The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam's must-see attractions. Opened in 1973, the museum evokes an emotional experience for visitors, as the galleries follow Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh's often-troubled artistic career of just 10 years.
The audio tour offers interpretation of his work, excerpts from his letters and an explanation of his impact on art.
Visitor Information:
- Location: Museum Quarter neighborhood. Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7 (south of the Rijksmuseum on the Museumplein).
- Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Extended hours on Fridays to 10 p.m. Ticket office closes 30 minutes before museum.
- Closed: January 1
- Phone: +31 (0)20 570 52 00
- Admission: Adults: € 10; Ages 13 - 17: € 2.50; Under 12: Free. Special exhibitions may be more.
- Audio Tour: Additional € 4 (available in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin and Russian).
- Multimedia Tour: Additional € 4 (available in Dutch and English). This new tool offers reproductions, photographs, letters, drawings, interviews, film clips, music and games on a handheld computer.
- Children: Ask about the children's audio tour (€ 2.50, ages 7 - 12) and special "open atelier" weekend workshops (€ 4, ages 6 - 12). Find a "treasure hunt" idea and blank coloring pages online.
- Accessibility: All rooms are wheelchair-accessible and the museum will provide wheelchairs upon request.
Transportation and Parking:
- By Tram: Line 2 or 5 to the Van Baerlestraat stop (which is actually on Paulus Potterstraat).
Line 3, 12, 16 or 24 to the Museumplein stop (five-minute walk across the park to entrance).
- By Water: The Canal Bus and Museum Boat both make stops on the Singelgracht, just across from the northern face of the Rijksmuseum (10-minute walk to Van Gogh Museum from here).
- By Car: Parking is available in the Q Park parking garage at Museumplein. Use the entrance on Van Baerlestraat.
Tips to Avoid Crowds and Lines:
- When to Go: Lines outside the Van Gogh Museum can look daunting, but they move quickly. Weekends are the busiest days; go early on a weekday morning or during Friday night extended hours to avoid crowds. Summer is high tourist season in Amsterdam (read When to Go to Amsterdam for more seasonal highlights).
- Pre-purchased Tickets: Bypass the lines altogether when you buy tickets online (you'll need a credit card and printer) or at any of the Amsterdam Tourist Offices ("VVV") ahead of time.
Shops and Restaurants:
The on-site museum shop, accessible only for paid visitors, offers a comprehensive selection of posters and books on Van Gogh and other 19th-century artists. Forgot your souvenir? You can shop online. Stalls on the Museumplein also sell Van Gogh merchandise.The (in-house) museum restaurant serves drinks, snacks and simple lunch options like soups, salads, sandwiches and quiche. Open daily 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (kitchen closes 15 minutes earlier).
See my picks for Restaurants near the Van Gogh Museum for more dining suggestions.
