The Van Gogh museum of Amsterdam published, on August 26, 2025, a press release announcing its possible closure if the State does not participate in the financing of its renovation. Inaugurated in 1973, the building requires upgrading to standards. “If this situation continues (if the building is not renovated), it will become dangerous for art and dangerous for our visitors”said his director, Emilie Gordenker. The institution receives an average of 1.8 million visitors per year, a figure greater than its actual capacity, accelerating the wear of its facilities.
The renovation, scheduled for 2028, represents a total cost of 104 million euros, spread over three years. More than 50 million will be deducted from the museum’s equity, in particular to compensate for losses linked to partial closure. The balance must come from the state. The government’s annual subsidy, currently 8.5 million euros, is expected to be increased to 11 million to cover additional expenses. The museum has been negotiating this revaluation for two years. The Dutch Ministry of Culture does not intend to increase this contribution. He invokes a study, commanded to independent experts, who concludes that the institution has the necessary funding.
However, the museum does not plan to use patronage, although it has links with private companies. This press release aims to accentuate pressure on the authorities by mobilizing the support of public opinion and international institutions.
The origin of the museum is based on an agreement signed in 1962 between Vincent Willem Van Gogh, nephew of the painter, and the state. The collection, including 200 tables and 500 drawings, is made available to the public by the Van Gogh Foundation, while the government undertakes to keep the whole, to provide an exhibition space and to ensure its operation. The museum has welcomed 57 million visitors since its opening. He draws 85 % of his ticket office income, a rate significantly higher than that of other Dutch museums.
Considering that the State no longer respects its contractual commitments and endangers the security of works and the public, the Foundation has decided to seize justice. The case will be examined by the court on February 19, 2026.
This announcement comes in a political context in the Netherlands marked by a questioning of the financing of culture. The coalition government, formed on the right and the far right after the November 2023 elections and led by Dick Schoof, has multiplied restrictive measures. The planned increase in VAT on entry tickets, from 9 % to 21 %, had caused a large dispute, forcing the executive to withdraw the project.
