In the corridors of this place, you’ll find not only an art exhibition but also an invitation to journey through the world as seen through the eyes of Vincent van Gogh.
The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of works by one of the most recognizable Dutch artists. Although during his relatively short and not very happy life, Vincent van Gogh sold only a few of his paintings, today we know how profoundly his artistic genius influenced 20th-century art.
I invite you to one of the most popular museums in the Netherlands. It is located on Amsterdam’s so-called museum square, right in the heart of the capital, surrounded by other renowned cultural landmarks such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Rijksmuseum, so there’s little chance anyone will miss it.
The museum building
The Van Gogh Museum consists of two interconnected buildings. The main structure was designed by Gerrit Rietveld and has been welcoming visitors since 1973. The building itself is fascinating as it reflects Rietveld’s signature modernist architecture, focusing on light, space, and geometry. It is this part of the complex that houses the permanent exhibition.
In 1999, the museum building underwent partial renovation, resulting in a second wing designed by Kisho Kurokawa, who was previously known for his design of Kuala Lumpur Airport. After a ten-month renovation, the reopening was officiated by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The new wing continues to be primarily used for hosting temporary exhibitions.
Since 2015, museum visitors have been able to benefit from a new entrance that facilitates easier access between the original building and the newer wing for temporary exhibitions. The open, transparent hall with glass panels serves not only as an impressive welcome feature but also provides an additional 800 m² of space to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Van Gogh’s masterpieces and other treasures of the permanent collection
It’s easy to guess that the highlight of any visit is the paintings themselves, which transport museum guests into Vincent van Gogh’s world. The artworks not only represent the artist’s legacy but also tell the story of his ambitions, life experiences, and relentless pursuit of self-improvement. The collection, divided into five periods, showcases the development of his work, from the dark, somber tones of Dutch art to the brightly colored, impressionistic landscapes.
Among the most valuable works in the museum’s collection, you’ll find a painting from the famous “Sunflowers” series, “Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles”, “The Potato Eaters”, “Self-Portrait as an Artist”, and his final work before his death, “Wheatfield with Crows”. Altogether, over 200 of the artist’s original works are housed across three specially designed levels in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
The story of Van Gogh captured in the museum
While some visitors may expect to see mostly paintings in the museum’s halls, the Van Gogh Museum’s collection includes many other mementos of the artist, offering visitors a deeper connection to the life of the Dutch painter. You’ll find numerous photographs, personal items like his paints and easels, as well as his drawings, press articles written about him, and over 700 letters penned by Van Gogh.
Other Exhibits of the Permanent Collection
Interestingly, the Van Gogh Museum is not solely about Van Gogh. You can also explore works by artists such as Odilon Redon and Émile Bernard, collected by Andries Bonger, a close friend of Van Gogh. The collection also includes hundreds of Japanese prints that Van Gogh himself collected throughout his life. On the top floor of the museum, you’ll find 19th-century paintings by artists who were deeply inspired by Van Gogh.
A significant part of the museum is its library, where visitors can delve deeper into the life of the Dutch artist, visual art from 1800-1920, and the history of the museum itself. The library holds exhibition catalogs, articles, and over 4,000 publications, with thousands more documents added each year. The collection also features a 19th-century literary archive from the Amsterdam artists’ association, Arti et Amicitiae.
In search of the “Starry Night”
Many visitors strolling through the corridors of the Van Gogh Museum are eagerly searching for “The Starry Night,” arguably the artist’s most famous painting. Unfortunately, they do so in vain, as despite the museum’s vast collection, this masterpiece is not housed in the same country. The starry sky immortalized on canvas resides at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
How did Van Gogh’s painting end up in the United States? After Vincent’s death, all his works were inherited by his brother Theo. When Theo passed away, his wife, Jo, took over the management of the artworks. In an effort to gain recognition for Vincent in the art world, she began selling his paintings to influential collectors. One such collector, Georgette van Stolk from Rotterdam, acquired “The Starry Night”, and in 1941, the painting was purchased by New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
Temporary Exhibitions and Other Attractions
As mentioned, the new wing is dedicated to temporary exhibitions, which regularly change and explore various themes, all related to the world of painting. These rotating exhibits often feature works inspired by Van Gogh’s art, pieces that delve into topics the Dutch artist was fascinated by, or paintings that represent his relationships with other artists of his time.
If you’d like to support the maintenance and development of the museum, be sure to stop by the museum shop at the end of your journey through the art masterpieces. You’ll find exclusive gifts, jewelry, souvenirs inspired by Van Gogh’s creative legacy, posters, and a wide range of books about the artist. For those in need of some reflection time or just looking to fill their stomachs after the visit, there’s a cozy café right next to the souvenir shop. Creative souls will also appreciate the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild in a special drawing studio, and for an additional fee, participate in occasional painting workshops.
Tickets and Museum Tours
The Van Gogh Museum consistently ranks among the top 30 most visited museums in the world. So, if you enjoy walking through such cultural spaces, it’s likely you’ll want to make this a part of your Amsterdam itinerary. However, remember to purchase your tickets online in advance, as the museum no longer operates ticket offices. Online purchases or through intermediaries are the only ways to access the treasures within. One of the official ticket sellers is the platform GetYourGuide.
When planning your visit to the Van Gogh Museum, consider which type of tour best suits your needs. In addition to regular entry tickets, you can opt for guided tours or audio guides available in 12 languages. Through tours offered on GetYourGuide, you can also combine your visit with other popular Amsterdam attractions, such as a canal cruise or entry to the Rijksmuseum.
Practical information
- It is best to purchase tickets for the Van Gogh Museum in advance. This way, you can avoid standing in long lines and reduce the risk of tickets being sold out.
- Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
