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Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's best known attraction is the Van Gogh Museum on Museumplein located in the pleasant museum quarter of the city. The museum houses the world's largest collection of paintings by infamous Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh who lived between 1853 and 1890 - which makes it a "must-see" for visitors to Amsterdam. |
The Van Gogh Museum originally opened in 1973 having been designed by Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld, who actually died before it was built. Over 3 levels it contains a permanent collection of Van Gogh's paintings, drawings and letters. The collection is supplemented by works from some of van Gogh's 19th century contemporaries - such as Monet and Gaugin.
The Van Gogh paintings are divided in sections. From his darker early work in Netherlands including The Potato Eaters from 1885 and the Skull of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette 1886 to his move to Paris (1886-88) where he produced many of his iconic self-portraits. Finally we see the more colourful South of France period including The Yellow House 1888 and Sunflowers 1889 leading up to his death in 1890.
The modern new wing was added in 1999, designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa - this is used for special exhibitions and is accessible by going down the escalators from the ground floor.
Naturally, the Van Gogh Museum is very popular and there are always long queues to get in. Consider either obtaining a museumcard or pre-purchasing your ticket online - these will allow you to jump the queue and go straight in. |
Audio tours (9 languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Mandarin) are available for €5 each. There are a number of activities for children: a children's audio tour (English and Dutch) which costs €2.50; a "Treasure Hunt" activity sheet available for free at the information desk for those aged 6-12; children's workshops can also be organised which include a museum tour and creative art session - contact +31(0)20 570 5243 to book.
Other facilities include a museum cafe (free wifi available) and large shop on the ground floor. On Friday nights the museum stays open to 2200 - the central hall is turned into a bar/lounge and hosts different events each week - from live music and DJs to films and lectures.
With its magnificent collection of paintings, the Van Gogh museum is certainly one of the top things to do in Amsterdam. One drawback is the sheer number of visitors - the galleries can get crowded and you may require some patience to get up close to the paintings.
Van Gogh Museum Essential Info Opening Times: Daily 1000-1800 (ticket office closes 1730). Friday open till 2200. Admission Prices (2012): Adults €14. FREE entry to children 0-17 / iamsterdam card / Museumcard holders. Guided tours by art historians can be arranged by contacting cultural bureau ARTTRA at +31(0)20 625 9303. Getting There: Museumplein is a 10 minute walk from Leidseplein. From Amsterdam central station you can take tram 2 (Nieuw Sloten) or tram 5 (Amstelveen Binnenhof) and get out at Van Baerlestraat. The Van Gogh museum is located between the Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk museum. Our Rating: if it was less crowded we would give it 5 stars.
Van
Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 7, Museumplein, Amsterdam |
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