The Kroller-Muller Museum in the Netherlands has brought together 88 paintings by Vincent van Gogh for the first time since 1984, offering a rare opportunity to view one of the world’s largest private collections of the artist’s work in a single exhibition. The display opened on Tuesday at the museum, located in the central part of the country, and includes iconic pieces such as "The Potato Eaters" (1885), "Terrace of a Cafe at Night" (1888), and "The Old Tower at Nuenen" (1884).

Museum director Benno Tempel described the exhibition as a unique occasion. While the museum typically holds numerous works by Van Gogh, many are often unavailable due to loans, restoration, or research. “Seeing 88 paintings together is something that hasn’t happened in this century,” Tempel said, adding that even museum staff had never seen the full collection assembled simultaneously.

The exhibition, titled "Van Gogh, All Our Paintings," is organized around the theme of the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love. Curator Renske Cohen Tervaert explained that the thematic focus is intended to provide deeper insight into Van Gogh’s life and artistic evolution, moving beyond the often-cited narrative of the "tortured artist." Instead, the exhibit aims to highlight Van Gogh’s motivation to become an artist and how his paintings served as a platform for compassion and communication.

Van Gogh, a post-Impressionist painter, produced approximately 900 works during his brief career. Many of his most renowned paintings were created during his time in France, including the famous "Sunflowers" series. He died in 1890 at age 37, two days after shooting himself, following long-standing struggles with mental health.

The majority of the paintings in the current exhibition were acquired by the museum’s founder, Helene Kroller-Muller, between 1908 and 1930. Tervaert noted that the exhibition nearly doubles the number of Van Gogh paintings typically on display at the museum and represents an important cultural event for the Netherlands, where she believes Van Gogh is less widely celebrated than abroad.

Visitors have expressed admiration for the collection’s breadth and impact. German tourist Barbara Brandt, 73, described the experience as “extraordinary” to see so many works by the artist gathered in one place. The exhibition offers both art enthusiasts and the public a rare chance to engage with Van Gogh’s legacy in a comprehensive and thoughtfully presented manner.