Sunflower sea at anniversary celebration Van Gogh Museum with royal touch

Princess Beatrix was presented the queen of summer flowers during the Van Gogh Museum anniversary festival. Visitors to the free festival at the Museumplein were surprised with tens of thousands of sunflowers from Takii.

On 2 June 2023, it was exactly fifty years ago that the Van Gogh Museum opened its doors. The renowned museum in Amsterdam celebrated this significant milestone with the Sunflower Art Festival on the Museumplein. During the anniversary celebration, Princess Beatrix received a sunflower on behalf of Emilie Gordenker (Director of the Van Gogh Museum). The Princess’ mother, Queen Juliana, was also presented with a sunflower at the opening of the museum fifty years ago.

Earlier in the day, museum staff handed out tens of thousands of sunflowers, transforming the Museumplein into a sea of sunflowers. Visitors had the opportunity to decorate their bicycles with sunflowers. They could also take photos at the colourful selfie wall and take sunflowers home. Takii, partner of the Van Gogh Museum since 2015, sponsored the sunflowers for the anniversary celebration with Princess Beatrix and the Sunflower Art Festival.

Emilie Gordenker, director of the Van Gogh Museum, said, “We are delighted that our loyal partner Takii makes it possible to share the beauty of Van Gogh’s beloved sunflower with all of Amsterdam. What a wonderful way to celebrate our 50th anniversary.”

The sunflowers sponsored by Takii came from grower Erik Overtoom. Zuidkoop was responsible for the festival’s sunflower decorations.