Van Gogh Museum

Introducing the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum, founded in 1973, is located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It houses 200 of the most valuable paintings from Van Gogh's golden period, representing a quarter of his oeuvre. It also boasts hundreds (some say thousands) of drawings and nearly all of Van Gogh's correspondence, drawing widespread attention. Among these, "A Flock of Crows" and "Sunflowers" are perhaps the most famous.

On September 11, 2013, the Van Gogh Museum announced the discovery of a new Van Gogh work, "Sunset at Montmajour."

Climate and best time to travel

Amsterdam and the surrounding area are highly urbanized.

Amsterdam has a pleasant climate, with weather conditions mainly influenced by air currents from the North Sea.

Winter temperatures are mild, rarely falling below 0°C. According to the latest USDA rating, Amsterdam and most of North Holland, located at the northern tip of continental Europe, fall into cold hardiness zone 9.

Attraction opening hours

Every day 10:00-18:00, Friday 10:00-22:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Van Gogh Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Van Gogh Museum, opened in 1973 in Amsterdam, holds the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s artworks. It was established to preserve and share the legacy of the Dutch painter, whose emotionally charged, colorful works profoundly influenced modern art. The museum was designed by Gerrit Rietveld, later expanded by Kisho Kurokawa, and stands as a cultural landmark dedicated to creativity and emotion in art.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• By tram: Take tram 2, 5, or 12 to the Van Baerlestraat stop (2-minute walk).
• By metro: Nearest metro station is Vijzelgracht (Line 52), about a 10-minute walk.
• By bus: Bus lines 347, 357, and 397 stop nearby.
• By taxi or bike: Easily accessible via taxi or Amsterdam’s bike paths.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Usually open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (extended hours on Fridays until 9:00 PM).
• Best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• Adult: €20–€22 (online prices may vary slightly).
• Free for children under 18 years.
• Tickets must be purchased online in advance from the official website or authorized resellers.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Yes, advance booking is required as entry is timed. It’s best to book 1–2 weeks ahead, especially during weekends or holidays, since tickets often sell out quickly.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to explore the entire museum comfortably, depending on your interest level in art and history.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Potato Eaters (1885)
• Sunflowers (1889)
• Almond Blossom (1890)
• The Bedroom (1888)
• Self-portraits Gallery
• Exhibition on Van Gogh’s letters and his relationship with his brother Theo

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

• Audio guides available in over 10 languages including English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese.
• Guided tours available with reservation and provide deeper insights into Van Gogh’s life and techniques.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The central atrium with its glass ceiling and spiral staircase offers great interior photos.
• Outside the museum, the Museumplein area provides a scenic view of the building’s architecture.
• Note: Photography is not allowed in some exhibition rooms to protect the artworks.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start on the ground floor with Van Gogh’s early works and biography.
• Proceed upward to explore his time in Paris and Arles, where his style evolved.
• End with his final works in Saint-Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

On Fridays, the museum stays open until 9:00 PM with music, drinks, and special events — an excellent time for an atmospheric visit.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Usually crowded, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
• Least crowded times: early morning (before 10:00 AM) and late afternoon (after 4:00 PM), or Friday evenings.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Restrooms and cloakrooms available on each floor.
• A café serving drinks, light meals, and pastries.
• Museum shop offering prints, books, and art-themed gifts.
• Benches and rest areas throughout the galleries.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes, the museum is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and free wheelchair loans. Families with children can use strollers, and kid-friendly guides are available.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

All major credit/debit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted. Cash is generally not accepted.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Café Le Tambourin (inside the museum).
• Nearby options: Blushing Amsterdam (healthy café), The Seafood Bar, and Bagels & Beans.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, nearby cafés and restaurants around Museumplein offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. Halal food options can also be found within a short walk.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Conservatorium Hotel (5-star luxury, across the street).
• Hotel Van Gogh (budget-friendly, next to the museum).
• Park Centraal Amsterdam (stylish mid-range option nearby).

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Rijksmuseum
• Stedelijk Museum
• Vondelpark
• Heineken Experience
• Amsterdam Canal Cruise departure points

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Official museum shop offering art prints, books, stationery, and accessories inspired by Van Gogh’s works.
• Popular souvenirs: “Sunflowers” tote bags, notebooks, and reproductions of Van Gogh’s paintings.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Tram lines from Museumplein connect directly to Amsterdam Central Station and other districts.
• Bike rentals nearby for local exploration.
• Hop-on hop-off bus stop right outside for convenient city sightseeing.