– Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers sets record with 334,589 visitors. – Exhibition ran from 14 September 2024 to 19 January 2025. – Gallery opened 24 hours due to demand on 17-18 January. – Surpassed attendance records of Leonardo da Vinci and Velázquez exhibitions. – Future exhibitions slated for the gallery’s 200th anniversary celebrations.
The National Gallery’s exhibition, Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers, has set a record as the most attended ticketed exhibition in its history, with 334,589 visitors from 14 September 2024 to 19 January 2025. Due to high demand, the gallery remained open for 24 hours on the weekend of 17-18 January to accommodate more guests. This exhibition surpassed previous records held by Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan and Velázquez.
During its 125-day run, Van Gogh attracted an impressive average of 2,676 visitors daily, marking it as the seventh-most-visited exhibition at the National Gallery since 1991. Director Gabriele Finaldi expressed delight at the turnout, stating that Van Gogh represents passion and commitment to art, showcasing some of his most vibrant works.
Curated by Cornelia Homburg and Christopher Riopelle, the exhibition featured over 50 works, sourced from prestigious institutions like the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. This exhibition is the first of two marking the gallery’s 200th anniversary, with another exhibition, Siena: The Rise of Painting, scheduled for 8 March to 22 June 2025.
The upcoming NG200 celebrations will include the reopening of the Sainsbury Wing on 10 May and a new Learning Centre on 3 March. A significant rehang of the collection, titled C C Land: The Wonder of Art, will also be unveiled, enhancing visitor engagement with the extensive collection.
This article highlights the record-breaking performance of the Van Gogh exhibition at the National Gallery, showcasing how significant events can attract large audiences. It discusses the importance of strategic planning in museum exhibitions, such as extended hours for high-demand shows. Additionally, it provides insight into future celebrations of the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary, indicating its historical and cultural significance.
The Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers exhibition has set a remarkable attendance record at the National Gallery, reflecting the artist’s enduring popularity. The event demonstrates the effectiveness of curatorial decisions and promotional strategies in engaging the public. Upcoming events related to the gallery’s 200th anniversary promise to further enrich the cultural landscape.
Original Source: www.museumsassociation.org