What's a hidden gem in the collection that people often miss?

His Japanese print collection on the upper floors—Van Gogh adored Japanese art and collected dozens of prints. It's easy to overlook but incredibly eye-opening.

Can I visit without knowing much about art?

Totally. The museum is accessible and includes short, easy-to-read panels and interactive displays. You can also opt for a multimedia or live-guided tour to better understand the artwork.

Are there any perks to visiting solo?

Big time! You'll have more flexibility with timed entry slots, and it's easier to soak in the mood of Van Gogh's work when you're not rushing or chatting.

Are there any spots to just sit and absorb?

There are cushioned benches scattered throughout, especially near key works like The Potato Eaters and Almond Blossom. Great for pausing and reflecting!

Do they change up the artwork on display?

They do! Due to conservation needs, some paintings and drawings are rotated out periodically, so even returning visitors often see something new.

Can I bring snacks or water bottles in?

No food or drink is allowed inside the galleries, but there's a café downstairs with great views and solid coffee if you need a recharge.

What's the one thing people regret not doing?

Not checking the temporary exhibitions! They're often just as brilliant and thoughtfully curated as the main collection and usually much less crowded.

Do I need to know Dutch?

Not at all. All information panels are in Dutch and English, and the staff speak excellent English, too. You'll get along just fine!

All you need to know about the Van Gogh Museum

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Van Gogh Museum exterior with visitors in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

What is the Van Gogh Museum?

Home to over 200 of Van Gogh's paintings and 500 drawings, the Van Gogh museum has the world's largest collection of the artist’s work. You'll see everything from his early days in Holland to his final masterpieces in France. Don't miss the self-portraits and his famous Sunflowers.

Quick facts about the Van Gogh Museum

Official name: Van Gogh Museum
Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date of opening: 1973
Timings: The museum's opening hours vary in different months. From April to August, the museum opens from 9am to 6pm (Saturday to Thursday) and 9am to 9pm on Fridays.
Architect: Gerrit Rietveld (main building) and Kisho Kurokawa (exhibition wing)
Number of visitors per year: 1.7 to 1.8 million visitors annually
Collection size: Around 2000 pieces

Plan your visit to Van Gogh Museum

April to August: 9am to 6pm (Saturday-Thursday) and 9am to 9pm (Friday)

Note: Check the rest of the opening hours during different months here.

Early closures: 30 May, 27 June, 26 September, and 28 November
Best time to visit: Aim for April, May, or September for great weather and smaller crowds. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are quieter, and Fridays often feature extended hours or special events worth planning around.

Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

Find on Maps

Nestled in Amsterdam's Museumplein, the Van Gogh Museum is surrounded by cultural landmarks like the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and Concertgebouw. This vibrant area offers green spaces and is easily accessible via trains and buses.

Closest landmark: Moco Museum Amsterdam (68m)

Overview of the collection at Van Gogh Museum

Permanent collection

Think 200 Van Gogh paintings, 500 sketches, and many heartfelt letters. From The Yellow House to Wheatfield with Crows, each piece tells a story. You'll also find works by Monet, Gauguin, and even Rodin sculptures. The collection flows chronologically, so you can follow Van Gogh's evolution—brushstroke by brushstroke, breakdown by breakthrough.

Temporary exhibitions

There's more than just Van Gogh in 2025! Anselm Kiefer: Sag mir wo die Blumen sind places Kiefer's textured, symbolic works alongside Van Gogh's stormier pieces. The Power of Pigments brings a splash of science into the mix, spotlighting how synthetic colors revolutionized painting for artists like Van Gogh, Redon, and Gauguin.

Must-see artworks at Van Gogh Museum

Sunflowers (1889)

Van Gogh's Sunflowers is a punch of yellow joy. It's painted for Gauguin's visit, with thick textures and bold colors. The museum even has a tactile replica you can touch, which is pretty cool.

History of Van Gogh Museum

Vincent never saw fame in his lifetime, but his family ensured he wouldn't be forgotten. His brother and sister-in-law preserved his work, and their son opened the museum in 1973. Designed by Rietveld and later expanded by Kurokawa, it's a beautiful blend of art, architecture, and legacy. What started as a passion project is now one of Amsterdam's biggest cultural hits.

The architecture and design of the Van Gogh Museum

You could say the Van Gogh Museum was built in chapters. Rietveld designed the main building but passed away before it opened in 1973. Then came Kisho Kurokawa in 1999 with a curvy, Japanese-European twist for temporary shows. And in 2015, Hans van Heeswijk Architects gave the museum a sleek glass entrance that ties it all together.

Additional information about the Van Gogh Museum

Vincent on Friday

If you're in Amsterdam on a Friday, Vincent on Friday at the Van Gogh Museum is a must. Art meets party, with extended hours, live music, workshops, and emerging talents shaking things up! Plus, it's less crowded, so you can enjoy the art without shoulder-bumping strangers. The next event lands on 30 May 2025, and it's worth planning around.

Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience

Ready for an immersive adventure? The Meet Vincent van Gogh Experience takes you through Van Gogh’s life with life-sized projections, interactive installations, and hands-on fun. You can sit at the Potato Eaters table or touch textured reproductions of his masterpieces.

Frequently asked questions about the Van Gogh Museum

Yes! Start on the first floor and move upward. The layout follows a rough timeline of Van Gogh's life and work. It's like walking through his artistic evolution, year by year.