The Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit destination for painting lovers. It attracts Vincent van Gogh fans from all over the world. During the Van Gogh Museum tour, you can enjoy the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works.
But, the lack of proper planning and information can ruin your visit. Last time I had a similar problem. I planned to buy a ticket from the museum counter. When I reached there, there was no offline ticket counter. It caused me a lot of trouble.
So, if you are planning to visit the Van Gogh Museum, this guide will help you know essential information. The post includes must-see artwork, ticket options, and expert tips to enhance your visit.
Key Takeaways:
- The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the life of Vincent van Gogh and his artistic evolution.
- The museum has a limited number of tickets. If you are planning to visit, try to book your tickets in advance.
- If you miss your ticket, try platforms such as Tourstravelfinder and GetYourGuide for last-minute ticket options.
- A guided tour can help you explore the history of painting and drawing.
- During your visit, explore the nearest attractions and things to do. It will enhance your experience during your visit.
Overview of the Van Gogh Museum
The Vincent van Gogh Museum is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It features the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. The museum is considered the largest collection of van Gogh paintings and drawings. According to statistics, about 1.7 million tourists visited the Van Gogh Museum in 2023.
Early History
Vincent van Gogh is a world-famous artist from the Netherlands. The artist died on 27 July 1890. After his death, his brother Theo van Gogh became the owner of all his unsold paintings.
After some months, Theo van Gogh also died. The collection went to his widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger. She sold many of the van Gogh works. Her ambition was to spread knowledge of van Gogh’s artworks.
There was a private collection of Johanna van Gogh-Bonger. The Van Gogh Foundation became the owner of the collection after her death. The museum opened its gates to the public on 2 June 1973.
Importance of Van Gogh in art history
Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most influential artists in the history of painting. He was famous for his emotive use of color and his bold, impasto paint. His work continuously helps in the development of modern art.
Why Visit the Van Gogh Museum?
Van Gogh museum Amsterdam allows visitors to explore the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works. The uniqueness of this museum is that it offers a picture of Van Gogh’s life. It has a collection of letters written by Vincent van Gogh.
Van Gogh Museum also features the works of some other contemporary artists. Paul Gauguin, Camille Pissarro, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec are some of them. It is a must-visit destination for paintings and Van Gogh lovers.
Exploring Van Gogh Museum Collection in Amsterdam
Vincent van Gogh is Amsterdam’s top art museum. Its collection mainly focuses on the work of Van Gogh and some other artists of his time. The museum has over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters.
Things to See in Van Gogh Museum
Self-Portrait with Felt Hat: The museum has a self-portrait of Van Gogh. Van Gogh painted his self-portrait when he was in Paris. He studied the Pointillists’ techniques and applied them in a new way.
The Potato Eaters: The painting shows a peasant family eating their evening meal in the dim light of an oil lamp. It describes the harsh reality of country life.
Almond Blossom: It symbolizes bravery and courage, purity, hope, and love. Van Gogh gifted this painting to his brother and sister-in-law.
Sunflowers: The ‘Sunflowers’ series is one of the most famous works by Van Gogh. They symbolize gratitude. These paintings showcase his innovative use of color.
The Bedroom: Van Gogh was facing a mental illness problem. This painting shows his inner world and dedication to his craft.
Letters to Theo: The museum has some of Van Gogh’s letters to his brother. Van Gogh wrote around 663 letters to his brother.
Works by other artists: Besides Van Gogh’s collections, there are also some other pieces you will see in the museum. These works are from Monet, Picasso, and Gaugin.
Special Exhibits
The museum authority hosts various temporary exhibitions all year. These exhibitions show the different aspects of Van Gogh’s life. There is a permanent exhibition of Van Gogh. These exhibits allow you to dive into the artistic journey.
Pro Visitor Tips: You can explore the museum easily by following the thematic layout. The design lets you explore his early, middle, and famous works chronologically.
Van Gogh Museum Tour Options
There are several tour options. A guided tour can enhance your experience and help you explore the history.
1. Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide
If you want to explore the museum alone, there is an option for Van Gogh Museum audio guide. The audio includes all the necessary information you need.
Besides the museum’s official website, several platforms provide audio guides. You can try trusted platforms like Tourstravelfinder and GetYourGuide.
Features:
- Flexible timing
- An in-depth history of key paintings.
- Available in many languages.
2. Single Guided Tour Options
There is an option for a guided tour. An expert guide will lead you through the museum. You can book a guided tour on the museum website or GetYourGuide.
3. Guided Group Tour
There are also various types of guided group tours available.
| Types | Number of visitors |
| Unaccompanied group visit | Maximum of 50 visitors per group |
| Self-guided groups | Maximum of 15 visitors and 1 guide. |
| Family Guided Tour | Max 15 people |
| Group visit with an audio tour | Maximum of 50 visitors per group |
Van Gogh Museum Visitors Information
Opening Hours
The Van Gogh Museum is open every day for visitors throughout the year. The times can vary depending on the decision of the museum authority.
The museum stays open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm or 6 pm. The museum stays open until 9 pm on Friday. Check the official website before your visit.
Things to Remember: The last time to enter the museum is 1 hour 30 minutes before closing time.
Van Gogh Museum Tickets Price (Official Website)
| Categories | Prices |
| Adults | € 22 |
| Visitors under 18 | free |
| Students | € 11 |
| Rembrandt card | free |
| Stadspass holders | free |
- Van Gogh museum entry is only possible with a valid ticket.
- You cannot refund tickets purchased online.
- With an online ticket, you can visit both the collection and the exhibition.
Pro Tips: Tickets are available online only. Try to book in advance before they are sold out. Find Helpful Tips to Secure Your Tickets.
How to Book and Plan Your Van Gogh Museum Visit
Check Opening Hours
The museum stays open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Booking tickets
Entry to the museum is possible only with a valid ticket. The tickets are available online only. It’s best to buy a ticket in advance. You can also select the time slot. If you are looking for last-minute tickets, buy them from here.
Museum Location
The Van Gogh Museum is located at Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands.
How to Get Van Gogh Museum
You can easily reach the museum by using public transport. There are several available options.
By Tram: The museum is easily accessible via tram lines 2, 5, and 12, with the nearest stop being.
By bus: You can use the 305, 314, 347, 397, 41, 65, or 852 buses to get to the museum.
By bike: Book a bike from any part of the city. There are several options available.
By walking: If you are already in central Amsterdam, the museum is within walking distance.
How Long to Visit Van Gogh Museum?
The average time to spend in the museum is 2 to 3 hours. This time is ideal for a normal visitor to explore the museum. If you are on a guided tour, it will take some extra time.
What Not to Miss?
“Sunflowers,” “Almond Blossom,” “The Bedroom,” “The Potato Eaters,” and Van Gogh’s self-portraits.
Explore Nearby Attractions
When you are in Amsterdam, there are plenty of things to see. After visiting the museum, explore nearby attractions. You can explore the city on a canal cruise. Book Your Cruise Tour.
Dining Options
The museum has its own café. Enjoy coffee or snacks during your visit.
What is Best Time to Visit Van Gogh Museum?
The Amsterdam Van Gogh Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Due to its popularity, choosing the right time to visit can help you avoid crowds. It allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful environment.
Early Morning vs. Late Afternoon
Early morning: The best time to visit the museum is early in the morning. The museum opens at 9 a.m. You will have fewer crowds during the museum’s opening.
Late Afternoon: You can also visit the museum a few hours before its closing time.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
Weekdays: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Visit from Monday to Thursday.
Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days of the week.
Peak seasons vs. off-peak seasons
Summer Months (June to August): Summer months are peak tourist seasons. During this time, the museum becomes crowded.
Winter Months (November to March): The winter season is considered an off-peak season. These months offer fewer crowds and a better experience.
Worst Times to Visit Van Gogh Museum
The worst time to visit the Van Gogh Museum can be categorized based on the different factors. They are:
1. Weather: Winter can be the worst time to visit the Van Gogh Museum. If you have cold-related problems, try to avoid the winter season.
2. Crowds: Summer is the peak tourist season for the Van Gogh Museum. During this time, the museum faces huge crowds. The price of accommodation goes up. If you hate crowds, this time is not the best for you.
3. Festivals: Amsterdam celebrates King’s Day on the 27th of April. The city experiences huge crowds during this time.
4. Rainy Season: During autumn, rain creates problems for visitors.
Things to do Near Van Gogh Museum
Explore Vondelpark with Kids
You can explore Vondelpark after visiting the Van Gogh Museum. It takes 10 to 15 minutes from the museums to reach the park. This park is a perfect place for Van Gogh Museum family tour. It has a rose garden displaying 70 different varieties of plants.
Visit Anne Frank House
Anne Frank was a girl who hid with her family during World War II. The house was converted into a museum in 1960. The museum is located 2 km away from the Van Gogh Museum.
You can walk from the museum to the Anne Frank House, where visitors can explore the secret annex where Anne and her family lived. The museum required a valid ticket to enter. Check out the Anne Frank House Tickets Tips.
Explore the National Museum of the Netherlands, Rijksmuseum.
Rijksmuseum is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam. It is the largest museum, with over 8,000 artworks. The museum features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
The distance between the two museums is 1.6 km. You can explore Rijksmuseum with audio guided tour for a better understanding of history and culture.
Enjoy Canal Tour
You can explore the city of Amsterdam by canal cruise. There are many cruise options available near Museumplein. Click here to book the Amsterdam City Cruise Tour.
Lunch Option
The museum’s area is famous for its varied and unique food shops. It is an ideal place for taking a break during your museum visit. You can grab a coffee or lunch after your visit.
Van Gogh Museum with Children
Visiting the Van Gogh Museum with kids is fun. The museum offers special access and contests for kids. Children can win a gift by winning the hunt. The Van Gogh Museum guided tour is a perfect option for exploring with kids. The guide will explain the history and fun facts to the kids.
Practical Tips for Your Van Gogh Museum Tour
Buy your tickets in advance
There is no offline counter in the museum. You must book your ticket online. It is best if you buy it in advance. If you miss a ticket from the official website, you can buy a ticket from other trusted sources like GetYourGuide.
Choosing the right time to visit
Choosing the right time can help you avoid crowds. It will improve your experience. During your booking, you need to choose a time slot. Try to book your slot as early as possible.
Use Main Entrance
There are two entrances to the Van Gogh Museum. One is for individuals and another is for tour groups. If you are visiting alone, use the main entrance. It is located in Museum Square in front of a big oval-shaped building.
Big bag’s problems
During your visit, try to bring a small backpack. Large-sized bags are not allowed inside the museum. One of my friends had a tiny purse, but the guard asked her to leave it behind.
Use Museum App
The Van Gogh Museum has an official app. You can find exhibition details, maps, and other relevant information.
Comfortable Shoes
You need to walk for 1.5 to 2 hours. Comfortable shoes can save your legs from pain. They also help you explore more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I buy tickets on-site at the Van Gogh Museum?
The museum only offers an online ticket option. There are no ticket counters in the museum. If you can’t find a ticket, try trusted sites like tourstravelfinder and getyourguide for last-minute tickets.
Is there a guided tour at Van Gogh Museum?
Yes, you can use guides for visiting the museum. There are several options, like a private guided tour, a group-guided tour, and a family-guided tour.
Which famous paintings are in Van Gogh Museum?
Some of the most famous paintings in the Van Gogh Museum are Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms, Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, Bedroom in Arles, and The Potato Eaters.
How to get to Van Gogh Museum from Amsterdam center?
You can use the tram service from Amsterdam railway station. Tram numbers are 3, 5, or 12. The bus is another easy option. Use 347, 397, or 314 to reach the Van Gogh Museum.
Conclusion
Visiting the Van Gogh Museum allows you to enjoy the beauty of art. It has an impressive collection of Van Gogh paintings. If you are planning to explore, make sure to buy tour tickets in advance. Plan your trip today. Find yourself in the world of art.
