Amsterdam- Go for Van Gogh

Street Mural

The Netherlands is proud of Vincent Van Gogh. He was Dutch and throughout the city there are many murals and artwork dedicated to him. Since he was Dutch, it is noteworthy to know that the Dutch pronunciation of Gogh sounds more like "hoff". 

Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh Museum. The Museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's works in the world. Here are some helpful tips in visiting the museum.

Plan Ahead: 

The museum closes at 5 PM. If you arrive at 3 PM, it may be too late! The Van Gogh Museum has high traffic at all hours of the day and they close down admission when the museum reaches full capacity.  Go first thing in the morning or buy tickets online for a reserved visiting hour. The line to get in is long regardless. The average wait time  in line is about 45 minutes.

Tickets

Friday night boasts extended hours. The museum is open late night and has more of a party atmosphere. There is a dj spinning music until 10 PM.

The Floorplan:

Despite the large and busy crowd, you should have no problem viewing the works of art. The museum is separated by periods of work and divided through a few floors. There is enough space that you could view Van Gogh's self portraits, The Potato Eaters, The Bedroom, and still life paintings in comfort. Make sure not to miss his early work, sketches, and artifacts. His journal, letters to his brother, and easel with paint have also been preserved and are on view.

De aardappeleters, 1885

Journal

Writing and Drawing Tools / Materials

Experience:

The museum is interactive. There are wall sized prints of Van Gogh's work that serve as an excellent backdrop for picture taking. If you want to test your own art skills and paint in the fashion of Van Gogh (grids), there are computers and overhead projections so that you can see your own drawing come to life. The museum is great for children as it is hands on in some areas. See the paintings through a microscope to check out the technique in stroke and materials. There is much to see and do at the museum.

Photography Credits: Roxwriting and Desmond Chow

Van Gogh Museum
Paulus Potterstraat 7
Museum District Amsterdam