Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam — Tickets, Hours, Tours & Everything You Need to Know

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh. With over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and more than 700 letters, it offers an unparalleled insight into the life and art of one of history's most influential painters. Located on Museumplein, the museum attracts over 1.6 million visitors each year.

About the Museum

The museum opened in 1973 in a building designed by Gerrit Rietveld, a leading figure of the De Stijl movement. A second wing, designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, was added in 1999 to host temporary exhibitions. Together, the two buildings create one of the most important art museums in the Netherlands.

The permanent collection spans the entirety of Van Gogh's career, from his early Dutch period through his time in Paris, Arles, Saint-Remy and Auvers-sur-Oise. The museum also holds significant works by contemporaries such as Paul Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Claude Monet, providing context for Van Gogh's artistic development.

Opening Hours

Tickets & Prices

All visits to the Van Gogh Museum require a timed-entry ticket booked in advance online. Walk-up tickets are generally not available, and the museum frequently sells out, especially during peak season (April through September) and school holidays.

• Adults: €20
• Children (under 18): Free
• Museumkaart holders: Free (time slot reservation still required)
• I Amsterdam City Card: Included

Tickets can be purchased through the official Van Gogh Museum ticket page. Booking a few days in advance is recommended, particularly for weekend visits.

Skip the Line & Fast Track Tips

Because the Van Gogh Museum uses a timed-entry system, there are no traditional queues. However, some time slots are more popular than others. To minimize waiting times:

• Book the earliest available morning slot (09:00) on a weekday
• Friday evenings (17:00 – 21:00) tend to be quieter and offer a more relaxed atmosphere
• Avoid visiting during Dutch school holidays and the summer months of July and August
• Arrive at your booked time slot — late arrivals may face short delays

Guided Tours & Audio Guide

The museum offers several ways to enhance your visit:

• Multimedia guide: Available for €3.50, the digital guide provides background information on key works and is available in multiple languages
• Group guided tours: Available for pre-booked groups, led by experienced museum guides
• Private tours: Can be arranged through external tour operators for a more personalized experience

Several third-party operators also offer combined tours that include the Van Gogh Museum along with a canal cruise or a visit to the Rijksmuseum.

Combination Tickets

A popular option for visitors is the Van Gogh Museum combined with an Amsterdam canal cruise. These packages typically include skip-the-line museum entry and a one-hour boat tour through Amsterdam's historic canals. Combination tickets for the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are also available through various platforms.

What to See Inside

The permanent collection is arranged chronologically across the museum's floors, allowing you to follow Van Gogh's artistic journey from beginning to end. Highlights include:

• Sunflowers (1889) — One of the most recognizable paintings in the world, this work from the Arles period is a centerpiece of the collection
• The Bedroom (1888) — Van Gogh's famous depiction of his bedroom in the Yellow House in Arles
• Almond Blossom (1890) — Painted for his newborn nephew, this serene work shows the influence of Japanese printmaking
• Self-Portraits — The museum holds a remarkable series of self-portraits spanning different periods of the artist's life
• The Potato Eaters (1885) — Van Gogh's ambitious early masterwork from his Dutch period

The museum also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions. The current exhibition is "Matthew Wong | Vincent van Gogh," which explores connections between the two artists across different eras.

How to Get There

Practical Tips

• The cloakroom is free of charge. Large bags must be stored before entering the galleries.
• Photography without flash is permitted in the permanent collection, but not in temporary exhibitions.
• The museum shop on the ground floor offers a wide selection of books, prints and Van Gogh-themed items.
• A cafe is located on the ground floor with views over Museumplein.
• Plan approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough visit.
• The museum is fully accessible for visitors with mobility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions