ASML and the Van Gogh Museum have extended their partnership by four years. A new contract signed by both parties means that the Dutch high-tech company will remain a main partner of the museum until the end of 2028. The partnership is geared towards furthering research into the conservation and preservation of the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh.
In the coming years, ASML engineers will be working closely with the museum to launch the ASML Science Centre. ASML's advanced technology and modern equipment will help to ensure that Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces remain in the best possible condition. By extending their partnership, ASML and the Van Gogh Museum affirm their joint mission to inspire people with a unique art collection, and to safeguard the collection for future generations.
Emilie Gordenker, Director of the Van Gogh Museum, and Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML in the ASML Gallery in front of The Potato Eaters (1885) at the Van Gogh Museum. Photograph: Jelle Draper
Preserving art
The extension of the partnership represents a next step in the development of innovative techniques to preserve cultural heritage. ASML and the Van Gogh Museum will also be working towards the foundation of the ASML Science Centre: a research centre in the museum that will be visible to the public. The collaboration stems from ASML's sustainability strategy.
Christophe Fouquet, ASML President and Chief Executive Officer:
‘Van Gogh started his innovative search for light and colour in Brabant, which is where ASML also started its journey. ASML shares Vincent's innovative attitude and fascination with light, and feels closely connected with his heritage. We are constantly looking for ways to ensure that our communities benefit from our technological innovation. At ASML, we aim to contribute to solving societal challenges, including preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
This partnership with the Van Gogh Museum gives us the opportunity to use science to discover which techniques and materials Van Gogh used, and to explore which innovative technologies that we use in our industry can be utilised to help preserve these important works of art.’
Emilie Gordenker, Director of the Van Gogh Museum:
‘It is a great honour for the museum to continue its partnership with ASML. The Van Gogh Museum and ASML are both world leaders when it comes to research: ASML in the field of technology, and the museum as a centre of expertise on Vincent van Gogh.
We hope that the insights gained as we innovate and pioneer together in the years ahead will enable us to continue to inspire people with Van Gogh’s work and life for generations to come.’
Results
ASML and the Van Gogh Museum started their joint scientific research into the preservation of the museum collection in 2019. This research resulted in a prototype for a scanner that can help assess the condition of paintings. In recent years, ASML has offered additional academic support during the research.
The partners also developed Masterminds & Masterpieces, a programme of lessons that unites science and art. In Europe, over 30,000 pupils from years 7 and 8 have participated in the lessons since the programme was launched. In Asia, the programme reached another 50,000 children.