Sipu Jha
The Van Gogh Museum, home to one of the world’s most valuable collections of paintings by the legendary Dutch artist, may be forced to shut down if the government does not step in to finance urgent repairs, its director has warned. Since opening in 1973, the 50-year-old building has attracted nearly 57 million visitors, drawn by masterpieces such as Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, The Potato Eaters and The Bedroom in Arles. But director Emilie Gordenker said the original building owned by the Dutch state has deteriorated to such an extent that both the artworks and visitors could be at risk without immediate intervention. “If we don’t address the major maintenance that needs to happen, we will have to close,” Gordenker told the Associated Press. She said that after two years of discussions, no agreement has been reached on how to cover the €104 million ($121 million) repair bill. The project, expected to begin in 2028, could last three years. The required work includes fixing air-conditioning systems, elevators and even sewage facilities, infrastructure the museum says is vital for the preservation of Van Gogh’s art. “It’s not the fun, sexy, let’s build a new wing stuff. It’s about basic maintenance,” Gordenker said, adding that partial closure during renovations would also mean reduced revenue from ticket sales. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, however, countered that the museum already receives sufficient annual subsidies to maintain the building. The ministry said its position was based on “extensive expert research” and noted that the museum has filed a legal challenge against the subsidy decision, which will be heard in court next February. The standoff dates back to 1962, when Van Gogh’s family transferred more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 900 letters , along with works by contemporaries such as Paul Gauguin, to a foundation, on the condition that the government would construct and maintain a museum to house them. Gordenker maintains that this commitment obliges the state to contribute to the current renovation costs. “The only thing we’re asking them to do is to help us finance the basic maintenance,” she stressed.
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