Opening of the Cultural Season

Van Gogh and the Roulins. Together Again at Last

3 October 2025 to 11 January 2026

The majority of Van Gogh’s remarkable portraits of the Roulin family will be reunited for the first time in one exhibition: Van Gogh and the Roulins. Together Again at Last. Van Gogh created this unprecedented series during his stay in Arles (1888–1889), where he developed a close friendship with postman Joseph Roulin and his family. Van Gogh painted each family member several times: father Joseph, mother Augustine, sons Armand and Camille, and baby daughter Marcelle.

‘This series of portraits shows Van Gogh’s close connection with the Roulin family. They were more than just models to him; with them he found the warmth of a family that he was never able to start.’

Nienke Bakker, curator at the Van Gogh Museum.

Welcome to Arles! The exhibition includes many family activities. Visit Van Gogh’s studio at the Yellow House in Arles, where you can participate in a variety of activities for all ages.

Captivated by Vincent. The Intimate Friendship of Jo van Gogh-Bonger and Isaac Israëls

12 September 2025 to 25 January 2026

This year marks the centenary of the death of Jo van Gogh-Bonger (1862–1925). She was married to Vincent’s brother Theo and, after their deaths, she continued the brothers’ legacy, literally putting Vincent van Gogh on the map.

In this presentation, the Van Gogh Museum highlights the portraits Isaac Israëls (1865–1934) painted that show painting by Van Gogh in their background. The presentation coincides with the publication of the digital edition of over a hundred letters that Israëls wrote to Van Gogh-Bonger, in the collection of the Van Gogh Museum.

Vincent on Friday – Choosing Is an Art

Friday 26 September 2025

What is the role of art in politics – and vice versa? In the run-up to the Dutch elections, Vincent on Friday focuses on the political role of art. During this edition, we delve into the power of art as a voice in turbulent times. From feminist protests to migration stories and spoken word: creators demonstrate how art can confront, connect, and mobilise. Expect performances, films, a live podcast, and dialogues – with Stem op een Vrouw (Vote for a Woman), the Dolle Mina’s, and a DJ set by Sef. The evening offers plenty of inspiration to reflect on your own voice. Because choosing is an art – and your vote counts.

Amsterdam Dance Event at the Van Gogh Museum

Wednesday 22 October 2025

The Van Gogh Museum will transform into a stage during ADE, which will host the second word of the event, DANCE. Dance is a powerful form of expression and collective alignment in nightlife. The dance collectives ARK and Before/After explore the past, present, and future through movement. At ARK, Connor Schumacher invites the audience to participate actively in the dance; Alyson Sillon’s Before/After immerses you in a ritual rave experience, exploring techno’s roots in the queer and Black communities. Here, the boundary between performer and spectator blurs, and dance takes on the role of a language for connection and resistance.

‘No, my dear little sister, learn to dance or fall in love,’ Vincent van Gogh wrote to his sister Willemien in October 1887.

Museum Night Amsterdam – The Yellow House

Saturday 1 November 2025

When Van Gogh lived in Arles, he dreamed of an artist’s community at his Yellow House, together with Paul Gauguin. That dream never came true, but his friendship with the Roulin family offered him support and connection. The exhibition about the Roulins is open during the Museum Night at the Van Gogh Museum.

We will also explore the importance of creative hubs and artistic communities: how they come about, why they are crucial, and how they can be established. Using examples from contemporary creative hubs, we aim to inspire visitors to create their own ‘yellow house’ – a place of collaboration, creativity, and mutual support.

Preview of the 2026 Spring Exhibition

Yellow. More than Van Gogh’s Favourite Colour (working title)

13 February to 17 May 2026

Yellow is warming, exuberant, and radiant. Yellow is bold, intrusive, sometimes sickly. Yellow was also Vincent van Gogh’s colour. The exhibition Exhibition Yellow. More than Van Gogh’s Favourite Colour (working title) is the first exploration of the significance of the colour yellow to Van Gogh and the artists of his time, as well as for contemporary art.

In the exhibition, you can immerse yourself in an exceptional light installation by Olafur Eliasson (1967) and experience the colour yellow in a unique way. This site-specific installation will be on display in the Netherlands for the first time.