Beeldbrekers

The Beeldbrekers broaden the museum’s outlook. They ask critical questions and find new points of departure to make the story of Van Gogh relevant to people today.

The Beeldbrekers discover new layers in the perception of the Vincent van Gogh’s life and work and communicate about them. Thanks to this exchange, the museum can continue to develop and to function as a relevant and up-to-date place where as many people as possible feel at home.

The questions the Beeldbrekers ask themselves are: how can we change existing images that we no longer wish to convey? How can we create new images to contribute to an equal world?

Call us Beeldbrekers

We are the mirror image of the children that the world often forgets . Of the youths who bring new perspectives. We are the keys that open closed doors.

Rachel Rumai, Beeldbreker 2019-2020.

At the Van Gogh Museum, the Beeldbrekers help to create programmes, exhibitions and projects that appeal to young adults.

• In the 2026 exhibition In Search of an Anchor, the ReFramers shared their thoughts on the question: What gave Van Gogh a sense of direction? Vincent van Gogh was preoccupied by this question, just as many young people are today.
• In 2025, the ReFramers worked with the Nigerian artist John Madu on the exhibition Van Gogh x John Madu: Paint Your Path, which offered a modern take on Van Gogh.
• In the 2024 exhibition No Filter?, the ReFramers explored Van Gogh’s inner and outer worlds through a selection of artworks and quotes from his letters, inviting visitors to engage in self-reflection.
• In the exhibition Why so Serious? in 2022 five Beeldbrekers offered a new perspective on the collection: a focus on the lighter side of art.
• Grillige groei (Erratic Growth) – the first collection presentation organized by four Beeldbrekers — could be seen at the museum in autumn 2020;
• For the Gauguin & Laval in Martinique exhibition (5 October 2018 - 13 January 2019), afternoon drinks were organized with assistance and reporting provided by the Beeldbrekers.
• The Beeldbrekers were actively involved in both the foreground and behind the scenes in the collaboration with the fashion brand Daily Paper.
• Beeldbrekers offer guided tours and workshops during Vincent on Friday and Museum Night;
• The Beeldbrekers hold regular working sessions with colleagues from different departments and use their expertise to provide new perspectives.

The Beeldbrekers encourage reflection (including self-reflection) and create new frameworks for our thinking and acting. Through this collaboration, young talent is given space for professional and personal development.

With thanks to

Fonds 21 supports Van Gogh Connects and the Beeldbrekers.