Your visit to Amsterdam is incomplete without a trip to the Van Gogh Museum.
Located in the heart of Amsterdam, this museum ranks among the top museums in Europe, attracting nearly 2 million visitors annually.
Due to its high popularity, the museum is often busy with bustling crowds and tackling such crowds can be a huge task.
To foresee such situations, you can plan your trip in advance and check out these amazing tips for visiting the Van Gogh Museum beforehand.
This article shares some tips for enjoying a peaceful time at the Van Gogh Museum.
Book Tickets in Advance
The Van Gogh Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, drawing art enthusiasts from around the globe.
Due to this, ticket counters have long lines, and the tickets often sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
So, one of the foremost Van Gogh Museum tips is to book your tickets online in advance.
You can bypass long lines, secure a spot, and gain direct entry at your desired date and time by booking online.
Online tickets provide various options, like basic entry tickets, audio-guided or guided tours, and combo tickets. Providing ease to compare and choose!
Additionally, you can enjoy tickets for special exhibitions and huge discounts on basic entry, which are not available at the door. So, it’s a win-win!
Plan in Advance:
Van Gogh Museum can be very crowded, especially during the peak months and hours.
So, planning a trip in advance is essential while considering the best time to visit the Van Gogh Museum.
Although the museum seeks visitors throughout the year, there are still certain windows when fewer people visit Van Gogh.
The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is from late May to September.
To avoid crowds, skip these months and plan a trip during the off-season, such as late autumn or early spring.
Additionally, it’s less crowded if you visit early mornings or late afternoons, particularly on weekdays.
Also, you must check for special exhibitions, educational programs and major holidays, which are more likely to attract crowds.
Use Lockerroom:
The museum doesn’t allow large bags and other objects inside to prevent damage to the paintings.
If you are directly coming from the airport or have luggage, coats, and other personal items, you can easily store them in lockers.
Van Gogh Museum provides a convenient locker room service near the entrance, but it is only suitable for big luggage or items over 45×25×25 cm.
By taking advantage of the locker room, you can secure your items safely, freeing yourself from the hassle of carrying them around.
If you have heavier luggage, keeping them at your residence or in taxis is better.
Bonus Tip: If you have a whole day planned and can’t find a suitable place, you can use the storage lockers at the Amsterdam Central Train Station.
Start from the Top Floor:
Visitors generally start the visit from the ground floor, making it crowded, and they are also not very sure about what they want to see.
If you want a crowd-free and efficient visit, one of the most crucial Van Gogh Museum tips is to list the paintings you want to see and start from the top floor (third floor).
The top floor is generally less crowded, and as you make your way down, the crowd will have thinned out.
Here are a few things you will see on different floors.
Third-Floor: Van Gogh And Beyond
There, you will see the famous Almond Blossom painting, one of the most famous art pieces there. It shows his love for his family and his passion for his work.
Second Floor: Van Gogh’s Friends And Family
On the second floor are family treasures with sketches from Van Gogh and paintings like The Yellow House.
First-Floor: Van Gogh And His Time
Some world-famous artworks on this floor are Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Courtesan, Irises, and Bedroom in Arles.
Ground Floor: Face To Face With Van Gogh
It mainly introduces the timelines of Van Gogh’s work, story, and self-portraits.
Want to learn what is on each floor of the Van Gogh Museum? Check out our detailed article on things to see inside Van Gogh here.
Spend 2 Hours or More
Whether you are an art enthusiast or just visiting the Van Gogh Museum due to its popularity, make sure to spend enough time there.
If you are in a rush, you might miss the notable paintings at the museum.
On average, visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours at the museum. Even if you are short on time, you can stay for this long.
However, if you have time and nothing is planned for the day, we highly recommend spending more time there.
By taking more time, you will properly be able to appreciate Van Gogh’s art, understand the story behind the art and learn about his style and life.
You will also understand what makes Van Gogh’s art so special and why he is an artist of all time, still popular after so many years.
Lastly, photography is also permitted in most museum areas, with guidelines such as not using flash, cameras or tripods.
So, remember to take click-worthy pictures of the museum and artworks you love the most. Also, carry their messages/ stories home!
Take a Guided Tour:
Visiting the Van Gogh Museum alone without missing the notable artworks can be quite challenging.
If you want to see all the best artworks while learning about their significance and backstories, consider taking a guided tour of the Van Gogh.
With a knowledgeable tour guide, you can be sure not to miss any notable artwork by Van Gogh.
You will also learn more about the history of the Van Gogh Museum and gain insights into Van Gogh’s life and artwork there.
The guide will also share some live tips on saving your time, and you can always ask him one-on-one questions regarding your confusion.
In addition to the museum, the guide can also give you many tips for a pleasant visit and stay in Amsterdam.
If you have any questions about the museum, paintings or other attractions, you can also ask the guide.
7. Take a Break at Cafe
If you want to take a break after visiting the Van Gogh Museum or during the tour, you can sit down and relax at the museum’s cafe.
The cafe at the Van Gogh Museum offers a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for taking a leisurely break.
The cafe’s menu typically features a selection of drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and salads, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, the cafe provides a comfortable space to sit back and enjoy a refreshing beverage or a light snack.
You can sip a cup of coffee there and indulge in the thought of Van Gogh’s paintings while enjoying views of the courtyard from the cafe.
Take a Canal Trip
Once you have decided how long to visit the Van Gogh Museum, you can also plan an Amsterdam Canal cruise afterward.
It is quite popular in Amsterdam and is one of the best and most famous things to do near the Van Gogh Museum.
There is a variety of tickets for Amsterdam canal trips that are conveniently available online.
By booking them online, you can easily secure a spot in advance and avoid any last-minute hassles.
You’ll pass by charming canal houses, historic bridges, and waterfronts during the canal tour.
So, after seeing the artwork, remember this Van Gogh Museum tip to give yourself a wonderful, adventurous treat.
Visit the Museum Shop and Bookstore
After seeing all of Van Gogh’s artwork, visit the museum’s shop and bookstore.
Located in the main lobby just next to the cloakroom, at the Museum Shop, you can purchase various meaningful souvenirs, gifts, and books related to the life and works of Van Gogh.
You can also find beautifully crafted replicas of his famous paintings, a postcard featuring “Starry Night,” a meticulously crafted Sunflower-themed mug, etc.
Additionally, the Museum Bookshop on the first floor offers extensive books and publications about Van Gogh’s life, art, and legacy.
Visitors can check out these books, providing a deeper understanding of the artist’s techniques, influences, and the historical context surrounding his work.
Both the museum shop and bookshop have walls well decorated with Van Gogh’s artwork and portraits.
Go to Rijksmuseum and Nearby
After exploring the Van Gogh Museum, you can see nearby attractions like the Rijksmuseum Museum and more.
Located just across the street, the Rijksmuseum Museum is home to a vast collection of masterpieces by Dutch painters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer.
You can also book combo tickets to visit Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum together on the same day.
Besides seeing attractions, if the weather permits, you can also enjoy a picnic near the museum called the Museumplein.
You can go there with family, friends and locals and enjoy delicious sandwiches or local delicacies.
If you have time, you can also check out the list of the top things to do near the Van Gogh Museum.
Also, if you find these Van Gogh Museum tips helpful, please give us a wonderful rating!
Rules at Van Gogh Museum
- Photography (without a flash, lamps, tripod or selfie stick) is allowed in the museum except in certain areas. It can only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes.
- Smoking is not allowed in any area of the Gogh Museum.
Visitors can’t take certain things inside the Van Gogh, including food, water, beverages, umbrellas, sharp objects, Keys, etc. - The museum doesn’t allow pet animals, except guide dogs fitted with a suitable harness.
- It is not permitted to touch artwork or exhibits at the museum.
- Running or screaming inside the museum premises is also not allowed.
FAQs
1. Are photos allowed in the Van Gogh Museum?
Yes, photography is permitted in most museum areas, but flash, tripods, and cameras are not allowed.
You can feel free to capture memorable moments of the museum and its artwork.
2. Is there a dress code for the Van Gogh Museum?
There is no specific dress code for the Van Gogh Museum. However, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes to enjoy your visit fully.
3. What should I wear to the Van Gogh exhibit?
You can wear casual and comfortable attire suitable for walking and exploring the museum.
4. What can I bring to the Van Gogh Museum?
Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, backpack-style baby carriers, and baby carriages (except strollers) are not allowed inside the museum.
However, you can bring smaller bags and backpacks.
5. Can I take a bag to the Van Gogh Museum?
Yes, you can bring backpacks, but large bags are not permitted. It’s advisable to carry smaller bags for your convenience during the visit.
6. Can you bring water into the Van Gogh Museum?
Outside food and beverages, including water, are not allowed inside the museum. You must consume or discard any food or drinks before entering the gallery.
7. Can I be late to the Van Gogh Museum?
It’s recommended that you arrive on time for your scheduled entry slot.
However, if you’re running late, try to inform the museum staff or check if there are any provisions for rescheduling your visit.
8. Is the Van Gogh Museum worth it?
Absolutely! The Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit attraction in Amsterdam, offering a comprehensive collection of Vincent van Gogh’s artworks.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about his life and art, that is definitely worth your time.
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