10 must-see masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum
Quick answer
The Van Gogh Museum's must-see works are The Potato Eaters (1885), Self-Portrait as a Painter, The Bedroom (1888), The Yellow House, Sunflowers (1889), Almond Blossom (1890) and Wheatfield with Crows (1890), plus Gauguin's portrait of Van Gogh and his copies of Japanese prints.
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The 10 key works, in chronological order
- 1
Dutch period
The Potato Eaters — Vincent van Gogh (1885)
His first major work, in an earthy palette. He wanted to show the harshness of peasant labour honestly.
- 2
Paris period
Self-Portrait as a Painter — Vincent van Gogh (1887–88)
One of his most self-assured paintings. He presents himself as a professional artist, palette and brushes in hand.
- 3
Paris period
The Courtesan (after Eisen) — Vincent van Gogh (1887)
A free copy of a Japanese print, with a bamboo and frog border he painted himself. Proof of his passion for Japan.
- 4
Paris period
Bridge in the Rain (after Hiroshige) — Vincent van Gogh (1887)
Reinterprets a Hiroshige woodcut with intense colour and a decorative border. It explains his Arles style.
- 5
Arles period
The Bedroom — Vincent van Gogh (1888)
His room in the Yellow House, painted in flat colours to convey rest. The first of three versions.
- 6
Arles period
The Yellow House (The Street) — Vincent van Gogh (1888)
The house where he hoped to create an artists' workshop with Gauguin.
- 7
Arles period
Sunflowers — Vincent van Gogh (1889)
A version of the vase of sunflowers on a yellow background, made to decorate Gauguin's room. A global icon.
- 8
Arles period
Van Gogh Painting Sunflowers — Paul Gauguin (1888)
A portrait of his friend at the easel, reflecting the creative tension between them.
- 9
Saint-Rémy
Almond Blossom — Vincent van Gogh (1890)
Painted for the birth of his nephew Vincent Willem. Blue sky and white branches in a Japanese style.
- 10
Auvers-sur-Oise
Wheatfield with Crows — Vincent van Gogh (1890)
One of his last paintings, with a stormy sky and dead-end paths. Often read as a dramatic close to his work.
How to see them all in one visit
They follow the museum's chronological route, so little planning is needed: move through the rooms in order. Our 2-hour route follows the same thread. Some works go on temporary loan, so check the floor plan at the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Starry Night in the Van Gogh Museum?
No. It is at MoMA in New York. The Amsterdam museum has other works from his Saint-Rémy period.
Where are the Sunflowers?
In the permanent collection, in the section devoted to his Arles period (1888–89).
How many Van Gogh paintings are in the museum?
Over 200 paintings, around 500 drawings and hundreds of letters, though only a selection is on display.
Are there works by other artists?
Yes: Gauguin, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bernard and other contemporaries, alongside Japanese prints.