The world's largest Van Gogh collection: 200+ paintings including Sunflowers and The Bedroom, plus his letters and contemporaries. Open daily from 09:00 (till 18:00, Fridays till 21:00); adult tickets EUR 25, timed entry, online only, under 18 free. Book weeks ahead, slots vanish fast.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Thu: 09:00-18:00 Fri: 09:00-21:00 Sat-Sun: 09:00-18:00 Hours vary on holidays/school breaks |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Tram 2 or 12 to Rijksmuseum/Van Baerlestraat; on Museumplein |
| Time needed | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time to go | First morning slot or Friday evenings; book well in advance March-October |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.8/10- Value9.0
- iconic9.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence9.5
- Crowd level4.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is it accessible?
- Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors, loaner wheelchairs, and accessible facilities, and Museumplein outside is flat. It's a well-organised, modern building despite the crowds.
- Is it worth EUR 25?
- For most visitors, yes, it's the definitive Van Gogh experience, seeing Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and the wheatfields in person alongside his letters is genuinely moving. It's one of Amsterdam's true fly-in-worthy museums, even if the price stings.
- Is it suitable for children?
- It's calmer and shorter than the Rijks, and there are family-oriented activities and a treasure hunt, but it's still a quiet painting museum. Kids who like art will enjoy it; restless ones may prefer NEMO or a park.
- Can I see The Starry Night here?
- No, that's a common mix-up, The Starry Night is in MoMA in New York. Amsterdam has an enormous trove including Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Almond Blossom, and many self-portraits, but not that particular painting.
- How does it compare to the Rijksmuseum?
- The Van Gogh is smaller, focused on one artist, and more emotionally intense; the Rijks is a sweeping national collection across centuries. They're neighbours on Museumplein. Do both if you can, but on different days to avoid art fatigue.
- How long does a visit take?
- About ninety minutes to two hours to do the permanent collection justice at a relaxed pace. It's more focused and manageable than the sprawling Rijksmuseum, one artist, told chronologically over a few floors.
- Is photography allowed?
- Generally no, photography is not permitted in the galleries to protect the works and keep the crowds moving. Put the phone away and actually look, the texture of the brushwork is the whole point and doesn't photograph well anyway.
- Do I really need to book in advance?
- Yes, absolutely. Tickets are online-only with strict timed entry, and slots regularly sell out days or weeks ahead from March to October. There is no reliable door sale, so book as soon as you know your dates.
Nearby in Ask Amsterdam
- Moco MuseumMuseum0.07 km · 1 min walk
- Stedelijk MuseumMuseum0.09 km · 1 min walk
- RijksmuseumMuseum0.33 km · 4 min walk
- Café BrechtCafé0.63 km · 8 min walk
- Café GollemCafé0.71 km · 9 min walk
Where to stay near Van Gogh Museum
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