Vincent visited his parents, who lived in Helvoirt from 1871 to 1875, on church holidays and birthdays. Vincent drew there some sketches of the church where his father was pastor. The nature in this region is of a similar beauty to the landscape he knew from his youth and afterwards revisited around Etten and Nuenen. He drew and painted these landscapes with love. Some of these Nuenen works are permanently exhibited at Het Noordbrabants Museum in 's-Hertogenbosch.
In Helvoirt, the reformed rectory and church have protected status because of Vincent's father's use as a church and residence, but also because Vincent sketched the church. The church also contains a States Bible that Vincent's father used. Uncle John's grave is also given the status of Van Gogh Monument. Not only did Vincent live with him while studying theology in Amsterdam, Uncle Jan also visited the family regularly and brought gifts from the Far East, including a black Makassar dog for the children.
In the HelvoirThuis in Helvoirt there is a VVV agency as well as a Van Gogh Helvoirt information center. For more information about the Van Gogh monuments, the history of the village, the surrounding communities as well as dining and accommodation options, please visit this information point. In addition, the information point has a wide range of cycling and walking routes, VVV gift vouchers and Van Gogh gifts.
Plan your visit
There is also something for the youth to do in Helvoirt! They can search for Van Gogh. During this walk of about 2.5 km, tasks are completed and letters are collected. The Van Gogh treasure hunt is available from the VVV/Van Gogh information center for € 3.00 p.p.
At the time the Van Gogh family resided in Helvoirt, it was a traditional Brabant village in a rural setting. In today's Helvoirt there is still much to be seen from the time of Van Gogh. The 3 official Van Gogh monuments in Helvoirt are also worth a visit. The brochure 'Beleef Van Gogh in Helvoirt' describes the history of the village with the painter. This also includes a 3 km long walk that takes you past all the places Vincent loved. The walk starts from the Van Gogh information center. The brochure can also be purchased there (€4.50).
For lovers of Van Gogh and Brabant nature, there are several routes and packages that combine a visit to the picturesque village with, for example, the Van Gogh bicycle route through the beautiful countryside. Also consider a creative workshop, a culinary pampering in Brasserie Het Verlangen or a visit to The North Brabant Museum.
