Van Gogh Church, Eindhoven

The Van Goghkerkje (Van Gogh Church) in Nuenen is a Protestant temple located in the picturesque setting of Park Houtrijk, an old villa garden. This Neoclassical-style hall chapel was built in 1824.

Despite its architectural simplicity (rectangular plan with a three-sided closure on the short sides, two bays, and an open turret with a spire on the roof), this church is listed as a national monument for its connection with the Van Gogh family and the artist himself.

One of its ministers was Theodorus van Gogh, the artist's father, who served here from 1882 until his death in 1885. Also, both Vincent and his brother Theo were christened in this chapel.

Vincent van Gogh captured the building on canvas several times throughout his career. In 1884, he painted it for his mother who had been confined to bed following an accident and could no longer attend the services. Later, after his father's death, Vincent added to the painting several figures of peasants in mourning clothes. This painting, called "Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen", was exhibited in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam until 2002, when it was stolen (it was eventually found, in the vicinity of Naples, Italy, in 2016).

Starting from 1963, the church has had a carillon of 18 bells. Earlier, in 1928, a vestry was added. Overall, the building underwent several restorations: in 1955; in 1984 (renovating the roof); and from 2000 to 2009, during which a complete overhaul took place.

Presently, the chapel is used for special ceremonies and cultural events.