The European Travel Companion to Vermeer

As Vermeer's fame continues to grow with each passing year, his works increasingly feature in special temporary exhibitions, drawing larger crowds and becoming significant cultural events. While these exhibitions offer a unique opportunity for those who live far from Vermeer's permanent collections to see his art, they also present challenges. Issues such as ticketing, long queues, and overcrowded galleries can significantly detract from the experience, sometimes overshadowing the benefits. These conditions can hinder deep intellectual engagement and the crucial emotional connection with the artwork.

Take, for instance, my experience at the 1994 Washington exhibition of Vermeer, showcasing twenty-one authentic pieces. Despite the thrill of being amidst so many Vermeer works, the visit was marred by frustration. The crowded venue made it difficult to appreciate the art, as I found myself jostling with others for just a brief view of the paintings. Vermeer's works, crafted for quiet reflection within the confines of a Dutch home, seemed out of place in the chaotic atmosphere of a major exhibition.

This is why the best Vermeer viewing experiences are often found not at these bustling exhibitions, but in the quieter settings of the galleries where they are permanently displayed. Although popular museums can be busy during tourist season, they generally offer a more conducive environment for appreciating Vermeer's art. For many, this means embarking on a journey to encounter a real Vermeer painting, having previously only known it through reproductions.

As the author of Essential Vermeer, I frequently receive emails from individuals who have set a personal goal to see "all the Vermeers." Many of these enthusiasts, some traveling alone and others as couples, keep me updated on their progress. Recognizing this widespread interest, I decided to create a travel guide dedicated to Vermeer enthusiasts. This guide aims to provide practical advice and insights into the nuances of traveling to see Vermeer's works, catering to those who aspire to make this quest a part of their own journey.

How You Can Help

While most Vermeer enthusiasts need to travel extensively to see his original works, the advantage lies in the fact that Vermeer's paintings are located across just two continents and within eleven cities. This geographic concentration simplifies the logistics considerably, especially if travel plans are carefully formulated in advance. The All the Vermeers Travel Companion is designed to be a collaborative project, drawing upon the experiences of many individuals. Its goal is to compile a comprehensive guide that offers the most efficient, cost-effective, and enjoyable travel routes for those aiming to see Vermeer's paintings around the globe. This guide aims to streamline the planning process, making the journey to see Vermeer's masterpieces not just a dream, but a feasible and memorable adventure.

I enthusiastically encourage anyone with a good idea to contribute their opinions and suggestions to make this the best travel companion possible. Information regarding any aspect of the trip will be warmly welcomed, especially suggestions based on one's own real-life experiences.

First Steps: Essential Vermeer Travel Checklist

If your travel plans include seeing one or more paintings by Vermeer, consult the index of the EV Complete Vermeer Catalogue to determine if the work is currently on display at its permanent location. It's advisable to contact the museum to confirm that the painting(s) you wish to see are indeed on display and that there are no changes to the opening schedule or special holidays during your planned visit. Email addresses and telephone numbers for all collections can be found in the EV section of Vermeer Museums. Keep in mind that special Vermeer exhibitions or exhibitions featuring works by Vermeer can be major cultural events, potentially resulting in crowds and challenges with viewing and ticketing. You can find details about upcoming special events and exhibitions related to Vermeer's art by clicking here.

Vermeer Paintings Travel Too!

In the wake of Vermeer's growing fame in the twentieth century, many of his paintings have traveled extensively worldwide. While these journeys aim to raise public awareness and appreciation of Vermeer's art, a significant number of specialists believe that the inherent risks in such extensive travels expose the paintings to various stresses that could compromise their delicate structures. Additionally, the unpredictability of long-distance flights poses unforeseen dangers. Moreover, large-scale exhibitions are crucial for a museum's prosperity, and as such, institutions are often hesitant to publicly discuss issues resulting from loans to other museums.

The map on the left illustrates all the journeys Vermeer's paintings will have undertaken from 2003 to 2012, covering approximately 300,000 miles of air travel. Some paintings have traversed the same route more than once. Most of these flight miles were spent crossing the Atlantic Ocean or flying over Siberia. To put this in perspective, Earth's circumference is approximately 24,901.55 miles, and the average distance to the moon is 238,857 miles. Notably, Vermeer himself is known to have made just a single trip to Amsterdam late in his life, a mere sixty-six miles in a straight line from his hometown of Delft.