Van Gogh Museum Opening Hours, Tickets & Best Time To Visit In 2025

The first thing you notice in the Van Gogh museum isn’t the crowds or the hush; it’s the color. At the Van Gogh Museum, your eyes are immediately taken by the vibrant colors that fill every gallery. Vivid yellows, deep blues, and brushstrokes so alive they almost hum.

That’s the magic waiting inside the Van Gogh Museum. This world‑famous gallery draws over 2 million visitors a year. So, without knowing the Van Gogh Museum opening hours or securing your Van Gogh Museum tickets in advance, that magic can quickly turn into a blur of long queues, sold‑out slots, and rushed gallery walks that leave you feeling you missed something important.

This guide will walk you through the opening hours, best visiting times, and simple tricks smart tourists use to make their visit unforgettable.

A Quick Checklist If you want to Skip the Details 

When it comes to timing, these things are equally important. So, here’s a checklist for you, which always makes my trip easier: 

What Are the Van Gogh Museum Opening Hours in 2025?

You can fly all the way to the Van Gogh museum and learn about all the best things to do,  but you’ll ruin your trip if you don’t know the opening hours. Here, the Van Gogh Museum strictly enforces rules about timing and last admission. No entry is permitted after the cutoff, even if you’re in line.

The exhibitions, gift shop, and museum cafe are open during museum hours. So, to avoid disappointment, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your ticket’s start time, especially on busy days. Here’s all the information you need:

Important To Know: The last entry is 30 minutes before closing. So plan enough time to enjoy the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibits without rushing.

What is the Best Time to visit Van Gogh to fit your itinerary?

If you want to truly enjoy the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, timing is everything. 

Early mornings:  Just as the doors open at 9:00 AM, the galleries are quieter. and you can stand in front of  Vincent Van Gogh’s works, such as The Potato Eaters or Sunflowers, without feeling like you’re part of a crowd. 

Weekdays: Friday evenings are another secret gem. With the extended hours, you’ll see everything slows down; locals often stop by after work, and there’s a different energy in the air, almost like the art is yours to discover at leisure. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. 

Midday: Between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the museum is open at its fullest, especially during summer or school holidays. I still remember weaving through a packed gallery on a Saturday afternoon, catching only short glimpses of Almond Blossom between shoulders and cameras. Beautiful, yes, but far from the immersive experience Van Gogh deserves.

Peak season (April–August & holidays): Expect heavier crowds and faster ticket sell-outs, so book well in advance and aim for early mornings or late Fridays.

Off-season (November–March): Quieter galleries and more ticket availability, though weekends can still be busy.

Tickets can sell out days, even weeks, in advance, particularly on weekends or around special events. That’s why a little planning makes such a big difference. 

Tips: Explore the must-see features of the Van Gogh Museum, and save it for your entire trip (and thank me later!). 

How Long Should You Plan for Your Visit?

Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Van Gogh Museum comfortably, and that allows time for more than just the highlights. Whether you’re an art lover or someone curious to understand Van Gogh’s life through his work, this gives you the best balance between immersion and enjoyment. 

Want to move quickly?

If you’re short on time, focus on the ground floor, where the must-see pieces like Sunflowers, Self-Portraits, and The Potato Eaters are displayed. Even in about 45–60 minutes, you can catch the essence of his genius. Remember to grab the highlights checklist by the entrance and enjoy. 

More time to spare?

If you have 2–2.5 hours, you can comfortably admire how Van Gogh’s style evolved from his early Dutch works to the bold colors of Arles and the emotional intensity of Les Misérables landscapes. 

Add another 30–45 minutes if you’d like to explore a temporary exhibition or explore through his hundreds of letters and sketches along with his collection of artworks. In addition, you can pause for a coffee in the museum café or even browse the shop for a creative memento. 

I once spent nearly 3 hours inside, diving deep into Wheatfield with Crows near the end of the upper floor. By the time I reached the café, I wished I had another hour to stay. Even though I’d left space for a stop at the gift store, the time slipped away so naturally. 

In the next section, we’ll walk you through where to get your Van Gogh Museum tickets, including some smart options that let you skip the stress and even pair your visit with other uniquely Amsterdam experiences.

Where to Get Tickets & Why You Should Book Early

If there’s one thing that can make or break your visit to the Van Gogh Museum, it’s your ticket. Unlike many attractions, tickets here are only sold online, and they often sell out days or even weeks in advance during peak seasons. 

Nothing disappoints more than standing in front of that beautiful glass building at Museumplein, ready to step inside, only to realize there’s no entry slot left.

Start with the Official Website

The Van Gogh Museum’s official site should be your first stop for booking standard tickets. It’s simple and secure, and you can lock in your preferred date and time. Unfortunately, they really have limited tickets and no chance of tickets at the last minute. 

If you want to make your experience a little more special (and a lot less stressful), there are some excellent smart-ticket options for Van Gogh that travelers love, especially for first-timers, families, and anyone who wants more than just a quick walk-through.

Skip the Line & Secure Your Spot

Van Gogh Museum Tickets. These are time-savers. Walk right past the long entry queues and start exploring Van Gogh’s world. If your travel schedule is tight (or you simply hate waiting), this is a lifesaver. It’s like buying yourself more time with Sunflowers and Starry Night.

A Perfect Pairing of Art & Canals

Van Gogh Museum + City Canal Cruise. Few things are more quintessentially Amsterdam than drifting along its historic canals. Pairing your museum visit with a scenic canal cruise makes for a perfect day: an inspiring morning with Van Gogh, followed by a relaxing boat ride through the city’s heart.

See the Art Through Expert Eyes

Van Gogh’s story is as fascinating as his art, and with a knowledgeable guide, every painting becomes a conversation. Guided Museum Tour, this option is highly recommended if you want to deeply understand his struggles, inspirations, and creative evolution. 

Make It a Day of Masterpieces (Pairing Right)

Why stop at one world-class museum when you can explore two? This combo ticket, Van Gogh + Rijksmuseum Combo,  gives you access to both the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Home to Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s luminous works. 

Accessibility & Visitor-Friendly Features

The Van Gogh Museum goes out of its way to make art accessible to everyone, and they really deliver on that promise.

• Wheelchair visitors and those with mobility needs get priority entry and can bring a companion for free. With polite seating at the entrance, parking, a dedicated drop-off space, and both entrances (Museumplein and Paulus Potterstraat) are designed with accessibility in mind. 
• You’ll find loaner wheelchairs, mobility scooters (up to 500 kg), and foldable seats available if you reserve in advance or ask at the desk on arrival. 
• The museum layout is generous. Wide galleries, threshold-free doors, and lifts connecting every floor. 
• The cloakroom lockers are conveniently placed, with certain touch‑screen options labeled “wheelchair accessible,” so you’ll never struggle to reach yours. 
• For visitors with visual or hearing impairments, or who need extra support, special sign-language tours and tactile experiences (like the Sunflowers 3D sensory activity) are available. 

Planning more? Pair your Van Gogh visit with nearby attractions like the Rijksmuseum (just a five-minute walk away) or Vondelpark for a relaxing post-gallery tour. Combining museums helps you stay in the same area and have a more enriching experience. 

FAQs About The Van Gogh Museum Opening Hours

Can I take photos inside the museum?

Yes. However, non-flash photography is allowed, but please avoid using tripods or selfie sticks. Remember to be considerate of other visitors and the delicate artworks while snapping your favorite moments.

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 accommodation or use nearby storage facilities.

Does the museum host special events?

Yes. keep an eye out for Vincent on Friday, a special evening program with music, talks, and creative workshops (usually on selected Fridays).

How do I get to the Van Gogh Museum using public transport?

The Van Gogh Museum is easy to reach by public transport. Take tram 2, 5, or 12 to Van Baerlestraat, or tram 3, 5, or 12 (and buses 347/357) to Museumplein. From Central Station, trams 2 or 12 go directly, or use metro 52 and transfer to a tram. For the best route, check 9292.nl.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Van Gogh Museum is stepping into Van Gogh’s world, feeling the emotion behind his bold strokes, and discovering the stories in colors. Knowing the Van Gogh Museum opening hours helps you plan better, so you can avoid the rush and give yourself the time to really connect with his work. 

Hope you’ll make the day feel like more than just sightseeing; make it a memory. Book your tickets in advance, slow down, and let the Van Gogh Museum surprise you.