The Van Gogh Museum in 2 hours: the essential route
Quick answer
In 2 hours you can follow Van Gogh's life in 10 stops: The Potato Eaters (1885), Self-Portrait as a Painter, The Courtesan, The Bedroom, The Yellow House, Sunflowers, Gauguin's portrait of him, Almond Blossom and, to finish, Wheatfield with Crows (1890).
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The route: 10 stops in 2 hours
The permanent collection follows the artist's life in chronological order, so you simply move through the galleries. Some works go on loan or are restored: check the floor plan at the entrance for each location. Timings are approximate.
- 1
0:00 · Permanent collection · start
The Potato Eaters (1885)
His first major work, in dark earthy tones. Van Gogh wanted to show the hands that worked the land. It is the starting point for seeing how much his palette changes afterwards.
- 2
0:15 · Paris period
Self-Portrait as a Painter (1887–88)
With the dotted brushwork he picked up in Paris, he paints himself with palette and brushes. See how his colour lightens through contact with the Impressionists.
- 3
0:25 · Paris period
The Courtesan (after Eisen) and Bridge in the Rain (after Hiroshige)
Free copies of Japanese prints he collected. They show his fascination with flat colour and bold outlines.
- 4
0:40 · Arles period
The Bedroom (1888)
His room in the Yellow House, painted in flat colours. It is one of three versions; the Amsterdam one is the first.
- 5
0:50 · Arles period
The Yellow House (The Street) (1888)
The house where he dreamed of founding an artists' community with Gauguin. Notice the deep blue sky and saturated greens.
- 6
1:00 · Arles period
Sunflowers (1889)
One of the versions of the famous vase of sunflowers, painted to decorate Gauguin's room. Look at the thick paint and the nervous brushwork.
- 7
1:15 · Arles period
Gauguin painting sunflowers
Gauguin's portrait of Van Gogh at his easel. Seeing both gazes helps explain their stormy time together.
- 8
1:25 · Saint-Rémy
Almond Blossom (1890)
Painted to celebrate the birth of his nephew, Theo's son. One of the most delicate and luminous works in the museum.
- 9
1:40 · Auvers-sur-Oise
Wheatfield with Crows (1890)
One of his last works, with a threatening sky and paths that lead nowhere. Take a few minutes before you finish.
- 10
1:55 · Letter display cases
Letters to Theo, if you have time
The letters to his brother explain almost every artistic decision. Some are shown alongside the sketch they describe.
Tips to make the most of it
- Take the first slot: the Arles rooms are far emptier in the first two hours of the morning.
- If there is a special exhibition, decide before going in; in 2 hours, skip it.
- On Fridays with extended hours, the mood is quieter after 6pm.
- With AnyArt you can identify any painting not on this list and hear its story.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Van Gogh Museum in 2 hours?
Yes. This route covers his evolution from the Netherlands to Auvers-sur-Oise and includes Sunflowers, The Bedroom and Wheatfield with Crows.
What about 1 hour?
Go straight to The Potato Eaters, The Bedroom, Sunflowers, Almond Blossom and Wheatfield with Crows. That is about 60 minutes.
Is The Starry Night here?
No. It is at MoMA in New York. The Amsterdam museum has other works from his Saint-Rémy period.
Should I rent the audio guide?
It is optional and paid. As an alternative, the AnyArt app identifies paintings with your camera and tells their story.