Van Gogh Museum hours, tickets and the best time to avoid crowds
Quick answer
The Van Gogh Museum has no general free entry: tickets are online only, with a fixed time, and they sell out. Under 18s are free with a booked slot. It opens daily 9am–6pm. The best time to avoid crowds is opening time on a weekday, booking 5 to 6 weeks ahead in high season.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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How tickets work
Unlike other museums, there is no free slot and no ticket office: every ticket is bought online for a specific date and time, and under 18s still reserve their free place. Check the current price on the official site before booking; it varies with season and exhibitions, and reseller figures may differ.
- Book 5 to 6 weeks ahead from March to October; in winter on weekdays a few days is usually enough.
- Buy from the official site or authorised resellers offering free cancellation.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before your slot: security takes time.
- Bring ID for visitors under 18.
Best time to visit without crowds
- Tuesday to Thursday at 9am is the quietest combination of the year.
- The last slots of the day: the pace drops about an hour before closing.
- Avoid Saturdays and 11am to 3pm, when groups and day trips overlap.
- Off-season (November to February) there is more room, though school holidays fill slots.
Other things to know
The museum has no lockers and limits bag size, so travel light. The visit follows the collection's chronological order. The official audio guide is rented separately; as an alternative, the AnyArt app recognises each painting with your camera and tells its story in your language.
Frequently asked questions
Is there free entry to the Van Gogh Museum?
Only for under 18s. There are no free days or hours for adults, and booking a slot is compulsory.
What time does the Van Gogh Museum open?
At 9am every day, closing at 6pm; some Fridays it stays open until 9pm.
Can I buy a ticket on the day?
Only if online slots remain, which is rare in high season. Nothing is sold at the door.
How much is a ticket?
The price varies by date and exhibition. Check the current rate at vangoghmuseum.com before booking.
Does the Museumkaart work?
The museum accepts it, but you still need to book a date and time. Check the conditions on the official site.