One of the world’s most beloved art destinations, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, has sounded the alarm: without additional government funding, it may be forced to shut its doors.
Photo: Valeria Mongelli, AFP / Van Gogh Museum
The museum—home to the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and almost all of his letters—announced that a massive €104-million renovation (around ₱6.0 billion) is needed to preserve its treasures and ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
The planned renovation, dubbed “Masterplan 2028,” comes after more than 50 years of wear and tear on the building, which first opened in 1973. Aside from upgrading its facilities, the project also anticipates a €50-million loss in revenue during partial closures, an estimated ₱32.5 billion.
To make the plan possible, the museum says it requires an annual state subsidy of €11 million, up from the current €8.5 million. That’s around ₱736 million from ₱568 million.
However, the Dutch Ministry of Culture has rejected the warning, saying the museum already receives sufficient support under the Dutch Heritage Act. The dispute has escalated into legal proceedings, with a court hearing scheduled for February 2026.
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Founded under a 1962 agreement with Vincent van Gogh’s nephew, the museum has since become one of the Netherlands’ top cultural attractions, drawing millions of visitors worldwide. In fact, it set a record with 2.6 million visitors in 2017 and has welcomed nearly 57 million visitors since its opening.
For many, the thought of losing access to Van Gogh’s masterpieces—from Sunflowers to The Starry Night—is unthinkable. The museum currently generates 85% of its income from ticket sales and private partnerships, far more than most national museums, making it especially vulnerable without state intervention.
As the legal battle unfolds, art lovers and cultural advocates around the globe will be watching closely.
After all, protecting Van Gogh’s legacy isn’t just a matter of national pride for the Netherlands—it’s a shared responsibility for the world.
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The Starry Night is not at the Van Gogh Museum.