The Van Gogh you didn’t expect
By Stefan Laarman, Concierge and member of Les Clefs d’Or at Pillows Maurits at the Park
Amsterdam may be the natural starting point for discovering Van Gogh in the Netherlands. Yet one of the world’s most important collections of his work is found beyond the city, among the forests, heathland and sand drifts of De Hoge Veluwe National Park.
From 15 September 2026 until 3 January 2027, the Kröller-Müller Museum presents Van Gogh, All Our Paintings. For the first time since 1984, all 88 Van Gogh paintings in the museum’s collection will be displayed together. It is a rare opportunity to see the full collection and follow the artist’s development in one visit.
A collection ahead of its time
The museum owes its Van Gogh collection to Helene Kröller-Müller. She began acquiring his work in the early twentieth century, when he had yet to receive widespread recognition. Between 1908 and 1930, she collected almost 90 paintings and more than 180 works on paper.
Her choices span the different periods of Van Gogh’s career. Early Dutch scenes sit alongside the vivid colours and expressive brushwork of his years in France, showing how his subjects, technique and use of colour changed over time.
Faith, hope and love
The exhibition presents the 88 paintings through the themes of faith, hope and love. These values played an important role throughout Van Gogh’s life.
He first spoke about them in a sermon delivered in 1876, while studying theology. His career as a preacher was short, but the ideas stayed with him after he chose to become an artist. Through his paintings, he hoped to offer comfort and hope to others.
Visitors can trace these themes through works from across his career. The exhibition includes The Potato Eaters, The Sower, L’Arlésienne, At Eternity’s Gate, The Good Samaritan and Terrace of a café at night.
Beyond Van Gogh
The Kröller-Müller Museum also holds works by artists including Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondriaan, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Anish Kapoor.
Outside, more than 160 sculptures are displayed throughout one of Europe’s largest sculpture gardens. Take a pause between the galleries and follow the paths across lawns and through wooded areas, where you will encounter works by artists such as Jean Dubuffet, Marta Pan and Pierre Huyghe.
Stefan’s tip for a day beyond Amsterdam
“The Kröller-Müller generally receives fewer international visitors than Amsterdam’s major museums, giving you more time to look closely at the paintings. I recommend making a full day of the journey. Pick up one of the free white bicycles at the entrance to De Hoge Veluwe and cycle through the park to the museum. Visit the exhibition first, then walk through the sculpture garden before cycling back through the woodland and heathland.”
A comfortable base for exploring beyond Amsterdam
Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park combines the calmer surroundings of Amsterdam East with convenient access to the city centre and the roads leading beyond Amsterdam.
Secure underground parking and valet service make it easy to explore more of the Netherlands by car. The Kröller-Müller Museum, historic towns and the Dutch countryside can all be visited during a day trip before returning to the hotel beside Oosterpark.
Would you like to plan a day beyond Amsterdam? Visit us at the concierge desk in The Living. We are happy to arrange transport and tickets or recommend a route based on what you would most like to discover.
Warm regards,
Stefan Laarman
Concierge, member of Les Clefs d’Or
Pillows Maurits at the Park
