Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum has launched an unlikely collaboration with Pokémon, offering themed activities across the institution.
Through the new partnership, the museum will introduce young artists and new audiences to the works of Vincent van Gogh from today (28 September) until 7 January 2024.
“This collaboration will allow the next generation to get to know Vincent van Gogh’s art and life story in a refreshing way,” said Emilie Gordenker, general director of the Van Gogh Museum. “The Van Gogh Museum and the Pokémon Company have drawn on many years of educational expertise to create a special experience for children, their supervisors, and we hope many others at the Van Gogh Museum.”
Van Gogh artworks starring Pokémon
Pokémon-themed experiences on offer at the Van Gogh Museum include a series of Van Gogh’s famous artworks starring Pokémon characters.
These include Pikachu in a work inspired by Self-portrait with Grey Felt Hat (1887), Sunflora hidden in a variant of Sunflowers (1889), and Snorlax and Munchlax in a work based on The Bedroom (1888).
Young guests can take part in a guided activity for a special Pikachu x Van Gogh Museum promo card. Additionally, Pokémon x Van Gogh online learning material explores the link between Van Gogh and Japan.
Themed activities
Also, a video guide in the museum teaches visitors how to draw Pikachu, and the museum shop is selling an exclusive range of Pokémon x Van Gogh Museum merchandise.
“There is a strong link between the inspiration behind Pokémon and the inspiration behind some of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous work,” said Mathieu Galante, the Pokémon Company’s director of licensing. “With this collaboration we really hope that we can see children discovering and immersing themselves into the world of art through the incredible works of Van Gogh and Pokémon.”
Images courtesy of the Van Gogh Museum and Pokémon
