Visit Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam | Timings, directions, highlights, & more

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Van Gogh fans, you’re in for a treat! The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has the world’s largest collection of his art. Over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters live here. Planning a visit? Here’s everything you need to know about hours, tips, travel, and facilities.

Van Gogh Museum at a glance

What are the Van Gogh Museum’s opening hours?The Van Gogh Museum is open every day. However, the timings vary. You can check the detailed Van Gogh Museum Opening Hours before booking your tickets.
Where is the Van Gogh Museum located?You can find the museum at Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
How many entrances does the Van Gogh Museum have?The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has one main entrance. It is located at the Paulus Potterstraat 7 near Museumplein.
How many visitors does the Van Gogh Museum get per year?The Van Gogh Museum invites approx. 1.7 to 1.8 million visitors a year, with the numbers steadily increasing every passing year.

What are the Van Gogh Museum opening hours?

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

September:

1-28 September: 9am to 6pm (Saturday-Thursday) and 9am to 9pm (Friday)
29-30 September: 9am to 5pm

October:

1-5 October: 9am to 5pm (Monday-Thursday), 9am to 9pm (Friday) and 9am to 6pm (Saturday & Sunday)
6-31 October: 9am to 6pm (Saturday-Thursday), 9am to 9pm (Fridays)

November

1-2 November: 9am to 6pm
3-30 November: 9am-5pm (Saturday-Thursday) and 9am to 9pm (Friday)

December:

1-19 December: 9am-5pm (Saturday-Thursday) and 9am to 9pm (Fridays)
20-23 December: 9am to 6pm
24-26 December: 9am to 5pm
27-30 December: 9am to 6pm
31 December: 9am to 5pm

Early closures: 30 May, 27 June, 26 September and 28 November

Best time to visit Van Gogh Museum

Best times of the year: April, May, and September are golden. The weather’s lovely, the summer crowds have thinned, and you’ve got a better shot at scoring timed-entry tickets—yes, even last-minute.
For special events and exhibitions: Fridays are where the magic happens. The museum often stays open longer and hosts cool themed events like ‘Vincent on Friday,’ next happening on 30 May, 2025. Just peek at the calendar beforehand so you don’t miss out.
If you are coming with kids: Aim for around 10 in the morning. It’s still quiet, energy levels are high, and little ones will enjoy the interactive parts without getting overwhelmed by the crowds.
For ones preferring peace and quiet: Weekday mornings right after opening or late afternoons, a couple of hours before closing are your best bet. Fewer people, less noise, and a much more relaxed vibe.

Where is the Van Gogh Museum located?

Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

Find on Maps

Tucked into Amsterdam’s lively Museumplein, the Van Gogh Museum shares the spotlight with cultural heavyweights like the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and Concertgebouw. The area’s full of green spaces, good vibes, and super easy access by train or bus.

Closest landmark: Moco Museum Amsterdam (68m)

Getting to Van Gogh Museum

By tram or metro: Hop on train 2, 5, or 12 and get off at Van Baerlestraat, or take tram 3, 5, or 12 to Museumplein—both stops drop you close to the museum doors.

By bus: Catch bus 347 or 357 and ride straight to Museumplein. It’s the nearest stop and just a short stroll from the museum.

Driving to the Van Gogh Museum? It’s a breeze. From Centraal Station, just follow the Keizersgracht route—it’s about 4 km and usually takes 20 to 25 minutes, traffic permitting.

Closest parking spots:

Parkhaus, Paulus Potterstraat 7 (140m)
Q- Park (entrance Van Baerlestraat) (190 m)
Onepark - Parking Amsterdam - Museumkwartier (230m)

Know before you go

Audio guide: If you're opting for an audio tour, collect the multimedia guide at the Information Desk.
Cloakrooms: Store your coat, bags, small backpacks (up to 45×25×25 cm), and an umbrella in the cloakroom. Lockers can be secured electronically with a code you choose.
Restrooms: Accessible washrooms, baby changing rooms with tables, and a comfortable breastfeeding area are available on several floors.
Library: The library is open by appointment only. It’s available weekdays from 10 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm.
Cafés: Find cafés in the Atrium on the ground floor of the Rietveld building, open throughout museum hours.
Shop: The entrance hall shop offers everything from postcards and prints to books, stationery, homeware, and jewelry – perfect for picking up gifts and souvenirs.
Free Wi-Fi: Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the museum to stay connected during your visit.

Wheelchair accessibility: Mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and wheeled walkers up to 500kg are welcome inside the museum.
Mobility aids available: You can borrow a wheelchair or seat for your visit, free of charge.
Accessible toilets: Accessible restrooms are available on the ground floor for convenience.
Parking: Disabled parking is available on Paulus Potterstraat (number 7, right in front of the museum), along with a dedicated drop-off/pick-up zone for visitors with disabilities.
Assistance animals: Guide dogs with appropriate harnesses are welcome at the museum.
Companion ticket: Visitors with disabilities can bring a companion for free to assist during their visit.
Hidden disabilities: If you have a non-visible disability, wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Keychain signals to staff that you may need extra support. These lanyards are available in the Hidden Disabilities Store.

The Van Gogh Museum offers an interactive audio guide, providing insights into Van Gogh’s life, art, and motivations. It’s available in 12 languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin.
The audio guide is a paid facility, but it is free for kids under 13. It can be booked online or added later.
The audio guide covers the main collection, temporary exhibitions, and Van Gogh’s personal stories, offering in-depth commentary on his life, style, and social context.
Pick up the audio guide at the Audio Desk or Information Desk in the museum’s Atrium.

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Luggage policy: Large luggage isn’t allowed inside the museum. Small handbags and child-sized backpacks are fine. You can store bags, outerwear, and umbrellas at the cloakroom, but be prepared to queue.
Food and drink: No food or drinks are allowed inside the museum, so please leave them behind before entering.
Photography guidelines: You’re welcome to snap photos in the entrance hall and at the selfie wall, but photography of the artwork in exhibitions is prohibited for personal or commercial use.
Smoking policy: Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the museum.
Visitor conduct: Please keep your voice down and avoid running. Also, for the safety of the artwork, touching the pieces is not allowed.
Animal policy: Pets are not allowed in the museum, but service dogs are welcome.
Mobile phone etiquette: Limit phone use while viewing artwork. It’s best to keep your phone on silent and only use it sparingly.

The Van Gogh Museum offers a variety of dining options, including one restaurant and two cafés:

Restaurant: Situated in the Rietveld wing, the museum’s restaurant provides fresh lunch options, coffee, and pastries. You’ll find a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. Groups of fewer than 10 people don’t need to book in advance.
Museum cafés: Looking for a quick snack or a caffeine boost? Head to one of the cafés in the Atrium or Rietveld building. Both offer coffee, pastries, and light snacks, and are conveniently located near the museum shop. They are open during regular museum hours.

If you’re craving something a little different outside the museum, there are several great spots nearby:

FoodCrib (70m): Here, you’ll find hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers, and drinks. Don’t miss the new el Fuego dog—spicy bratwurst with chorizo, cheese, jalapeños, tortilla chips, and guacamole.
The Burger Room (180m): For a fun dining experience, head to The Burger Room, a Wizard of Oz-themed restaurant. Enjoy their famous Scarecrow or Cycle burgers paired with an Amsterdam beer or the Judy Garland signature mocktail.
Taiko Asian Cuisine (270m): Craving Asian-inspired flavors? Taiko offers modern, Asian-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting. Go all out with their Omakase Sichuan Spring 8-course meal for a memorable dining experience.

Budget stays: Amsterdam Hostel Annemarie (from €38 | 300 m), The Flying Pig (from €40 | 550 m), Princess Hostel Amsterdam (from €31 | 800 m), Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein (from €38 | 950 m)
Mid-range stays: Hotel Vossius Vondelpark (from €50 | 550 m), Hotel Espresso City Center (from €61 | 850 m), Mozart Hotel (from €79 | 900 m)
Luxury stays: Jan Luyken Amsterdam (from €212 | 290 m), The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection (from €230 | 750 m), Hotel The Diamond (from €235 | 850 m), Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American (from €182 | 950 m)

Diamant Museum (450m): Ever wondered what makes diamonds so special? The Diamant Museum breaks it down with cool interactive displays that dive into the history, processing, and cultural impact of these sparkly gems. It's pretty eye-opening!
Stedelijk Museum (750m): If modern art’s your thing, you’ve gotta check out the Stedelijk! With over 90,000 artworks, including pieces by Van Gogh, Mondrian, and Warhol, it’s a treasure trove of creativity from the 19th century to today.
Rembrandt's Amsterdam Experience (2.8km): Get ready for a jaw-dropping 5D adventure at Rembrandt's Amsterdam Experience! The visuals, sounds, and special effects bring his life to life in a totally fun, fast-paced way.
Heineken Experience (3.8km): Beer lover? Don’t miss the Heineken Experience! It’s like a museum and a playground combined. You’ll wander through the original brewery, try pouring your own beer, and best of all, there are two cold ones waiting for you at the end.

Visitor tips & guidelines

Van Gogh's most famous works, like The Starry Night, aren't housed in the Van Gogh Museum. For details on current exhibits, check the inside page to avoid any disappointment.
If you’ve lost something during your visit, make sure to check the iLost website, where all lost items are registered.
Given the museum’s vast collection, we recommend picking up a multimedia guide for a richer experience.
Grab a checklist from the Information Desk to make sure you catch the top ten Van Gogh masterpieces. Self-portraits are on the ground floor, while letters and other key works are on the second.
The museum restaurant is good, but it can get really crowded. Try visiting early or late for a quieter experience, or perhaps head to nearby cafés to avoid long queues.
Brush up on your knowledge about Van Gogh before your visit—watching a YouTube video or listening to a podcast can really improve your overall experience.
Van Gogh's self-portraits are fascinating. Look at them in chronological order to see how his emotions and style evolved over the years.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Van Gogh Museum

Can I enter the Van Gogh Museum anytime during operating hours?

Yes, you can enter the Van Gogh Museum at any time between its operating hours. The museum is usually open from 9am to 6pm in the summer and 9am to 5pm in the winter. However, these timings vary. Check the updated Van Gogh Museum opening hours before planning your visit.

How much time does it take to visit the Van Gogh Museum?

You need at least 2 to 3 hours to explore all the exhibits in the Van Gogh Museum.

Can I enter the Van Gogh Museum once I exit?

You can ask the people at the information desk for a re-entry ticket if you come in after you have left. However, you have to re-enter within an hour.

Are group visits allowed at the Van Gogh Museum?

Yes, you can visit the Van Gogh Museum in a large group. They allow up to 15 people per tour guide.

Is there a dress code to be followed at the Van Gogh Museum?

While there is no dress code to be followed at the Van Gogh Museum, we recommend you wear your most comfortable, closed shoes to enjoy touring all the permanent and temporary exhibitions without tiring out your feet.

Are prams allowed in the Van Gogh Museum?

Prams, buggies, walking frames, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids, are allowed in the Van Gogh Museum.

Does the Van Gogh Museum conduct activities for children?

Yes, the Van Gogh Museum offers several engaging painting workshops and play activities. Children can learn about the artist, color his works, and start puzzling with his masterpieces.

Is photography permitted inside the Van Gogh Museum?

No, you are not allowed to click pictures of the paintings, use commercial equipment like tripods, or do flash photography around the museum premises. However, you can take advantage of the area near the entrance and the ‘selfie walls’ to click some pictures and document your visit.