An Extraordinary Meeting of Art and Pop Culture
In 2023, the Van Gogh Museum celebrated its 50th anniversary with a unique initiative: an official collaboration with the world of Pokémon. This special event combined the love for Vincent van Gogh's art with iconic Japanese pop culture, bringing a new perspective to both Pokémon fans and art enthusiasts.

The Event: A Journey Through Art and Pokémon
The Official Opening
The event was launched on September 27, 2023, at the Van Gogh Museum with a special ceremony for press members, influencers, and museum staff. From September 28, 2023, to January 7, 2024, the museum hosted a series of Pokémon-themed activities for children and art lovers.

Japanese Inspiration
The collaboration was based on a shared cultural connection: Pokémon represents a Japanese pop icon, while Japanese prints were a major source of inspiration for Vincent van Gogh. This union led to extraordinary artworks that reimagined Van Gogh's masterpieces through the Pokémon universe.

Main Activities of the Event
Pokémon Artworks
Renowned artists such as Naoyo Kimura, sowsow, and Tomokazu Komiya created paintings inspired by Van Gogh's famous works:

• Pikachu inspired by "Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat."
• Munchlax & Snorlax inspired by "The Bedroom."
• Sunflora inspired by the famous "Sunflowers."

Adventures and Drawing
Children aged six and up could participate in a themed adventure at the museum, exploring Pokémon paintings and the stories behind Van Gogh's masterpieces. Additionally, a guided video activity taught younger visitors how to draw Pikachu, encouraging them to create their own artwork.

Educational Materials
Educational materials (available online) were developed to explore the relationship between Van Gogh and Japanese artists. These resources, designed for primary and secondary schools, are available in Dutch and English until the end of 2026 through the educational platform "Van Gogh at School."

Exclusive Merchandise
For the event, a range of exclusive Pokémon x Van Gogh Museum products was created, including a special promotional card. The merchandise was available at the museum store, the website, and through the Pokémon Center.

Trivia
The Van Gogh Museum had to stop selling the promotional Pikachu card due to overwhelming crowds. The card is now resold at unimaginable prices!

Conclusion
The collaboration between the Van Gogh Museum and Pokémon TCG was a unique event that united art and pop culture, inspiring millions of fans worldwide. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a die-hard Pokémon fan, this initiative offered an unforgettable experience and a new perspective on Vincent van Gogh's works.