7 best places to see Van Gogh’s art in Europe

While Vincent van Gogh’s paintings can be seen in the best museums around the world, the best places to see Van Gogh’s art are undoubtedly in Europe. Born in the Netherlands, he moved across the continent — from the fields of Arles to the streets of Paris — leaving an artistic legacy and a catalog of incredibly famous, valuable, and stunning paintings in his wake.

This guide covers the top museums to see the Dutch artist’s famous pieces, from famous ones like the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to lesser-known gems like The Courtauld Gallery in London, for a unique look at the world and works of Vincent van Gogh.

1. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

One of Amsterdam’s top museums, the Van Gogh Museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the world, with modern, light-filled galleries that guide visitors through the different periods of Vincent van Gogh’s life and work. Paintings like “Almond Blossom” and “The Bedroom” can be admired alongside the Dutch artist’s letters and sketches.

Most famous works

“The Potato Eaters” (final), “Sunflowers,” “Almond Blossom,” “The Bedroom,” “Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat”

Address

Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours

Generally open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily, but can close later on certain days.

2. Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Housed in a Beaux-Arts railway station in Paris, the Musée d’Orsay is home to Van Gogh artworks such as “Starry Night Over the Rhône” and “Self-Portrait.” The museum’s vast Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection provides excellent context for Van Gogh’s artistic evolution.

Most famous works

“Self-Portrait” (1889), “Starry Night Over the Rhône”

Address

Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris, France

Opening hours

Tuesday–Wednesday, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM
Thursday, 9:30 AM–9:45 PM
Friday-Sunday, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM

3. Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo

The Kröller-Müller Museum is a hidden gem in the Dutch countryside in Otterlo. It boasts the second-largest Van Gogh collection, with nearly 90 paintings and 180 drawings. Café Terrace at Night and a study of The Potato Eaters are among the highlights, displayed in a serene, spacious gallery.

Most famous works

“The Potato Eaters” (study), “Bridge at Arles”

Address

Houtkampweg 6, 6731 AW Otterlo, Netherlands

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Monday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (July 7–August 29)

4. Kunstmuseum, Basel

The Kunstmuseum in Basel is unique for its diverse collection of art, ranging from works by Old Masters to Classical Modernism and Contemporary Art. Van Gogh’s paintings on display include the intricate “View of Paris from Montmartre” and “Marguerite Gachet at the Piano.”

Most famous works

“View of Paris from Montmartre,” “Marguerite Gachet at the Piano”

Address

St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland

Opening hours

Tuesday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Wednesday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Thursday-Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

5. National Gallery, London

The focal point of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses some of Van Gogh’s most famous works, with “A Wheatfield, with Cypresses” and “Van Gogh’s Chair” being standout pieces. The grand halls and high ceilings of this must-visit London museum enhance the impact of these vivid paintings.

Most famous works

“Van Gogh’s Chair,” “Head of a Peasant Woman,” “A Wheatfield, with Cypresses”

Address

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom

Opening hours

Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Friday, 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

6. Alte Pinakothek, Munich

If you’re in Munich don’t let the fact the Neue Pinakothek is closed for renovations until 2029 hinder your search for Vincent van Gogh’s most impressive artworks. The Alte Pinakothek is the temporary home for an edited collection of the Neue Pinakothek’s highlights, titled “From Turner to Van Gogh,” which includes one of the Sunflowers.

Most famous works

“Sunflowers”

Address

Barer Str. 27, 80333 München, Germany

Opening hours

Thursday–Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Tuesday–Wednesday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Monday, closed

7. The Courtauld Gallery, London

The Courtauld Gallery holds Van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear,” one of his most haunting and personal works. The London museum’s smaller size gives a more intimate feel when browsing, and the collection also features works by Manet, Renoir, and Cézanne, providing a well-rounded look at 19th-century art.

Most famous works

“Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear”

Address

Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN, United Kingdom

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Van Gogh’s art in Europe: FAQs

Generated with the help of AI

Where can I find Van Gogh’s paintings in Europe?

As a Dutch artist, many of his masterpieces are preserved in the Netherlands. For instance, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is known for having the largest collection of his works. Significant collections can also be found in major European cities like Paris and London, plus other top art destinations around the world.

Who owns the original Starry Night?

The original “The Starry Night” has been housed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York since its acquisition in 1941.

What is the only painting Van Gogh is known to have sold?

Van Gogh’s “The Red Vineyard” is notable not only for its vivid colors but also as the only painting he is confirmed to have sold during his lifetime. It was purchased at a Brussels exhibition in March 1890, just months before his death.

Is visiting the Van Gogh Museum worth it?

The Van Gogh Museum is highly recommended for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. As one of Amsterdam’s best landmarks, it houses the most extensive collection of Van Gogh’s works, offering captivating insight into his life and artistic evolution. An audio guide or guided tour enhances the experience by providing context and stories behind his artworks.

What themes are commonly found in Van Gogh’s paintings?

Van Gogh’s paintings often explore nature, rural life, and human emotion. His works frequently depict landscapes, sunflowers, and starry skies, reflecting his fascination with the natural world. Additionally, his portraits and self-portraits convey a deep sense of introspection and emotional intensity.