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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jennifer Ceaser

Follow the story of Van Gogh’s life through two hundred works of art, displayed chronologically to show the troubled artist’s development. The exhibition begins with gloomy Dutch scenes, before proceeding to classic, optimistic works painted in Arles (such as Sunflowers and The Bedroom).

The exhibition ends with the foreboding landscapes around Auvers-sur-Oise, painted just before his suicide. The top floor holds an extensive collection of art by other leading 19th-century painters, and a wing at the rear showcases major exhibitions.

Don’t miss

Many of Van Gogh’s most famous works are displayed here, including his greatest self-portraits, the Potato Eaters, and of course the famous Sunflowers. Look out for great works too by Toulouse-Lautrec and Paul Gauguin.

Did you know?

The collection originally belonged to Theo Van Gogh, Vincent’s younger brother, who also collected works by Vincent’s contemporaries. Van Gogh wrote many letters to his brother, and these – along with those written to friends Paul Gauguin and Emile Bernard – can be viewed in full (with annotations and illustrations) on the Van Gogh Letters website.

Price from: £15
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The museum is located next to the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein (visitors often tackle both museums on the same day). Audio tours can be picked up at the entrance. Tickets are available online, which will save you queuing at the door on busy days.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, seven days a week. The late opening on Friday evening is the best time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. There’s often a fun atmosphere, with musical entertainment and artistic installations.

Mornings, particularly at weekends and when it’s wet, are usually busiest and best avoided.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Amsterdam

Combine a trip to the world-famous Van Gogh Museum with a spectacular one-hour cruise through the historic canal district! Enjoy passing the...

€34 | Rating 4.00 / 5 [295 ratings]

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Van Gogh Museum - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour (Reserved Entry Included!)

Van Gogh Museum - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour (Reserved Entry Included!)

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This 2.5 hour exclusive guided tour of Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum, will allow you will discover the major works of art inside the world's b...

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Van Gogh Museum Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included) - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

Van Gogh Museum Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included) - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

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Our 2.5 hour semi-private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum will allow you to explore the painter’s life and works with one of our vibrant ...

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Rijksmuseum Inside Out Private Tour With Locals

Rijksmuseum Inside Out Private Tour With Locals

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No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum. But what's the best way to enjoy this attraction to the max? Leave it t...

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Conservatorium Hotel

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.1 miles]

A chic, contemporary five-star set in a heritage building. A top-notch location for art-lovers – it’s just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam’s Big Three museums.

Official star rating:

Sir Albert Hotel

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.6 miles]

A hip neighbourhood locale, stylish bar and restaurant and gentle price point give this boutique hotel an edge.

Official star rating:

Hotel Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.1 miles]

Eclectic interiors, a stellar canal-front setting and the almost perfect location make this design hotel a true standout.

Official star rating:

The Dylan Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.2 miles]

Amsterdam’s top boutique hotel — beautiful rooms and accomplished cuisine in a historic canal-side building.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands

Picturesque Golden Age canals, premier league art, cosy cafés, and liberal urban living combine to make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

The Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam , North Holland, Netherlands[0.3 miles]

The Netherlands’ premier art museum is packed with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, showcasing the finest works of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer. Over 8,000 exhibits are displayed in 80 rooms trace 800 years of Dutch art and culture. The must-see masterpiece is Rembrandt’s massive Night Watch.

Best for ages: 18+ | £16

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.7 miles]

One of the city’s most popular attractions is the historic 1867 Heineken brewery, which has retained the original brewing room with its enormous vintage copper vats and antique brewing equipment.

Best for ages: 18+ | £18

The Nine Streets

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.6 miles]

Stroll the city’s most stylish streets, packed with independent boutiques and vintage fashion stores, the latest Dutch and Flemish brands, and locally-made soaps and luxe toiletries.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Hermitage Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.6 miles]

A 17th-century old people’s that is now the overseas outpost for St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. Lavish, must-see exhibitions of exquisite treasures selected from the Hermitage’s vast collections.

Best for ages: 18+ | £22

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Exterior view of the entrance - housed in a grey stone canal house building
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