As one of the most prolific, enigmatic and reproduced artists of all time, Vincent van Gogh needs little introduction. Which is why the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is one of the top attractions in the Netherlands. Located opposite the Rijksmuseum on the Museumplein, the Van Gogh Museum displays more than a quarter of the tragic artist’s works.
The museum was founded in 1973 by Vincent Willem van Gogh, his nephew, and boasts the largest collection of Van Gogh art in the world. With more than 200 paintings, 700 drawings and almost 100 letters, it’s a showstopper. Sections are organised based on the artistic periods of his life, including his highly productive final years. Among the 20 self-portraits, more than 100 still lifes and over 200 landscapes are masterpieces such as The Bedroom and Sunflowers.
What’s more, the museum also has works by artists such as Pissarro and Paul Gauguin, who was a close friend and housemate. Gauguin was the recipient of many of Van Gogh’s letters – though his largest correspondences were with his siblings Theo and Willemien – and these provide fascinating insights into his mind. Many of the letters were decorated with sketches.
Things to know before your visit
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Photography is allowed in certain areas
There’s a restaurant and cafés in the museum
Guide dogs are permitted
Some of the museum’s works may not be on display as they could be on loan to other institutions
Opening hours
The Van Gogh Museum is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00
How to get there
By tram – lines 2, 5, 12 the Van Baerlestraat stop, lines 7, 19 the Spiegelgracht stop
By bus – line 397 stops at Museumplein
By metro – Noord/Zuid (52) line, at the Vijzelgracht or De Pijp stops
By car – Q-Park Byzantium parking garage is closest at about 5 minutes’ walk away
On foot – the museum is centrally located in Museumplein and is a pleasant walk from Leidseplein and the city centre
