The Rijks Museum and the Van Gogh Museum are two of the most visited sites in Amsterdam.
While the Rijks Museum offers a vast collection of Dutch art and history, the Van Gogh Museum transports visitors to the world of legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh.
Due to their proximity, it’s likely to compare their unique offerings and features.
From a broad overview of Dutch art history to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works, these museums offer so much that it is impossible to see everything in one visit.
This article will compare the two museums’ locations and designs, as well as their best ticketing options and unique offerings, so you can choose the best one for your Amsterdam adventure.
Which one should you choose? Our Recommendation
Choosing between one of them is a daunting task, as both museums offer unique experiences.
If you want to explore Dutch art and history, spanning over eight centuries, you should visit the Rijksmuseum.
However, if you are a Van Gogh enthusiast interested in learning about his life and works, the Van Gogh Museum is the place to go.
With a Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum guided tour, you can explore Dutch art and history and the extensive collection of Van Gogh’s work.
The tour includes access to both destinations with a single purchase.
A Quick Snapshot
| Features | Rijks Museum | Van Gogh Museum |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Dutch art and history | Works of Vincent Van Gogh |
| Location | Museumplein 6, Amsterdam | Museumplein, Amsterdam |
| Design | Grand, historic, 19th-century building with neoclassical and gothic elements | Modern, purpose-oriented design |
| Attractions | Sculptures, decorative arts, and works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, etc | Extensive collection of Van Gogh’s paintings, drawings, and letters |
| Time needed | 4 to 5 hours | 2 to 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | €23 | €59 |
| Ticket link | Buy Ticket | Buy Ticket |
Ticket Prices: Rijks Museum and the Van Gogh Museum
The ticket for the Rijks Museum costs €23 for adults over 18, while children under 18 get free entry.
It includes entry into the museum, access to permanent exhibitions, a cloakroom, wifi, and much more.
You can also enter Frans Hals if you select the option
The ticket is valid for an entire day and is non-refundable.
The Van Gogh Museum guided tour costs €59 for adults over 17, while children under 18 get free entry.
The ticket includes access to the museum’s exhibits and artworks under the guidance of an expert guide.
The tour duration is 2 hours, and the ticket can be canceled up to 24 hours before initiating a full return.
A Comparison of Collections
The Rijksmuseum features masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid,” covering eight centuries of Dutch art and history.
It also houses a diverse collection, including Delftware pottery and the magnificent Cuypers Library.
In contrast, the Van Gogh Museum is solely dedicated to Vincent Van Gogh and displays approximately 200 of his paintings, including “The Potato Eaters” and “Sunflowers.”
The museum also houses over 500 drawings and 700 letters by the legendary artist, which provide detailed insights into his life.
Comparing the Historical Significance
The Rijksmuseum has been the national museum of the Netherlands since 1885, while the Van Gogh Museum was established in 1973 specifically to display the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh.
The Van Gogh Museum was established posthumously to provide insight into artists’ experiments with Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
The Rijks Museum’s collection includes works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age artists.
Also, decorative arts, prints, sculptures, and historical artifacts reflect its status as a national institution.
Van Gogh’s collection focuses exclusively on his work, along with some works from his contemporaries, such as Paul Gauguin, Emile Bernard, Eugène Boch, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Opening Hours and the Best time to visit: Van Gogh vs Rijksmuseum
The Rijks Museum opens every day between 9 am and 5 pm. The last allowed entry is at 4.30 pm.
The best time to visit the museum is as soon as the museum opens at 9 am.
Late afternoon is another good time after the daytime rush has passed.
Weekends are usually more crowded than weekdays.
The Van Gogh Museum, on the other hand, is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day except Fridays.
Due to special events, it is open for extended hours on Fridays from 9 am to 9 pm.
The last entry to the Van Gogh Museum is always 30 minutes before closing time.
If you want to enjoy special events, the best time to visit is during weekdays, particularly Fridays.
Location and Design Comparison: Van Gogh vs Rijksmuseum
The Rijks Museum is housed in a grand nineteenth-century building with Gothic and Neoclassical elements on Museumplein.
The exterior, designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, features exquisitely designed gardens and a sculpture gallery.
On the other hand, Gerrit Rietveld designed the Van Gogh Museum, which is located in the Museum Quarter.
The main building has contemporary architecture, and Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa added an exhibition wing to its side in 1999 to provide additional space while also improving its aesthetics.
While the design of the Rijks Museum evokes a sense of national heritage, the Van Gogh Museum emphasizes Vincent Van Gogh’s works.
FAQs
1. Which museum is best for a short visit?
The Van Gogh Museum is ideal for shorter visits, typically taking around two hours.
2. Are there any free entry options for these museums?
Both museums offer free entry for children under 18. The Rijksmuseum’s gardens are also free to visit.
3. Can I visit both museums in one day?
Yes, it’s possible to visit both in a single day, though it would be a very full day.
4. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, both museums require online ticket purchases with a reserved entry time.
5. Which museum is better for fans of Dutch art history?
The Rijksmuseum is more suited for those interested in a broad overview of Dutch art history.
Featured Image: Bruno Coelho