Van Gogh Bar – Spatial Extension of an Exhibition

The exhibition “MAKING VAN GOGH. A German Love Story” at the Städel Museum Frankfurt offered high-class exhibits along with a special cultural experience. It could be booked by companies for customer or employee events and included an exclusive guided tour outside of opening hours, as well as a concluding get-together. A spatial extension of the exhibition was developed especially for this purpose in the form of the VAN GOGH BAR.

The space designed by VOSS+FISCHER created a cosy and stylish fireplace room atmosphere through the targeted use of light, materials and furniture. Quotes placed on the walls were extracts from letters between Van Gogh and his brother, reflecting central exhibition contents and exhibits. In addition, they were integrated as installations in the space, allowing the thoughts, ideas and visions of the artist to float symbolically over the guests’ heads. In order to handle the financial resources of the cultural institution economically, attention was paid to recycling as much available furniture as possible. For example, a bar counter was made of former museum benches.