Vincent van GoghHuis - Zundert

Not the current Van GoghHuis was Vincent's birthplace, but the building next door. That was then the rectory where Vincent was born on 30 March 1853. The building was demolished in 1903. A plaque in the facade of this building still testifies to the birth. The Vincent van Gogh House was built on this spot, created by merging two image-defining buildings: the ‘new’ parsonage and a characteristic patrician residence. His father Theodorus was a Protestant pastor, which was quite exceptional in predominantly Catholic Brabant.

Vincent was the eldest child of a family that would consist of three sisters and two brothers: Anna, Wil, Lies, Theo and Cor. His parents had given birth to a stillborn child the year before his birth, whom they also named Vincent. His grave can be seen nearby, near the little Protestant church. Together with his siblings, Vincent grew up here. As a child, Vincent was quiet and withdrawn. He loved spending hours wandering through the fields studying birds, plants, crickets, beetles, beetles and butterflies. For him, butterflies symbolised new life. Vincent drew a lot in his youth. We know this from his letters. As far as we know, only one drawing has survived.

The Vincent van GoghHuis is a living art centre on the birthplace of one of history's most famous artists. Not a classical museum, but an active world of experience for both art lover and tourist. With a stimulating presentation on the life and work of Vincent van Gogh and interactive education. At the audio column, listen to the story of Vincent van Gogh's childhood. You will also find an audio column a little further on at the Dutch Reformed Church.