Letter of intent Van Gogh Etten-Leur
On May 13, the chairmen of the Vincent van Gogh Foundation and the regional museum Etten + Leur signed an agreement to work more closely together. The collaboration will be called "Van Gogh Etten-Leur". In Etten-Leur the world-famous painter Vincent van Gogh will then be presented at two locations: in the Van Gogh Church on the Raadhuisplein and at the museum in the picturesque Sint Paulushofje on the Markt.
According to both presidents, the museum and the church are important assets of Etten-Leur in attracting visitors. The museum pays attention to the life of ordinary men and women in Etten-Leur including when Vincent stayed in Etten and pays attention to the history of psychiatry in the village, also in relation to the state of mind of Van Gogh. The Van Gogh Church is a Van Gogh Monument and focuses on the start of the artistic career of Etten-Leur's most famous former resident.
"The simple, village-like, life in Etten inspired Vincent van Gogh to take a life-defining step after a long search for his identity: he wanted to be an artist. In Etten, he found the courage to choose his own path," Vaartjes said. "And we are now going to tell that story together."
Besselink: "We find the two institutions complementary. Close cooperation is therefore obvious and offers added value for visitors," especially when next year we will be able to realize our redevelopment plans in the Van Gogh Church under the name Vincent's Passion. Visitors will soon be able to visit both locations with 1 ticket."
After a gripping redesign, the museum in Paulushofje will open its doors to visitors on May 21. It will then be called "Van Gogh Etten-Leur - Museum The Art of Living." Vaartjes: ''The name indicates our focus on Van Gogh and the art of living. With this we indicate the different aspects that are shown in the museum.'' In the coming months the cooperation will be given further shape. Both parties aim to eventually proceed to the establishment of a single cooperative organization. They also expect the combined offer to be fun and interesting for groups and family outings. Arrangements and a walking route are on the horizon.