Van Gogh Museum clashes with government over renovation costs

The Van Gogh Museum and the government are in conflict regarding the costs of a large-scale renovation of the Amsterdam art institution, said the museum’s director Emilie Gordenker in an interview with the New York Times. She added that the museum may be forced to close temporarily if a solution isn’t found.

Gordenker said that without the necessary renovations, the safety of the collections, visitors, and employees cannot be guaranteed. “This is the last thing we want, but if it comes to that, we would have to close the building.”

The renovation of the Van Gogh Museum is estimated to cost 104 million euros. To cover the expenses, the museum has asked the government to increase its annual subsidy from 8.5 million to 11 million euros. According to the museum, the state has refused, which would leave Van Gogh facing a structural shortfall of 2.5 million euros per year.

According to the museum, the government is violating the agreements made in 1962 with Vincent van Gogh’s cousin. This Vincent, nicknamed “the engineer,” transferred the entire collection of paintings, drawings, and letters to a special foundation at the time. This prevented the collection from being broken up. The state committed itself to building and maintaining a museum where the collection would remain complete and on permanent display.

The Van Gogh Museum attracts millions of visitors annually. Prior to the coronavirus, it averaged over two million people a year; last year, it rose back to 1.8 million people after a significant drop during the pandemic.

Due to the heavy visitor traffic since its opening in 1973, the building is in urgent need of maintenance. Its structural condition is poor, the technical installations need replacing, and the museum must meet sustainability requirements. The renovation is scheduled to begin in 2028 and last three years, during which the museum will remain partially open.

The Van Gogh Museum says it relies on its own income for 85 percent of its funding, “an exceptionally high percentage compared to other public museums.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW) responded to the report saying that they are giving the museum enough in subsidies. The OCW stated that its position, that sufficient funds are already being allocated, is based on extensive research by experts commissioned by the ministry itself.

Amsterdam alderwoman Touria Meliani said the article highlights a “worrying situation” for the Van Gogh Museum, which she described as being of “great value” to both the Netherlands and Amsterdam. “The possibility of the museum closing is unthinkable and would be a huge loss for future generations of art lovers,” the alderwoman said. She stressed that it is “of great importance” that the ministry finds a solution for the museum.

According to OCW, the museum has taken the matter to court. The court will hear the case on February 19, 2026.