The city of Amsterdam has some world-renowned and iconic museums. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are two of them. When it comes to choosing between Rijksmuseum Vs Van Gogh Museum, art lovers get confused about which one to go to.
Both museums offer unique art and painting collections. But they both provide different tastes and interests. I explored both and confidently say that choosing between them is hard. To me, the Rijksmuseum is like a grand library of art, while the Van Gogh Museum feels like looking into the mind of a brilliant artist.
This guide will help you see the key differences between the two museums. It covers what they offer and which one you should choose. Enjoy the article for making the most of your visit. Explore the art, history, and experiences at these must-see sites.
Key Takeaways:
- The distance between the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum is about 2 kilometers.
- The Rijksmuseum collection features Dutch history and art from the Middle Ages to the present.
- Van Gogh Museum provides insight into Van Gogh’s life and his artistic evolution.
- Both museum buildings offer stunning examples of modern architecture.
- Due to the limited number of tickets, booking tickets in advance is mandatory for both museums.
Overview of Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
When it comes to Rijksmuseum vs Van Gogh Museum for art lovers, it is hard to choose one over another. The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The museum is dedicated to Dutch art and history. It features a vast collection of works from the Dutch Golden Age.
The Van Gogh Museum is based on the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It has the largest personal collection of van Gogh paintings and drawings.
Both museums offer unique art collections and are must-visit destinations for art and history lovers.
History and Background of Rijksmuseum
In 1798, the government of Holland decided to establish a national museum. It was a prestige project for the government as they wanted to inspire love and support for the country. On 31 May 1800, the museum opened its gates for visitors in The Hague. The museum’s first collection was 200 paintings and some historical objects.
In 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte became the king of Holland. He ordered his brother Louis Bonaparte to move the national collections to the Royal Palace in the country’s new capital of Amsterdam. The Royal Museum officially opened to the public in 1809. In 1813, the museum was again moved to Trippenhuis.
At last, in 1876, a new building was constructed for the museum. Pierre Cuypers was the designer of the building. In 1885, the Rijksmuseum was opened. Between 1904 and the 1950s, many renovations changed the building’s décor.
History and Background of the Van Gogh Museum
Vincent van Gogh was a famous artist from the Netherlands. On 27 July 1890, he shot himself and died. After his death, van Gogh’s brother Theo van Gogh became the owner of all his unsold paintings. Theo van Gogh also died six months later. The widow of Theo van Gogh, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, sold many of the van Gogh works. Her ambition was to spread knowledge of art.
But she maintained a private collection of van Gogh’s works. After her death, the collection was transferred to her son Vincent Willem van Gogh. In 1962, the art collection was transferred to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. The paintings started to be displayed in 1973 at the Van Gogh Museum.
Key Differences Between Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are must-sees for art and history lovers. each museum offers a unique world of art. The Rijksmuseum is the home of the Dutch Golden Age collection while the Van Gogh Museum is focused on the life of Vincent Van Gogh. Here are some key differences between these iconic museums:
Rijksmuseum Art Collections
The Rijksmuseum features a vast collection mainly focused on Dutch art and history. It has over 8,000 objects on display. The museum also has 1 million items. Some masterpieces of the rijksmuseum are “The Night Watch” and “The Milkmaid.”
The museum hosts different kinds of exhibitions regularly. They show different aspects of Dutch history, culture, and art.
Van Gogh Museum Art Collections
With 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and many letters, the Van Gogh Museum focuses on the famous Vincent van Gogh. Major works are “Sunflowers,” “The Potato Eaters,” and “Almond Blossom.” The museum also has some other collections of Gauguin and Monet.
Museum Layout and Visitor Experience
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands. It is a multi-floor museum with several wings. Every wing is dedicated to different periods and styles. The museum offers a grand atmosphere. It also has a library and a beautiful garden. Try to use a guided tour for a better experience. It helps those who are interested in history.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is small. It is easy to explore because of its compact size. The design of the museum focuses on engagement with art. This museum offers a more personal experience. It is ideal for understanding Van Gogh’s artistic vision.
Ideal Audience for Each Museum
Rijksmuseum:
The audience of this museum is diverse. It attracts a wide range of visitors, including art lovers, history lovers, and Dutch culture lovers. It is perfect for those who want to know Dutch culture and art history.
Van Gogh Museum:
The primary audience of this museum is art and painting lovers and those who are interested in Van Gogh. It attracts visitors who want to understand the work of Vincent van Gogh.
Highlights of Each Museum Art Collection
Rijksmuseum has one million objects dedicated to art and history. It displays 8,000 artworks for visitors. The collection features 2,000 paintings from the Dutch Golden Age. It also has a small collection of Asian paintings.
Some major collections are the royal crest from the stern of HMS Royal Charles, the Hartog plate, and the FK-35 Bantam biplane.
The Van Gogh Museum has 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters. It has the largest Van Gogh collection in the world. There are many oil paintings and drawings from different periods.
Rijksmuseum Must See Artworks
1. The Night Watch: The Night Watch is the most famous artwork in the museum. The artist of the painting is Rembrandt. The painting captures a group of Amsterdam’s city guards. It is famous for its use of light and shadow.
2. “The Milkmaid” by Vermeer: This iconic piece portrays a woman pouring milk.
3. The Merry Family (1668) by Jan Steen: The painting shows a family group singing, smoking, and drinking.
4. “Self-Portrait” by Vincent van Gogh: It is a strong, passionate work. It reflects his unique style.
5. The Battle of Waterloo: It was painted by Jan Willem Pieneman. A grand historical painting that captures a pivotal moment in European history.
Pro Tips: Explore Lesser-known Treasures like La Liseuse, Dolls’ House of Petronella Oortman, and The Jewish Bride with a Guided Tour.
Van Gogh Museum Must See Artworks
The Potato Eaters: The painting shows a peasant family eating their evening meal in the dim light of an oil lamp. It was painted in 1885.
Almond Blossom: It symbolizes new life and hope. Van Gogh painted it for his nephew. He gifted this painting to his brother and sister-in-law.
Self-Portrait with Felt Hat: Van Gogh painted several self-portraits. These paintings highlight his technical mastery and sensitivity.
Sunflowers: The ‘Sunflowers’ are one of Van Gogh’s most famous works. They mean the symbol of gratitude. These paintings showcase his innovative use of color.
The Bedroom: Van Gogh painted his bedroom in the Yellow House. The painting reflects Van Gogh’s unique perspective on space and color.
Which Museum is Right for You?
Both the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum offer amazing experiences to their visitors. If you are confused about which one to go to, here are my thoughts on this.
Rijksmuseum: If you are looking for a combo package of art, historical objects, and many more, try Rijksmuseum. It has a large number of collections which allow visitors to explore. The museum covers the Dutch Golden Age, the Hague School, and 20th-century abstract modernism.
Van Gogh Museum: If you are a fan of Vincent van Gogh’s work, this museum is best for you. The Van Gogh Museum offers you the opportunity to explore his unique style and personal story.
So, if you love Dutch art, history, and culture, visit the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
Practical Visitor Information
Ticket Prices (Official Website)
Here is the price of Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum Tickets:
| Rijksmuseum | |
| Categories | Prices |
| Adults | €22,50 |
| Visitors under 18 | free |
| Entrance EYCA | €11.25 |
| Van Gogh Museum | |
| Categories | Prices |
| Adults | € 22 |
| Visitors under 18 | free |
| Students | € 11 |
- Admission to the museum is only possible with a valid ticket.
- Tickets purchased online cannot be refunded.
Things to Know: Both museums have no ticket counters. You must book tickets online. If the tickets are sold out, buy the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum ticket from here.
Museum Hours
Rijksmuseum Opening Hours
The museum opens every day of the year from 9 am to 5 pm, including all public holidays. It is best to enter the museum before 4:30 PM.
Van Gogh Museum Opening Hours
The time can vary depending on the schedule of the museum authority. It 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. The last time to enter the museum is 1 hour 30 minutes before closing time.
Best Times to Visit
Rijksmuseum
The best time to visit the museum is early in the morning. If you can enter the museum during opening time, you can complete your visit before the crowds arrive. Weekdays are better than weekends. The Rijksmuseum is most crowded on weekends. Winter months (November-March) offer fewer crowds than summer months.
Van Gogh Museum
The best time to visit the museum is early in the morning. The morning offers fewer crowds and more time to explore the museum. You can also visit the museum a few hours before its closing time. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. If you can visit from Monday to Thursday, you will experience fewer crowds.
Pro Visitor Tips: Visit lesser-known galleries at peak hours and the most popular galleries in the early morning.
Things to do Near Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
Walking through Vondelpark
The Vondelpark is located near the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach the park from both museums. This park is perfect for a walk, picnic, or relaxing.
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.
Visit Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is dedicated to the history of Anne Frank. It is located near the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Visitors can explore the secret annex where Anne and her family live.
Explore Museumplein
If you like shopping, there is an option for you. Try the Museumplein area for shopping. Big brands like Hermès, Gucci, LV, and Chanel can be found.
Lunch Option
The museum’s area is famous for its varied and unique food shops. You can grab a coffee or lunch after your visit.
Besides these, If you want to explore more things to do in Amsterdam, click here.
Tips for Visiting Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
1. Book Guided Tour: If you want to skip the line for entry, try a guided tour. An expert can help you explore the history of the most important artworks.
2. Use Official App: Both museums have official apps for visitors. The app can find exhibition details, maps, and other relevant information.
3. Pre-book your tickets: Both museums do not sell on-site tickets. You have to buy entry tickets online. Try to book tickets in advance. Due to the limited amount of tickets, the tickets often sell out.
4. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Covering both museums on the same day may take a long time. So if you want to explore these museums, you must wear comfortable shoes.
Rijksmuseum Tickets sold out? Here are some exclusive tips to get last-minute ticket
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum?
It is based on your choice. If you want to explore Dutch art, history, and culture, you can choose the Rijksmuseum. If you are a fan of Van Gogh’s works, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit for you. Both museums are good options for art and history lovers.
Can I visit both museums in one day?
Yes, you can easily cover both museums on the same day. The distance between the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum is about 2 kilometers.
What are the best museums to visit in Amsterdam?
The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Rembrandt House Museum, NEMO Science Museum, and National Maritime Museum are some of the most famous museums in Amsterdam.
Conclusion
Both the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum offer unique experiences to their visitors. The Rijksmuseum is famous for Dutch history and culture. The Van Gogh Museum focuses on Vincent van Gogh’s life. If you are planning to visit Amsterdam, don’t miss the chance to explore these amazing museums.
