Just 80kms south east of Amsterdam, in the middle of the Huge Veluwe National Park sits the iconic and truly amazing Kröller-Müller Museum.  Nestled in an incredible sculpture garden, it holds around 90 paintings and 180 drawings by Vincent van Gogh (the second largest collection in the world) as well as a collection of modern art.  It’s just too wonderful.

John Fabre bronzes – sculpture garden Image: GRACIE

But first to the sculpture garden.  This outdoor gallery covers 25 hectares of wooded landscape home to around 160 sculptures ready to explore.  Put simply, it’s a feast.  We were especially drawn to the fascinatingly beautiful swan-like sculpture floating on a circular pond near the entrance.  It drifts so calm and serenely.

Sculpture flottante, Otterlo, 1960-1 by Marta Pan Image: GRACIE

Another eye catcher again with movement, is this piece by American artist George Rickey entitled ‘L’s – One up one down excentric II‘.  Perfectly placed in this sheltered courtyard, the sculpture moves delicately with mesmerising effect.

George Rickey entitled ‘L’s – One up one down excentric II’ Image GRACIE

The feast continues inside where various galleries show off the masterpieces of modern masters – Monet, Seurat, Picasso, Mondrian and many more.

‘Woman in Corset Reading‘ Pablo Picasso 1914-1917 Image: GRACIE

‘The Tempest’ 1916 Bart van der Leck Image: GRACIE

But it’s the Van Gogh works that are the highlight.   ‘Cypresses with Two Figures’ 1889-1890, is one such example.

‘Cypresses with Two Figures’ 1889-1890 Vincent van Gogh Image: GRACIE

The works are there to explore on your own and getting up close is a delight not to be missed.   There’s lots of opportunity to discover the detail.

‘Cypresses with Two Figures’ 1889-1890 Vincent van Gogh (up close top right) Image: GRACIE

One not leave out is the beautiful ‘Bridge at Arles (Pont de Langlois)’ mid March 1888 – it’s stunning!

Vincent van Gogh ‘Brug the Arles (Pont de Langlois)’ mid March 1888 Image: GRACIE

This exceptional museum, with it’s winning combination of extensive sculpture park and amazing collection of art, is worth every effort you make to visit there.  Allow as long as you can, as it’s easy to lose hours in the park alone before you enter the exceptional collection in the gallery.

One more thing:  The gallery shop is outstanding, so ensure you leave some time for scanning the plastic before you leave.

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