"And the Brabant that one has dreamed, there reality sometimes comes very close to it ... I must confess that it strongly attracts me again," Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo from Nuenen in 1884. What about your plans for the Fall break?
Seeing & Doing
Anyone curious about Vincent van Gogh, his origins, his childhood, his passions, his choices and his work cannot ignore Brabant. Visit the numerous sites, monuments and landscapes that recall his time in Brabant. Visit our heritage sites and museums and step outside in his footsteps.
You can't get closer to Vincent. Book your visit now!
The Vincent van GoghHuis in Zundert is a house of memory, experience and inspiration. On his native soil, plenty of attention is paid to his professional brethren, past and present. Learn more about Zundert and Vincent's origins and inspiration.
The colorful Van Gogh Church tells you the story and importance of Vincent's period in Etten in a permanent exhibition. This is where Vincent got his very first studio in 1881 at the age of 28. Learn more about Etten-Leur and Vincent's passion.
At the totally revamped Van Gogh Village Museum, learn more about Vincent's life in Nuenen, and how decisive his stay in Nuenen was for his French period.
Experiment at Vincents Lichtlab.
Of course there is attention to The Potato Eaters: Vincent's first masterpiece.
Vincent van Gogh spent two years "boarding" in Tilburg to attend the Rijks Hogere Burger School - the first HBS of Brabant. Here, at the age of 13, he received his first drawing lessons. Learn more about Tilburg and Vincent's drawing lessons.
Vincent van Gogh and his family had a special connection to Helvoirt. His father was pastor here from 1871 to 1875. In addition to Vincent's parents, brothers and sisters, several other family members lived in this village: as many as 21! Learn more about Helvoirt and the family Van Gogh.
Het Noordbrabants Museum is the only museum in the southern Netherlands to house original works by Vincent van Gogh. Paintings, letters, photographs, animations and other objects tell about Vincent van Gogh, his beginnings as an artist and his connection to his beloved Brabant.
"Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo, Nuenen, May 1884. "
"...And the Brabant that one has dreamed, that is where reality sometimes comes very close..."
Getting even closer to Vincent. Following in his footsteps even more. Literally! There were five Van Gogh NP Hiking trails from Van Gogh National Park: Nuenen (10 km), Zundert (8 km), Etten-Leur (14 km), Tilburg (16 km) and Helvoirt (15 km). That will be enjoying the landscapes Vincent loved so much combined with the heritage and Van Gogh Monuments he left us.
Walk & Discover
The award-winning Van Gogh cycling route consists of 435 km of cycling fun, divided into ten unique routes along all Van Gogh monuments. You will enjoy the varied landscapes of Brabant and pass places that have shaped Van Gogh.
Bike & Discover
Vincent van Gogh drew his inspiration from the beautiful landscapes of provinces such as Drenthe and North Brabant. His letters, drawings and paintings make you realize how special and diverse our country is. Today, little has changed in many of those places. That fact alone makes Van Gogh close by in various villages and towns and in the countryside.
Visit and experience Rural Van Gogh now and experience for yourself the cross-pollination between cultural offerings and the landscape that so inspired Van Gogh.
Discover Rural Van Gogh
The Van Gogh heritage sites in Nuenen, Etten-Leur and Zundert also have a cozy and extensive museum shop. You will find a wide range of walking and cycling routes and gift items for young and old. If you are looking for original gifts, this is the place to be. You can also have a nice gift package put together. Tip towards Easter!
Museum Shops
Brabant. This is where Vincent van Gogh was born. This is where he grew up. This is where he lived half his life. Here he produced over a quarter of his total oeuvre and created his first masterpiece. Here you will discover his roots, his dreams, passions, loves and experiences.
Becoming Vincent is the story of the genesis of the painter and human being Vincent van Gogh. Your journey of discovery starts - just like Vincent's - here, in North Brabant.
At Brabant, you're closer to Van Gogh than you think.... What's where to do and how to get there?
At Van Gogh NP, we are working hard to give that landscape a sustainable future. And we thoroughly enjoy what it has to offer us. Van Gogh NP starts at your front door. Discover it for yourself!
Artist Daan Roosegaarde developed this 600-meter bike path between Nuenen and Eindhoven that incorporates thousands of sparkling, colored pebbles. The stones, which are charged by light during the day, show fragments of the famous work 'Starry Night' by Van Gogh. With this form of "techno-poetry," the contemporary artist pays tribute to the old master.
