Vincent Van Gogh's renowned impressionist masterpiece was stirred to life at a café, centrally located within Arles city.
The iconic Café van Gogh, nestled in the heart of Arles, France, continues to captivate visitors despite its closure[1]. Originally located at Place du Forum, not Place Lamartine, the café has been a significant landmark since its recreation by three Arlesians and a businessman in the 1980s[3].
The café was named after the post-impressionist master, Vincent van Gogh, and the building was repainted yellow in the 1990s to resemble Van Gogh's painting "Café Terrace at Night," which depicts the café's vibrant life and the contrast between the warm light of the café and the starry darkness of the night[2].
The café was a popular spot for art enthusiasts, who would gather to drink and contemplate the square, just as Van Gogh had done in 1888[4]. However, as of July 2023, the café closed its doors due to legal disputes[1]. Despite efforts to reopen, the café remains closed as of mid-2025[1].
Visitors can still admire the exterior of the café, which retains its famous bright yellow walls and the setting that inspired Van Gogh's masterpiece. Although the café itself is closed, the spirit of Van Gogh and the bustling life of Arles continue to thrive in this iconic location.
References: 1. The Guardian 2. Arles Tourism 3. The Telegraph 4. BBC News
During the closed period of Café van Gogh, art enthusiasts might still find inspiration while admiring its iconic, bright yellow exterior that mirrors Vincent van Gogh's painting "Café Terrace at Night." Meanwhile, one could envision transforming this historical setting into a unique in-flights entertainment, providing passengers a taste of the lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetic echoed in the art and the charming city of Arles.
