paul Gauguin—to a foundation established to preserve the collection. In exchange, the government committed to constructing and maintaining a museum for displaying these works. Gordenker contended that this obligation extends to the necessary funding for current repairs needed by the Van Gogh Museum.
In summary, the Van Gogh Museum stands at a critical crossroads, with the need for government support to ensure the preservation of its valuable collection and the safety of its visitors becoming increasingly urgent. The museum's future hinges on the outcome of the discussions and judicial proceedings regarding its funding for maintenance and repairs.
