Van Gogh Museum renovations get green light as museum, gov't agree on funding

Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam - Credit: - License: DepositPhotos Politics Culture Art Friday, 9 October 2026 - 12:00

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW) have reached an agreement on funding the renovation of the museum building. This resolves the long-standing uncertainty regarding the museum’s future, the Van Gogh Museum said.

The museum and the central government went through a mediation process because they could not agree on funding for the museum’s renovation. The museum did not disclose the specific terms of the agreement, but did say that the refurbishment work can begin in the autumn of 2028. The museum will remain partially open during the work.

Museum Director Emilie Gordenker is pleased that the dispute has been resolved. "The renovation is essential to preserve this building and this world-famous collection in a responsible manner for visitors, staff, and future generations. We have reached an agreement with the Ministry in the spirit of the arrangements made between the Dutch state and the museum's founder, Ir. Dr. V.W. van Gogh, and I am grateful for that."

The issue between the OCW and the museum arose last summer. At the time, Gordenker told The New York Times that the museum might have to close if the government did not provide more funding. The renovation is expected to cost an estimated €104 million, an amount that the museum cannot afford with the annual regular subsidy of €8.5 million.

The OCW stated at the same time that it believes the museum was already receiving sufficient funds. The disagreement threatened to lead to a lawsuit, but legal proceedings were suspended to give mediation a try.

When asked on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Van Gogh Museum stated that they could not disclose the details of the agreement reached. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science also declined to elaborate, citing "the standard confidentiality associated with mediation."

An overview of subsidies referenced by the ministry shows that the figure for the Van Gogh Museum still stands at just under €8.5 million.

Reporting by ANP