Bucket list experience:
Photo by Jan Kees Steenman
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.
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.
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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.
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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.
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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.
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Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.2 miles]
Amsterdam’s top boutique hotel — beautiful rooms and accomplished cuisine in a historic canal-side building.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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
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
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
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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.1 miles]
The newest addition to Museumplein’s art attractions, this small museum highlights modern and contemporary artists and is home to an impressive array of works by street artist Banksy.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.1 miles]
One of the city’s ‘Big Three’ museums highlights international artists of the 19th to 21st centuries, and features a fine collection of works by Piet Mondrian.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.8 miles]
Amsterdam’s iconic 111-acre park in the city centre is a focal point of relaxation for locals – and perfect for a leisurely bike ride.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1 miles]
Owned by the founders of the Dutch East India Company, this beautifully preserved Canal District house museum gives you of taste of how the 19th-century aristocracy lived.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
From New York to London, Paris to Berlin, here’s our round-up of the must-see art galleries and museums around the world that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
