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NOTE: Timed-entrance tickets are currently REQUIRED for The Van Gogh Museum. The ticket office is not selling same-day tickets.
How Far in Advance to Book the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
Updated January 2026
The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam’s most visited attractions and the world’s leading museum dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. It houses the largest collection of his paintings and drawings, along with personal letters that provide insight into his artistic development and personal struggles. Because of its popularity and strict capacity limits, visiting the Van Gogh Museum requires advance planning.
At a Glance
How Early to Book:
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for a wide availability of time slots. Some last-minute time-slots may be available until about a week ahead of visit.
Usually through the end of the calendar year.
Best Times to Visit:
Right at opening, or later in the afternoon, particularly on weekdays, are the least busy.
Ticket price:
€25 for adults.
Where to Book:
How to Get to the Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is located in Museum Quarter in Amsterdam South, alongside other major cultural institutions like the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum.
Public transportation is the easiest way to reach the museum. Tram lines 2, 5, and 12 stop at Van Baerlestraat or Museumplein, both just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance. Tram 3 and 24 also stop nearby, depending on your starting point.
Metro lines 52, 51, and 50 stop at De Pijp or Zuid, from which you can transfer to a tram or walk about 15 to 20 minutes. Several bus lines also serve Museumplein, though trams are generally faster and more reliable.
If you are staying in central Amsterdam, the museum is about a 25 minute walk from Dam Square and is easily accessible by bicycle. Bike parking is available near Museumplein, but spaces can fill quickly during peak hours.
Why Advance Tickets Are Essential for the Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum operates exclusively with timed entry tickets, and tickets are not sold at the door. If you arrive without a reservation, entry is not guaranteed and is often impossible during busy periods.
Time slots regularly sell out several days in advance, and during peak seasons such as spring, summer, and major holidays, tickets may sell out weeks ahead. Booking early allows you to choose your preferred entry time and avoid last minute stress.
Each ticket includes a specific arrival window, and late arrivals may be denied entry. This makes punctuality especially important.
Best Time to Visit the Van Gogh Museum
Early morning slots, especially the first entry of the day, are the least crowded and provide the best viewing experience. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays often being the calmest.
Late afternoon visits can also be a good option, as crowds tend to thin after 3 p.m. The museum is typically busiest between late morning and early afternoon.
Spring is the most popular season due to tulip season and increased tourism, while winter months outside of holidays offer a more relaxed experience. Rainy days often bring larger crowds indoors, so booking earlier time slots on such days is wise.
Van Gogh Museum Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
The Van Gogh Museum is usually open daily, with opening hours that vary by season. Typical hours range from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended evening hours on Fridays. During peak travel months, the museum often opens earlier and stays open later.
Adult tickets are generally priced around €25. Admission is free for visitors under 18. Tickets include access to the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
The museum does not offer free admission days, and museum passes such as the I Amsterdam City Card usually include entry, but still require a time slot reservation.
Temporary Exhibitions and Special Displays in the Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes, periods, or artistic influences. These exhibitions often rotate several times per year and are included with general admission.
Because temporary exhibitions can draw additional visitors, they often increase demand for tickets. Checking the exhibition schedule in advance can help you decide when to visit and how much time to plan.
Some exhibitions focus on Van Gogh’s influence on modern art, while others highlight conservation efforts or newly researched works.
How Much Time to Plan for Your Visit to the Van Gogh Museum
Most visitors spend between one and a half to two and a half hours inside the Van Gogh Museum. Art enthusiasts or those who enjoy reading detailed descriptions may want closer to three hours.
The museum’s layout is compact compared to larger institutions, but the emotional impact and popularity of the works can slow your pace. Planning extra time allows for breaks and revisiting favorite pieces.
If you are combining the visit with nearby museums, it is best to schedule the Van Gogh Museum first, especially if you have an early entry time.
Audio Guides and Visitor Resources at the Van Gogh Museum
An audio guide is included with admission and is available in multiple languages. It provides detailed commentary on key works and helps guide visitors through the museum’s narrative structure.
The museum also offers a mobile app that includes maps, additional context, and accessibility information. Free Wi Fi is available throughout the building.
Printed maps are available at the entrance, but many visitors rely on the audio guide to structure their visit.
Accessibility Information at the Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is fully accessible for visitors with mobility needs. Elevators connect all public floors, and wheelchairs are available for loan at the entrance.
Accessible restrooms are available on site, and staff members are trained to assist visitors who need help navigating the galleries. Visitors with disabilities may bring one companion free of charge, depending on documentation.
Service animals are permitted inside the museum.
Van Gogh Museum Rules, Bags, and Security
Large backpacks, suitcases, and umbrellas are not allowed inside the galleries. Free lockers are available near the entrance for storing personal items.
Food and drinks are not permitted in exhibition spaces, but there is a cafe and a museum shop on site. Photography without flash is generally allowed, except in special exhibitions where restrictions may apply.
Security screening is required upon entry, so arriving slightly early is recommended.
History of the Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum opened in 1973 and was established to preserve and present the works of Vincent van Gogh, which were inherited by his nephew and later entrusted to the Dutch state.
The collection grew through careful curation and research, making it the authoritative institution for studying Van Gogh’s life and art. The modern building was designed to emphasize natural light while protecting fragile artworks.
Over time, the museum has become one of the most important art museums in Europe and a centerpiece of Amsterdam’s cultural scene.
Things to Do Before or After Your Visit to the Van Gogh Museum
Museumplein is a lively area ideal for spending several hours. The Rijksmuseum is directly across the green and offers a broader overview of Dutch art and history.
The Stedelijk Museum, focused on modern and contemporary art, is next door and pairs well with the Van Gogh Museum for visitors interested in artistic evolution.
Vondelpark is just a few minutes away and is a great place to relax after your visit, especially on sunny days. Cafes and restaurants in De Pijp and along Van Baerlestraat offer plenty of dining options.
Final Tips for Visiting the Van Gogh Museum
Book your ticket as early as possible, especially if visiting during peak travel seasons. Choose an early or late time slot for a calmer experience.
Arrive on time and travel light to move through security quickly. Use the audio guide to better understand the artwork and context.
With advance planning and realistic expectations, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum can be one of the most memorable cultural experiences in Amsterdam.
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