Van Gogh Experience opened
The church, where Van Gogh's father once preached, was closed for over 9 months for a thorough transformation. With great respect for its history, the national monument underwent an internal restoration in collaboration with architect Bierman Henket and contractor De Kok bouwgroep. This included restoring the interior to its original appearance and color splendor based on historical color research. With new technology, a modern multimedia experience was realized.
A monument full of new energy
The church, where Van Gogh's father once preached, was closed for over 9 months for a thorough transformation. With great respect for its history, in collaboration with architect Bierman Henket and contractor De Kok bouwgroep, the national monument underwent an internal restoration, which included restoring the interior to its original appearance and color splendor based on historical color research. With new technology, a modern multimedia experience was realized.
For the development of the concept, the renowned agency Tinker Imagineers was engaged, which has also previously realized successful Van Gogh projects in Brabant, such as the Van Gogh Village Museum in Nuenen. They created an immersive show and exhibition in the Van Gogh Church full of life-size projections, penetrating sound and pure emotion. "With the Van Gogh Experience in Etten-Leur, we are enriching Brabant's Van Gogh offerings in a way that really touches visitors," said Caroline Belt. "We are proud that at this special place, where Vincent's artistry began, we have created a multimedia experience that appeals to young and old alike. An asset for anyone who wants to get to know Vincent."
Van Gogh lives in Etten-Leur
Together with the Museum Sint Paulushofje, which is just a few minutes' walk from the Van Gogh Church, the Van Gogh mural and studio, the Van Gogh Experience forms a complete Van Gogh experience in Etten-Leur. Today's grand opening also celebrated the merger between the Van Gogh Church Etten-Leur and Museum Sint Paulushofje, which will continue together as Van Gogh Etten-Leur. In the church, visitors step into the spirit of Vincent, while the hidden gem Museum Sint Paulushofje takes them into the village life that inspired him. One ticket gives access to both locations and all information can be found on the brand new website www.vangoghetten-leur.nl. The locations are also the Van Gogh highlights in the various Van Gogh cycling and walking routes around Etten-Leur.
Mayor Starmans-Gelijns expressed her pride at the opening: "Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo on October 22, 1889: ''I often think about how it was in Etten. Surely that is something that will always be dear to me.... and all that I later sought, I believe, has already begun there." With the Van Gogh Experience, we are bringing that dear place to life. Art and history come together here, deeply rooted in Etten-Leur. Just like our own Moeierboom, which inspired him back then. I am extremely proud that right here, in the Van Gogh Church, this wonderful experience is on display, where everyone can feel the magic of Van Gogh's work.
Lex Besselink emphasized the collaborative nature of the project: "Thanks to the efforts of our many volunteers, this unique project has been realized. They put their heart and soul into welcoming residents and visitors and taking them into Vincent's world. Together with the volunteers we continue to build on the Van Gogh heritage in Etten-Leur with the next milestone being the redevelopment of the Museum Sint Paulushofje.
New milestone for Van Gogh in Brabant
With the opening of the Van Gogh Experience, Brabant's Van Gogh heritage gains a strong cultural attraction. Brabant has a total of 46 Van Gogh monuments, three Van Gogh museums and many cycling and walking routes through Van Gogh National Park which allow visitors to literally follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh. After the large-scale opening of the Van Gogh Village Museum in Nuenen in 2023, Etten-Leur is now the scene of a new cultural milestone.