From a young clerk in an art shop to a schoolmaster and from a bookseller to a preacher: Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was all of them. He decided to become an artist at the age of 27. And that decision would change art history forever!
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam manages the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world. The permanent collection includes 200 paintings, 500 drawings, more than 700 letters, and Van Gogh's collection of Japanese prints. In the year 1973, they opened the Van Gogh on Museumplein and is one of the most popular museums in the world. And it is by far the most popular museum in Amsterdam!
The Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam consists of four floors, each with its a different theme and matching exhibitions. The unique and beautiful thing about this museum is that you can learn more about Vincent Van Gogh, the developments in his art, and his turbulent life on every floor. His whole life story is told in detail through paintings, self-portraits, drawings, photos, and his letters.
Van Gogh had a turbulent and short life (1853-1890). At the age of 37, he died by suicide in Auvers-Sur-Oise, France. You can also clearly see in the paintings that he suffered from psychoses and nervous breakdowns. Did you know he painted about 70 beautiful paintings in his final weeks? He must have had a serious issue going on, but it did force him to create the finest art in the world, which we still can enjoy this day.
That disturbing timeframe of his life is also portrayed very respectfully. The entire museum is a respectful tribute to the Dutch painter, an ode to his turbulent life and exquisite art.
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The collection
They have a permanent collection and varying collections and exhibitions. The current collection and exhibitions can be viewed here on this search page of The Van Gogh Museum site.
The permanent collection consists of photos and background information about the life of Vincent van Gogh. Letters to, among others, family members can also be seen. Self-portraits, landscapes, flowers, and blossoms and paintings of his route through Europe are included in the permanent collection of his paintings. Even the paintings made based on inspiration from Japanese prints are included in the collection. In addition, various drawings from different periods can be admired.
You will not find all of his work here. You will not find The Starry Night or his famous self-portrait. But you will find many of his best work, including The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers, Shoes, The Yellow House, The Bedroom, and the Wheatfield with Crows. We loved his painting of Montmartre the most, it was so subtle and so eloquently painted. The typical strokes in his work are so recognizable!
He didn't know how loved his work would be
His sister-in-law Jo van Gogh-Bonger made his dream of becoming a world-famous painter come true. She and her story are also exhibited through photos and letters. That means Vincent never knew how truly loved and respected he was in his life. His fame came many years later, thanks to Jo.
This allowed him to inspire many other painters. The museum, therefore, has a changing collection of different artists who have created their work because they are inspired by Van Gogh's works. Altogether the museum owns a nice extensive collection that reflects the overall life and work of Vincent van Gogh.
Plan your visit to the Van Gogh Museum
Many visitors spend a total of approximately 2 hours at the Van Gogh Museum. The museum is well cooled, which is very nice on a hot day. There are stairs, but also lifts or escalators, so that it is easily accessible to everyone.
Opening hours: Every day from 9 am till 6 pm and on Friday's from 9 am till 9 pm
Tip: visit the museum from 9 am to 11 am or after 3 pm. The busiest times are between 11 am and 3 pm.
Please note: the last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Tickets: Book tickets in advance to make sure you don't miss out on this museum! They are available months in advance. Tickets can be purchased online and offer guaranteed access at your preferred time and date. The cost of a ticket is €19 for an adult, €10 for a student and under the age of 18 years the entrance is free (but you still need to reserve your spot online).
Address: Museumplein 6, Amsterdam.
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