Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum houses the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh — over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters. The exhibition chronologically tells the story of a genius who sold only one painting in his lifetime and is now one of the most influential artists of all time.

The Collection

The museum guides visitors through Van Gogh's life stages: The dark Dutch beginnings (The Potato Eaters), the Parisian Impressionist phase, the bright period in Arles (Sunflowers, The Yellow House, Starry Night Over the Rhône), the dramatic ear episode, and the last feverish works in Auvers-sur-Oise (Wheatfield with Crows).

The letters to his brother Theo are particularly touching — they show Van Gogh as a brilliant thinker who reflected on his art with almost scientific precision. The combination of paintings and letters makes this museum uniquely personal.

Practical Information

The museum is extremely popular — tickets are often sold out weeks in advance. Be sure to book online in advance (choose a time slot). The visit takes about 2–3 hours. No photography allowed in the exhibition rooms. The museum shop (Sunflowers on everything imaginable) is huge.