Amsterdam has more museums per capita than any other city in the world. We understand that if you’re only here for a short time, it can be hard to decide which to visit.
That said, the Van Gogh Museum is pretty much non-negotiable. Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic “Sunflowers” painting, reprinted on posters, mugs, and tote bags the world over, has to be seen up close and personal to be believed, in all its vibrant, sun-drenched glory.
But of course, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is about a lot more than sunflowers. The museum’s permanent collection spans the troubled artist’s career, while a series of temporary exhibitions offer something new every time you visit.
Not to mention the building itself, which is a work of art in its own right. If the sheer breadth of four floors spread over two wings seems overwhelming, fear not. We’re here to break it down for you.
What to see at the Van Gogh Museum
The permanent collection
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings, drawings, and letters. In the museum’s permanent exhibition located in the main building, you’ll come face to face with iconic masterpieces like “Sunflowers,” “Almond Blossom,” “The Bedroom,” “The Potato Eaters,” and of course Van Gogh’s self-portraits.
The museum doesn’t just focus on his paintings, however. It also highlights his drawings and letters – on the second floor in particular. What’s more, the permanent exhibition showcases the significant influence Van Gogh had on the first generation of artists after his death, through works by painters like Maurice de Vlaminck and Kees van Dongen.
Whatever the medium, the artworks uncover the sheer profundity of ideas and ambitions driving Van Gogh’s art, depicting themes we can all recognize, like hope, love, anxiety, and suffering. Key aspects of his art, like his ambition to depict farmers, his exploration of color, and his personal interpretation of nature, are prominently featured and studied across these various themes.
As you explore the museum, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on an artist we’re all familiar with. And you’ll experience both his constant pursuit of self-improvement and his intense experience of life and the world.
The temporary exhibitions
In the more modern wing of the building, you’ll find the Van Gogh Museum’s temporary exhibitions. There are new exhibitions opening every few months. So, even if you’ve been to the museum before, there’s likely to be something new to see. The temporary exhibitions generally explore the artistic inspiration or personal connection between Van Gogh and one or more other artists.
Past exhibitions have comprised a breathtaking retrospective of the nature paintings of David Hockney and Vincent van Gogh – demonstrating just how much they had in common when it came to the use of color in their landscapes. And an exhibition on how Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, famous for his bold use of gold, was inspired by the work of Van Gogh, Rodin, Monet, Matisse, and many other artists.
Planning your visit
Located on Museumplein, the Van Gogh Museum is easily accessible on foot, by bike or via public transport. And if you have purchased the I amsterdam card, you can use it to navigate your way to the museum. Driving is possible, but we wouldn’t recommend it anywhere in central Amsterdam!
The museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., including on national holidays. At certain times of the year, it’s open for an extra hour until 6 p.m., and on Fridays it’s often open until later. We recommend that you confirm the opening hours of the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, before your visit.
There is, without fail, a line outside the entrance to the museum. You definitely should buy your tickets well in advance, as all admissions are for a specific time slot. No tickets available when you are in the city? There are often cancellations and no-shows, so it’s worth turning up and trying your luck on the door, just in case.
A great option is to book our Complete Van Gogh Museum Tour with Reserved Entry. This will guarantee you access to the museum. It’ll also help you make the most of your visit thanks to an insightful art history expert. You’ll be able to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Vincent Van Gogh’s life including, yes, the real story of why — and how — Van Gogh cut his own ear off.
Pro tip: if you love art and culture and are going to be in Amsterdam for a longer time, invest in a Museumjaarkaart (annual museum card) or a Stadspas (city card) for free entrance not only to the Van Gogh museum but to galleries and museums all over Amsterdam and beyond.
Guided tours
The Van Gogh Museum itself offers pre-recorded audio tours (in multiple languages) to enhance your understanding of the works on display.
However, to make the most of your visit, you might prefer to book a guided tour with a local art historian. During our in-depth Van Gogh Museum tour, you won’t just see Van Gogh’s masterpieces, you’ll also take a glimpse into the life and mind of the troubled artist himself. And better still, you’ll get to skip the line and explore the Van Gogh Museum just as the crowds are leaving.
Van Gogh’s hope that his art would continue to inspire the world has undeniably come true, reaching millions of fans to this day. And Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum is undoubtedly the best place to admire his work first-hand. So, what are you waiting for? Take a walk with us.
