Vincent's father is called as pastor of Etten (1875-1882) and - alternately with his colleague from Oudenbosch - of Hoeven. His place of employment is the Dutch Reformed Church on the Market in Etten, now known as Van Gogh Kerk Etten-Leur.
History
Originally a Roman Catholic church, the oldest version dates back to the 13th century. Over the centuries, parts of this church dedicated to Catherine and Lambert were destroyed and rebuilt. After the Peace of Munster (1648), the church passed into the hands of the Reformed.
The present building with its tall tower and nave dates mostly from the eighteenth century. Old parts of the interior are the sixteenth-century oak pulpit and the seventeenth-century organ gallery. Today the building is used as a permanent presentation space of the Vincent van Gogh Etten-Leur Foundation. The church colorfully tells the story of a turning point in Vincent's life.
Next to the church on the Market side is the sexton's house, which was purchased by the Dutch Reformed Congregation in 1861. The cottage was rebuilt twice in 1902 and 1959. On the west side of the church is the remnant of the old cemetery. At its entrance are two large weeping urns. In 1648 this cemetery, as well as the church, was transferred to the Protestants. A parsonage was then built on part of the old cemetery for the Dutch Reformed Congregation.
See & Do
Inside the church, the permanent exhibition gives you a great picture of Van Gogh's arrival, stay in and departure from Etten. The Van Gogh family lived for seven years in the rectory, which stood behind the church. The church's colorful windows and accompanying informative panels tell a beautiful story through various themes and crucial moments. An animation on two screens in the shape of the church windows powerfully summarizes the story of Van Gogh and Etten. Several special objects are on display in two display cases. Objects that Van Gogh drew and painted. Here is also the document showing when Vincent first registered as a painter.
The first floor of the bell tower features an animated Van Gogh timeline and an ancient tower clock. The church in itself - even if it were completely empty - is an experience. Vincent came here regularly to attend his father's service on Sundays. Father Theodorus was pastor here for seven years. The authentic pulpit and the national monumental Jacobus Zeeman organ can also still be admired. The colorful windows, informative text panels and two display cases with objects related to Van Gogh's time in Etten complete the story.
But there is also modern art on display, by artists inspired by Van Gogh: sculptures (large plaster self-portraits of Vincent van Gogh) by artist Ien Sluyters and paintings by Henri De Cocker and Elsbeth Veerman. A guide is always present in the church to give you an explanation. There are also regularly changing exhibitions.
Duration of visit
Depending on your interests, a visit to the church takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes. You can then take a walk around the church. Through the Inner Garden (where Vincent once lived with his family) you walk to the spot where Vincent's very first studio stood. Unfortunately it is no longer there, but right on that spot now stands a beautiful statue by artist Hein Vree, surrounded by beautiful sunflowers in the summer. An audio column tells you the story of the place. A second audio column is on the Markt, near the monumental Moeierboom. The tree was voted The Tree of the Year of the Netherlands in 2020! Passing the monumental cemetery (nowadays a place of silence) you walk towards the large Van Gogh Portretwand and you automatically end up back at the Etten-Leur City Shop. There are plenty of nice souvenirs available here.
On the basis of the Etten Mile you can make a somewhat more extensive city center walk (temporarily sold out).
If you would like to go out with a guide (from 5 persons), you need to request this in advance via info@vincentvangoghinetten.nl.
Through this e-mail address you can inquire about all kinds of arrangements.
Reception at Market 4
For a visit, we are happy to receive you at Markt 4. This little building - the Etten-Leur City Shop - houses the Tourist Information Point. In popular speech it is also known as 'the sexton's house'. Our staff will be happy to show you around Etten-Leur and the region. Opening hours.
If you want to know what else to see and do in Etten-Leur, download the Etten-Leur City App for free or consult the website www.etten-leurcityapp.nl
Address
Church entrance: Markt 4, 4875 CE Etten-Leur
info@vincentvangoghinetten.nl
00 31 (0)6 488 257 72
Accessibility
The center of Etten-Leur (North Brabant) is easily accessible by train, bus and car. Train and bus station within walking distance of Van Gogh Kerk (approx. 10 minutes). Etten-Leur is close to Breda, on the A58. Preferably take exit 18 towards Centrum. For parking, we recommend the Centrum parking garage, Raadhuisplein zone. With the elevator you are immediately in the heart of the center and face to face with the Van Gogh Kerk.
Website Van Gogh Kerk
Ticket reservation
