Frequently Asked Questions


1. Should a painting by Van Gogh of the Auvers period not be in a museum ?

That would definitely be the second-best scenario! Unfortunately, as art prices have fetched record highs, museums have lost many a major work of art over the past decades. If returned to Van Gogh's room at the Ravoux Inn, however, a Van Gogh painting will indeed be in a museum – the smallest museum in the world!

2. Is it so bad if a private investor buys the painting?

It may be bad news for the painting's future… or not. The art market has long been a hunting ground for speculation-oriented investors known to lock away masterpieces in vaults until their monetary value increases. We feel that beyond its intrinsic financial value, a painting is intended to be displayed and seen in an appropriate place. True, not all investors are exclusively profit-minded and many have proved to have a keen collector's eye and shown their love and respect for art by lending their prized artworks to museums or foundations. If the Institut Van Gogh found such an investor, that would be the third-best scenario!

3. Will donors somehow own part of the painting?

Absolutely not. By definition, donations hold no compensation whatsoever and are made on the understanding that the full property of the painting will be transferred to the Institut Van Gogh or any other ad hoc legal entity. Donors will have no ownership claim whatsoever on the painting. In recognition of their contributions, they may however be rewarded with an Internet access to Van Gogh's room when the painting is there, or with a key to the room.

4. What makes you think you can do it?

If you can dream it, you can do it. Over the past 20 years, moral, material and financial support from private individuals, foundations, museums, the media and the public has allowed us to open Van Gogh's last home in Auvers-sur-Oise to the public and to breathe new life into it.
We do believe that the many Van Gogh lovers, corporations and private foundations will want to be associated with the initiative and make the artist's dream possible As our deadline for raising a necessary sum of money is December 2010, we feel confident that we shall reach our goal.

5. How can you ensure that the painting will be properly conserved, and restored if necessary?

The high-tech security showcase intended to display and protect the painting in Van Gogh's room conforms with world-class museum standards. It was designed by architect and engineer Jean-Michel Wilmotte, who had previously designed the showcase for the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. The construction proper was carried out by a leading specialized company which carefully set the lighting, humidity and temperature levels for the best conservation of both the room and the painting. Furthermore, the Institut Van Gogh will appoint an experienced curator to guarantee that the painting is kept in the optimum condition. Obviously, the smallest museum in the world will devote a great deal of attention to its single treasured work of art.

6. How about security ?

Besides its dedicated fool-proof showcase, the painting will be protected by the best state-of-the-art means. However, for security reasons, this is not the right forum to elaborate much on this sensitive subject!

7. What would Vincent van Gogh think of this project?

We cannot speak for him, but we do know that "an exhibition of his own in a café" was his last ambition, which we want to fulfil. We also know that he was adamant that art in general, and his art in particular, was made available to the greatest possible number of people. We strongly believe that our project is quite consistent with Vincent's spirit and would receive his approval, as well as Theo's.

8. Where are the donations going?

All funds will be deposited in one or several accounts specifically created for this fundraising operation, with registered banking and financial institutions. An auditor has been appointed to ensure good and sound management of the funds. Donors will be kept informed on a regular basis of the progress of the operation.

9. What if you do not raise enough money?

If, by the end of 2010, we have not raised enough money to achieve its purpose, half of the funds collected shall be earmarked to the Institut Van Gogh's future development, while the other half will be donated to a museum closely related to Vincent van Gogh, i.e., either the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, or the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, or else the Musée Pissarro in Pontoise.

10. What if you raise too much money ?

The extra money will be earmarked to further the Institut Van Gogh's development and contribute to the achievement of its specific goals, as set out in the International Fundraising Regulations.

11. Is my donation tax-deductible ?

All donors shall receive a tax-deduction receipt complying with French regulations as soon as their donation is completed.
Donors subject to the French or U.S. tax systems will benefit by the provisions specified in their tax laws.
Donors subject to other national tax systems should enquire about the tax-deduction provisions in their own national legislation.
Please visit our Regulations page.
U.S. tax-payers, please click here for information on a tax efficient way to support the Van Gogh's Dream fundraising campaign.