Van Gogh Museum FAQs: Tickets, Rules & Tips

Visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a dream for art lovers, families, and travelers seeking a cultural experience. Yet, planning your visit can raise plenty of questions, from ticket options and opening hours to accessibility and must-see masterpieces.

This Van Gogh Museum FAQ guide is designed to answer all your questions in one place, giving you the confidence to explore the museum without stress.

Whether you’re curious about family-friendly activities, photography rules, or nearby attractions, these FAQs provide clear, practical answers to make your visit smooth and memorable.

What to See at the Van Gogh Museum

When people think about the museum, they start wondering, from the largest collection of  Vincent van Gogh, where should they start? Well, here I tried to answer those thoughtful queries.

What artworks are on display?

The museum houses over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and nearly all of Vincent van Gogh’s letters. If you’re in a rush, don’t miss the highlights, include Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Almond Blossom, and The Potato Eaters. Plus, the museum features works by artists who influenced Van Gogh or were inspired by him. 

Are there temporary exhibitions?

Yes, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions related to his life as well as his connections with other artists. These exhibitions show deeper insights and also feature artworks from different collections. 

How long does a visit take?

On average, visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum. This includes viewing the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and time spent in the café or shop. However, everyone’s interest area is different so that the duration can vary.

Tip For Travelers: For a detail overview, read how long it takes to explore Van Gogh Museum 

Are there any interactive or multimedia exhibits?

Yes, the Van Gogh Museum features interactive displays and multimedia installations so that visitors learn about many creative processes. These exhibits enhance engagement, especially for younger audiences or first-time visitors.

What are the most famous works in Van Gogh Museum?

Yes, first-time visitors should prioritize masterpieces like Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Almond Blossom, and The Potato Eaters. Visiting these first ensures you experience Van Gogh’s most iconic works even if time is limited.

Van Gogh Museum Tickets and Entry

While planning, your most priority is Van Gogh museum tickets and from where you can get valid tickets. I would suggest not waiting for the last minute when you find tickets are sold out everywhere. Even if you do, there are still ways to entry to magical Van Gogh museum at the last moment. 

Can I book last-minute tickets if the preferred time slot is sold out?

Yes, check official ticket reseller platforms like Tourstravelfinder or GetYourGuide for available slots or cancellations. Booking early is recommended to guarantee entry.

Are there group tickets or city card discounts available?

Yes, group tickets and city passes like the I Amsterdam City Card provide discounts or include access. Yet advanced Van gogh museum ticket booking is still required to reserve a time slot.

Do you need to buy Van Gogh tickets in advance?

Yes, you must buy tickets online in advance, and choose a timed entry slot. Buying tickets at the door is not possible. So you can not enter unless you book it online via official site or a trusted reseller platform. 

Do I need to print my ticket or can I use a mobile ticket?

Mobile tickets are accepted at the entrance. Printing is optional, but can be used as a backup.

Van Gogh Museum Audio Guides and Tours

Let’s spill some beans on audio-guided and guided tours. Many of you get confused about which one you should book, the guided one or audio audio-guided tour? Here is everything you need to know before you make that decision. 

Is there an audio guide available?

The Van Gogh Museum offers a multimedia guide in several languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more. Guided tour is a perfect alternative when official guided tours are sold out. It provides deeper insights into Van Gogh’s art and life.

Is the audio guide at the Van Gogh Museum worth it?

Yes, of course. Whether you see the highlights or explore the whole museum, the audio guide is helpful as it gives you a perspective behind the arts, related stories, Van Gogh’s life, and struggles. You can travel 

Are there family-friendly audio guides?

Absolutely! The museum provides a family audio guide designed for children aged 6 to 12. The family guide costs €3.75 for adults, €2 for children aged 13 to 17, and is free for children under 13 years old. 

Traveler Tip: These official audio-guided tours are often sold out due to high demand. But you can get audio guided tours with added benefits here. 

Are guided tours available for the Van Gogh Museum?

Yes, the museum and trusted reseller platforms ( With last-minute availability) offer various guided tours, including:

• Van Gogh Highlights Tour: Explore Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces together and get to know about his artistic journey and personal life.
• Family Guided Tour: Discover fascinating facts about Vincent van Gogh with the whole family!
• Van Gogh with other attractions Tour: Discover new insights about Vincent van Gogh and Amsterdam’s other attractions, like The Rijksmuseum or a beautiful Canal cruise.

Can I book a private tour?

Yes, private tours are available for groups. These tours can be customized to your interests and provide a more intimate experience. It’s advisable to book at least five working days in advance.

Can I experience the museum virtually if I cannot visit in person?

Yes, the Van Gogh Museum provides virtual tours, online exhibitions for art lovers worldwide to explore the collection from home. These include high-resolution images, educational content, and interactive features.

Planning Your Visit to Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

What are the museum’s opening hours?

The Van Gogh Museum is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours on Fridays until 9:00 PM. Please note that opening hours may vary on public holidays and during special events. Check the museum’s website for the official Van Gogh Museum opening hours. 

How can I get to the museum?

The Van Gogh Museum is located at Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including trams and buses. The museum is also within walking distance of the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark. 

Is there parking available?

There is limited parking available near the museum.  I would recommend using public transportation or park at designated parking areas in the city. Please note that parking fees may apply. 

Are there any discounts available?

Yes, the Van Gogh Museum offers discounted tickets for students and children. Students with a valid student ID can buy tickets at a reduced price, while visitors under 18 enjoy free entry. 

What happens if I arrive late for my scheduled ticket?

Late arrivals are not guaranteed entry. If you miss your time slot, contact the museum staff immediately to check if rescheduling is possible. Stay at the museum at least 15-20 minutes early. 

Can I re-enter the museum after leaving?

No, re-entry is not allowed with the same ticket. That’s why it’s highly recommended to plan your visit carefully to experience all the desired exhibitions in one session.

What nearby attractions can I visit around Museumplein?

Nearby attractions include the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Moco Museum, and Vondelpark. A visit to the neighboring  Anne Frank museum can turn your day into a rich cultural adventure. Combining multiple sites can create a full cultural day in Amsterdam.

Are there any seasonal changes in opening hours?

Yes, opening hours may vary during holidays, special exhibitions, or private events. Always check the official website before visiting to confirm current times.

Van Gogh Museum Trip Planning Checklist

Van Gogh Museum Photography and Filming Policies

Is photography allowed in the Van Gogh Museum?

Yes, photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but you do not use flash, tripods, or selfie sticks. Photos should be for personal, non-commercial use only. 

Can I take videos inside the museum for personal use?

Personal videos without professional equipment are allowed in selected areas for personal use. However, you can not use flash, tripods, or selfie sticks according to the rules. 

Can I use images from the Van Gogh museum’s collection?

The images you see on the Van Gogh Museum website can be downloaded for free for non-commercial use. Examples of non-commercial use include research, private study, internal distribution at educational institutions, personal websites, and blogs. 

Can I use images of Van Gogh’s works for commercial purposes?

No, commercial use of images from the museum’s collection requires explicit permission. For personal or educational use, images are freely accessible from the museum’s online collection.

Good To Know: Filming or making videos for commercial use is generally not permitted unless you have explicit permission from the Van Gogh Museum.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility In Van Gogh Museum

Is Van Gogh museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the Van Gogh Museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. The museum is equipped with elevators and ramps to ensure easy access to all areas. Additionally, prams, buggies, walking frames, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids are permitted. 

Can I store my luggage at the museum?

The museum provides lockers for storing coats, (hand)bags, small backpacks (up to 45×25×25 cm), and umbrellas. These lockers can be locked electronically using a numeric code of your choice. 

What’s the bag policy for the Van Gogh Museum?

Large bags, suitcases, or wheeled luggage aren’t permitted, so it’s best to leave those at your hotels or use nearby storage facilities.

Are there dining options at the museum?

Yes, the Van Gogh Museum has a cafe where visitors can enjoy a variety of snacks, drinks, and light meals. Please note that access to the café and shop requires a valid museum entrance ticket. 

Are prams or strollers allowed inside the museum? 

Yes, prams and strollers are permitted. However, folding them at crowded times may be requested for safety and visitor comfort.

What is the best time to visit Van Gogh Museum?

Yes, visiting early in the morning or late on Fridays typically provides a quieter environment. Visitors can enjoy less crowded times for a calmer experience.

Are there facilities for visually or hearing-impaired visitors?

Yes, the museum offers tactile materials, braille guides, and audio guides with subtitles to accommodate visitors with visual or hearing impairments.

Tip: It’s recommended to leave large items at your hotel or use one of the many luggage service points around Museumplein. 

Family-Friendly Activities In Van Gogh Art Museum

Are there activities for children?

Yes, the Van Gogh Museum offers family-friendly tours and activities designed to engage younger audiences. Interactive exhibits and special programs make the museum experience enjoyable and educational for children

Is there a family audio guide?

Yes, the museum provides a family audio guide designed for children aged 6 to 12. This guide offers engaging stories and activities to make the visit enjoyable for younger audiences. 

Are there children’s workshops or hands-on activities?

Yes, the museum frequently organizes workshops for children, which include creative art sessions, interactive games, and family-friendly guided tours to make art fun and educational.

What is the Sunflower Circle?

The Van Gogh Museum offers a premium membership program known as the Sunflower Circle. Members receive exclusive benefits such as early access to exhibitions, behind-the-scenes tours, and invitations to special previews, giving an intimate experience. 

What is the Yellow House Circle?

Yellow Circle is designed for art enthusiasts inspired by Van Gogh’s famous painting The Yellow House. Members can get priority tickets with specific start times, discounts at the museum shop and café, and information on exhibitions and events.

Is “The Starry Night” at the Van Gogh Museum?

No, the Van Gogh Museum does not house Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting, The Starry Night. It is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

Are there facilities like changing tables or kid-friendly rest areas?

Yes, the museum has baby-changing facilities, rest areas, and family-friendly seating to ensure a comfortable visit for both parents and children.

Van Gogh Museum Shop and Merchandise

Is there a gift shop at the Van Gogh Museum?

Yes, there is a gift shop in the Van Gogh Museum’s ground-floor entrance hall. Visitors can browse unique gifts, jewelry, posters, books, and souvenirs inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s life and work.

Can I buy items from the museum shop online?

Yes, the Van Gogh Museum has an online shop. Here you can purchase a variety of Van Gogh-themed merchandise, including art prints, books, and souvenirs. 

Are there any special offers or discounts in the shop?

The museum shop occasionally offers special promotions and discounts on select items. It’s advisable to check the shop’s website regularly for the latest offers. 

Final Thought

At the end, this Van Gogh Museum FAQ is your go-to guide for planning a memorable visit to Amsterdam’s most celebrated art museum. From ticket details to guided tours and visitor tips, I got you covered. It helps you organize every step of your trip so you can fully appreciate Van Gogh’s genius artworks without any further worries.