Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam: a practical visitor guide
Quick answer
The Van Gogh Museum opens daily 9am–6pm (some Fridays until 9pm) and sells timed tickets online only; there is no ticket office. Under 18s get in free but must still book a slot. Allow 2 hours, and book 5 to 6 weeks ahead from March to October to secure a time.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
More Van Gogh Museum guides
- Van Gogh in 2 hoursA 2-hour route through the Van Gogh Museum: Potato Eaters, Bedroom, Sunflowers, Almond Blossom and Wheatfield with Crows, with timings and tips.
- Hours & ticketsVan Gogh Museum hours, online-only timed tickets, free entry under 18, how far ahead to book and the best time to visit without crowds. Checked 2026.
- Must-see paintingsThe 10 must-see works at the Van Gogh Museum and why they matter: Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Almond Blossom, The Potato Eaters and Wheatfield with Crows.
- Van Gogh with kidsHow to visit the Van Gogh Museum with kids: a 75-minute route, looking games, free entry under 18, bags, strollers and the best times to go.
Point your camera at any artwork
Try it free at Van Gogh Museum
AnyArt recognizes paintings, sculptures and monuments and tells you their story in seconds, like a personal audio guide. Free for iPhone, iPad and Android.
Why it's worth a visit
It's the world's largest collection of Vincent van Gogh: over 200 paintings, hundreds of drawings and his letters, kept together thanks to his brother Theo and the family. The permanent collection follows his life in chronological order, from the sombre Potato Eaters to Sunflowers, the Bedroom and Wheatfield with Crows. It is complemented by works by Gauguin, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec and the Japanese prints that inspired him.
How to plan your visit
- Book online weeks ahead: weekend slots and March to October sell out.
- Pick opening time (9am) or the last slots of the day; tour groups crowd the middle of the day.
- Only cards and contactless payments are accepted in the museum; don't rely on cash.
- Leave large backpacks at your hotel or in private lockers on Museumplein: the museum has none.
- If you have a Museumkaart or I amsterdam City Card, check whether you still need to book a slot.
- With the AnyArt app you can point your camera at a painting and hear its story, an alternative to renting an audio guide.
Combine it with the rest of Museumplein
The Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt, Vermeer) and the Stedelijk (modern art) are a few minutes' walk away. With only one day, book the Van Gogh first thing and the Rijksmuseum in the afternoon, or the other way round. Lines at both thin out in mid-afternoon on weekdays.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need at the Van Gogh Museum?
Between 1.5 and 2 hours for the permanent collection. With the special exhibition or an audio guide, plan 3 hours.
Can you buy tickets at the Van Gogh Museum door?
No. Tickets are sold online only, for a set date and time. Visitors without a booking cannot enter.
Is the Van Gogh Museum free?
Only for under 18s, who still have to reserve a time slot and bring ID.
How far in advance should I book?
In high season (March to October) 5 to 6 weeks is recommended; outside peak times, a few days is often enough.
Can you take photos in the Van Gogh Museum?
Flash-free photos for personal use are generally allowed in most rooms, but some have restrictions. Follow the signs.