Discover Amsterdam’s Musems: Rijksmuseum vs. Van Gogh Museum
Of Amsterdam’s trove of museums, the twin standouts are the monumental Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands’ national museum, crammed with treasures spanning more than eight centuries, and the streamlined, modern Van Gogh Museum, containing the world’s largest collection of works by seminal Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh.
Both rank among the top-tier museums in Europe, yet each offers a wildly different experience. Therefore, if you can only make it to a single museum, we will delve into the key aspects to consider to help you choose effectively.
Comparing Each Collection Highlights
The superstar attraction of the Rijksmuseum is Rembrandt’s colossal The Night Watch; his other notable canvases here include The Jewish Bride and The Syndics. Golden Age paintings also showcase Vermeer’s Milkmaid and Woman in Blue Reading a Letter, along with works by Jan Steen such as The Merry Family.
Furthermore, the museum boasts an impressive 1.5km (half-a-mile-plus) of galleries, featuring blue-and-white Delftware pottery, intricate dollhouses, Asian art, and the splendid Cuypers Library. There are even artworks by Van Gogh at the Rijksmuseum, among them his famous 1887 Self-portrait.
On the other hand, the Van Gogh Museum offers a profound exploration into the mind, soul, and extraordinary body of work by the tormented genius. From his artistic beginnings in the Netherlands to his prolific days in southern France, you’ll experience his journey through fervent brushstrokes and vibrant colors.
Chronologically arranged, the museum features around 200 paintings (The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, The Yellow House, The Bedroom, Wheatfield with Crows…) and 500 drawings. Additionally, you’ll find works by his peers (Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, etc.) and 700 handwritten letters that provide an intimate glimpse into his close relationship with his younger brother, Theo, Vincent’s most ardent supporter.
Our Pick
Choose the Van Gogh Museum for an emotive connection to one of the world’s most complex artists, while the Rijksmuseum provides the grand sweep of Dutch art history.
Location and Setting of These Two Amsterdam Museums
The museums are adjacent to each other at Museumplein, a vast, grassy expanse in central Amsterdam around 10 minutes’ walk from the lively nightlife hub of Leidseplein and a similar distance to the leafy Vondelpark (and great for a post-museum picnic).
The Rijksmuseum occupies a magnificent late 19th-century building, combining neo-Gothic and Dutch Renaissance styles by Pierre Cuypers, who also worked on Amsterdam’s showpiece Centraal Station. Outside, the gardens, adorned with roses, fountains, hedges, and even a greenhouse, double as an outdoor sculpture gallery.
In contrast, the Van Gogh Museum’s main building is an early 1970s arrival designed by De Stijl architect Gerrit Rietveld. Its glass exhibition wing by Kisho Kurokawa was added in 1999, and in 2015, an extension providing an extra 800 sq meters (8600 sq ft) of space incorporated a striking new entrance hall.
Our Pick
The Rijksmuseum for historic grandeur and gardens, while the Van Gogh Museum excels in modern and contemporary design.
History of the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum
Many of the Netherlands’ national and royal collections were displayed at the National Art Gallery in Den Haag (The Hague) before Napoleon relocated them to the new capital’s Royal Palace on Amsterdam’s Dam Square in 1808. The collections continued to shift locations until a design competition was held to construct a permanent home befitting of the works on display. Construction of the Rijksmuseum began in 1876, and it opened its doors in 1885. A decade-long, multimillion-euro renovation was completed in 2013.
In contrast, the founding of the Van Gogh Museum was more personal: Vincent died in 1890, having sold only one painting in his lifetime. He bequeathed his works to his brother, Theo, who passed away the following year. Theo’s widow, Jo Van Gogh-Bonger, inherited the collection. When she died in 1925, she passed it on to her son Vincent Willem van Gogh, who loaned it to Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum (also situated at Museumplein) until the government commissioned this dedicated museum, which finally opened in 1973.
Our Pick
The Rijksmuseum for national history, while the Van Gogh Museum excels in family history.
How Long Does It Take to See the Museums?
The Rijksmuseum’s size and the scale of its collections, with around 8000 pieces on display at any time, necessitate ample time for exploration. Therefore, allocate at least four to five hours to enjoy it fully.
Conversely, visits to the Van Gogh Museum typically take around two hours, although enthusiasts will want to linger longer.
Our Pick
The Van Gogh Museum if you are on a tight schedule, but the Rijksmuseum allows for a day of inclusive art exploration.
Opening Hours and Best Times to Visit
Aim to visit either museum first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, particularly midweek, to experience them at their quietest. The Rijksmuseum opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM year-round. Meanwhile, opening hours for the Van Gogh Museum vary seasonally: during the warmer months (March/April to September/October), hours typically span from 9 AM or 10 AM to 5 PM or 6 PM, with extended hours to 9 PM on Fridays. The rest of the year, it’s normally from 10 AM to 5 PM (to 6 PM on weekends), closing entirely on Mondays in mid-winter.
For the most accurate hours, check the museums’ websites.
Our Pick
The Rijksmuseum for consistent hours year-round, while the Van Gogh Museum offers longer hours in season.
Ticket Information for Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
Entry to the Rijksmuseum costs €20 for adults; admission is free for visitors aged 18 and under. There are no student discounts, and the sculpture gardens are complimentary. Meanwhile, tickets for the Van Gogh Museum cost €19 per adult, with free admission for children under 18 years old. On weekdays, students can enter for €10 with valid ID.
Both museums require you to pre-book tickets online and choose a time for your visit, as entry time slots are essential.
Our Pick
The Van Gogh Museum is marginally cheaper, although you may spend longer at the Rijksmuseum, potentially making it more cost-effective overall.
Tours of Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum
Check the museums’ websites for current details regarding guided tours, which may be subject to restrictions.
The Rijksmuseum app is available for download from the Apple app store or Google Play. This convenient, free multilingual app allows you to create your preferred route through the museum based on your interests.
Multimedia guides in multiple languages for the Van Gogh Museum normally cost €5 for adults and €3 for visitors under 18 years old, with disinfection of the devices after use; it’s advisable to reserve one online when planning your visit.
Our Pick
The Rijksmuseum for its customizable app, while the Van Gogh Museum excels with its ready-made audio tour.
Which Museum Has the Best Dining Options?
Cafes and espresso bars are available at both the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. However, the Rijksmuseum features a destination restaurant, Rijks, that uses locally sourced produce in exquisitely presented dishes inspired by traditional Dutch recipes, earning it a Michelin star.
Our Pick
Both museums offer excellent cafes, but for a meal to rival the artworks, the Rijksmuseum is your best choice.
Conclusion: Choose Between Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
Ultimately, if you’re an art-history enthusiast and a fan of the Dutch masters, visiting the Rijksmuseum will not disappoint. However, fans of Van Gogh’s works should seize the opportunity to witness his masterpieces in one place. Should you find it challenging to visit both museums during your trip, you may always consider returning to Amsterdam in the future.
