The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) are upset about the financing of a major renovation. The ministry believes that the museum is already receiving enough subsidy, while the management warns that maintenance will be endangered differently.
Director Emilie Gordenker says in The New York Times that the government does not contribute sufficiently, which means that a planned makeover of 104 million euros threatens to get into trouble. According to her, that can, in the most extreme case, lead to the museum’s closure.
The Van Gogh Museum receives an 8.5 million euro subsidy annually. According to the management, that amount should rise to 11 million euros for the renovation. Without extra support, a deficit of 2.5 million euros per year arises.
A spokesperson for OCW says that, according to expert research, sufficient resources are already available. The Ministry therefore sees no reason to increase the subsidy amount.
The Amsterdam alderman Touria Meliani calls the situation “worrying” and emphasizes that the museum is of “great value” for both the Netherlands and the capital. “The possibility of closing the museum is unthinkable and would mean a big loss for future generations of art lovers,” said Meliani.
The museum has since taken to court. The case serves on February 19, 2026.
The van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) are at odds on the finance of a major renovation. The Ministry Believes that the Museum Already Receives Enough Subsidies, While the Management Warns That Maintenance Will Otherwise Be Endangered.
Director Emilie Gordenker Says in The New York Times That The Government is not contributing Enough, which Threatens to Jeopardize a Planned Renovation of 104 Million euros. Accordance to Her, this could ultimately lead to the closure of the museum.
The Van Gogh Museum Receives 8.5 Million Euros in subsidies Annually. Accordance to the management, that amount would have to increase to 11 Million euros for the renovation. Without Extra Support, There Will Be A Shortage or 2.5 Million euros per year.
A Spokesperson for OCW Said that According to Expert Research, Sufficient Resources are Already Avisable. The Ministry Therefore Sees No Reason to Increase the subsidy amount.
The Amsterdam Alderman Touria Meliani Calls the Situation “Worrying” and Emphasizes That The Museum is of “Great Value” to Both the Netherlands and the Capital. “The Possibility of Closing the Museum is Unthinkable and would be a great loss for future generations of art lovers,” Said Meliani.
The Museum Has Now Gone to Court. The Case Will Be Heard on February 19, 2026.