Best time to go to the Van Gogh Museum
The best time to visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam are weekdays and off-peak seasons, which tend to be less crowded. You can visit the Van Gogh Museum with a shorter queue for a more intimate experience.
Another good time is when any special exhibitions, activities, and events happening. You can check the calendar on Van Gogh Museum official for these special events, and plan accordingly if you wish to attend.
What to eat at the Van Gogh Museum?
There is dining available on-site and in the surrounding area. Take a break from your museum visit!
Eat at the Van Gogh Museum
- Van Gogh Museum Restaurant: The restaurant is in the Rietveld building. You can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or tea, cake or pastries, cool soft drinks, a varied lunch or afternoon snacks.
- Van Gogh Museum Cafés: Cafés can be found in the Atrium and at floor 0 of the Rietveld building. You can relax with a coffee or tea with a slice of cake, or choose from sandwiches, salads, and other light refreshments.
Eat near the Van Gogh Museum
There are also some popular restaurants near the Van Gogh Museum. You can explore the one you prefer.
Things to do at the Van Gogh Museum
Explore the exhibitions
Immerse in the world of Vincent van Gogh, and the stories behind his masterpieces - "Sunflowers", "The Potato Eaters", and more collections will give you insight into the artist's life. There is also a rotating calendar of special events and exhibitions. Check out for new discoveries related to Van Gogh.
Explore the museum shops, café and more
The Van Gogh Museum shops offer a wide selection of Van Gogh-inspired merchandise, including exclusive gifts, designs, jewellery, souvenirs, posters and books. You may find the perfect souvenir here. The Van Gogh Museum restaurant and café offer beverages, snacks, and light meals for a break during visiting.
Enjoy the architecture and surrounding views
Enjoy the Van Gogh Museum's stunning architecture, designed by architect Gerrit Rietveld. The modernist building features spacious galleries, natural light-filled atriums, and minimalist design elements that complement the artworks. The surrounding view is also worth mentioning. You can take a walk and enjoy serenity in the Van Gogh Museum's outdoor garden, featuring seasonal plantings, sculptures, and tranquil seating areas.
Van Gogh Museum map
The Van Gogh Museum consists of two buildings: the Main Building and the Exhibition Wing. They are connected by the glass Entrance Hall. The Main Building houses the museum’s permanent collection, which features works by Van Gogh and his contemporaries. The Exhibition Wing hosts temporary exhibitions.
The floor plan of the Van Gogh Museum’s main building is as follows:
Floor | Highlights |
-1 | Museum shop, Cloakroom, Multimedia Tours |
0 | Self-portraits Museum shop, Museum café, Cloakroom |
1 | Sunflowers, The Bedroom |
2 | A Life in Letters, Family Treasures, Artistic Exchange |
3 | Almond Blossoms, Painting against All Odds Book shop |
Van Gogh Museum's must-see collection
Paintings
"The Bedroom", "Sunflowers", "Irises", "Almond Blossom" and “The Potato Eaters” - These paintings offer insight into Van Gogh's style, use of color, and exploration of light and texture.
Self-Portraits - Vicent van Gogh painted over 40 self-portraits during his lifetime, capturing his likeness in various poses and expressions. These self-portraits reflect his introspection and self-exploration.
Drawings
"Head of a Woman", "Peasant Woman Digging", and “Peasant Woman Lifting Potatoes” - The Van Gogh Museum's collection includes a wide range of sketches, studies, and preliminary drawings, offering valuable insights into Van Gogh's artistic development.
Letters
Van Gogh wrote hundreds of letters to his family and friends throughout his life, providing firsthand accounts of Van Gogh's thoughts, feelings, and artistic aspirations.
Thematic exhibitions
The Van Gogh Museum also hosts thematic exhibitions that explore specific aspects of the artist's life and work, with themes such as Van Gogh's relationship with other artists, his influence on later generations, or his portrayal of nature and the human condition.
*If you are looking for “The Starry Night”, its home is at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Other attractions in Amsterdam
Attraction | Opening Hours | Recommended Sightseeing Time | Ticket Info (Adult) | Check Details |
Rijksmuseum | 09:00-17:00 | 2-5 hour | From US$24.26 | Check Now! |
Amsterdam Canal Cruises | 10:00-22:00 | 1-2 hour | From US$14.92 | Check Now! |
Royal Palace Amsterdam | 10:00-17:00/18:00 | 1-2 hour | From US$13.46 | Check Now! |
Heineken Experience | Monday-Thursday,Sunday: 10:30-19:30 Friday: 10:30-21:00 Saturday: 10:30-14:00 | 1-2 hour | From US$24.77 | Check Now! |
Anne Frank House | 9:00-22:00 | 1-2 hour | From US$17.25 | Check Now! |
Van Gogh Museum ticket
Type | Price (Adult) | Buy Now! |
Fixed-Timeslot | From US$24.28 | Buy Now! |
Random-Timeslot | From US$28.64 | Buy Now! |
*Visitors under 18: free.
FAQ about the Van Gogh Museums
Are there guided tours available at the Van Gogh Museum?
Yes. The Van Gogh Museum offers multimedia guided tours, or you can seek for museum guides for more insights into Van Gogh's life, art, and legacy.
Can I take photographs inside the Van Gogh Museum?
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the museum, but flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed.
Is the Van Gogh Museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?
Yes. The Van Gogh Museum offers facilities such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, as well as tactile reproductions and audio guides for visitors with visual impairments. Wheelchairs are available for loan, and service animals are welcome.
Can I buy souvenirs at the Van Gogh Museum?
Yes. The Van Gogh Museum has a museum shop offering a wide range of Van Gogh-inspired merchandise. It's the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Is there a coat check or cloakroom at the Van Gogh Museum?
Yes. The Van Gogh Museum has a cloakroom where visitors can check coats, bags, and other belongings.