Van Gogh House Nieuw-Amsterdam
Drenthe
Van Gogh House in Nieuw-Amsterdam, Drenthe, is a museum located in the house where Vincent van Gogh stayed for two months in 1883. During his stay, Van Gogh explored the local landscape, creating paintings and sketches inspired by the Drenthe peatlands. The house, originally built in 1870 by lawyer J. A. Willinge Gratama, served as a lodging for canal boat passengers in the 19th century. Van Gogh lodged in a room on the upper floor with a balcony, from which he viewed and painted local scenes, including a now-historic drawbridge. The building was restored starting in 1997 and opened as a museum in 2003, featuring the room Van Gogh occupied, furnished with period furniture and his painting equipment. The museum also includes exhibitions on Van Gogh's inspirations, a film projection about his stay, and a bust of the artist created by Jikke Jager. It offers visitors insight into Van Gogh's formative period in Drenthe and his connection to the Dutch landscape.
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Tip: Visit during spring and early summer for pleasant weather and to enjoy the surrounding Drenthe nature. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to avoid queues. The museum offers lectures and painting workshops for deeper engagement. Check the official website for special events and opening hours, especially on holidays. Discounts may be available for groups, students, and children. The museum is accessible by public transport and car, with parking nearby.
Interesting facts
- •Van Gogh stayed in the house for exactly two months in 1883, a crucial period in his artistic development.
- •The room Van Gogh occupied had a balcony overlooking a drawbridge, which he painted.
- •The museum features a bust of Van Gogh made by sculptor Jikke Jager in 2003.
- •Visitors can experience a canal boat trip on a historic vessel similar to the one Van Gogh used to travel to Nieuw-Amsterdam.
- •In 2019, a painting signed 'Vincent' was donated to the museum and is being researched for authenticity.
History
The house was built circa 1870 by Jan Albert Willinge Gratama, a lawyer and newspaper editor.
In 1876, it was sold to Hendrik Scholte, who ran it as a lodging for canal boat passengers.
Vincent van Gogh stayed here from October to December 1883, during which he created several artworks and wrote letters to his brother Theo.
The building changed ownership several times and was threatened with demolition in the late 20th century.
Thanks to provincial intervention, it was preserved and renovated, opening as a museum in 2003.
In 2019, the museum made headlines due to a donated painting signed 'Vincent,' currently under investigation for authenticity.
Place Guide
Van Gogh's Room1883
The upper floor room where Van Gogh stayed, preserved and furnished with period furniture and his painting equipment as it would have appeared in 1883. Visitors can see the balcony from which Van Gogh viewed the landscape.
The Taproom (Gelagkamer)19th century
Located in the old part of the building, this room served as a tavern and now hosts exhibitions about Van Gogh's inspirations and stories told by various historical figures.
Film Projection Room21st century
A modern addition where a film about Van Gogh's stay in Nieuw-Amsterdam is projected onto the outside of his room, providing a multimedia experience before visiting the actual room.
Bust of Van Gogh2003
A sculpture of Vincent van Gogh by artist Jikke Jager, placed near the museum in 2003 to honor the artist's connection to the region.
Contact
Phone: 0591 555 600
