The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are two prominent museums in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, with different collections and ticket rules. The Rijksmuseum covers Dutch art and history across 800 years; the Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the artist and includes its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
- Area: Both museums are in the Museum Quarter, on or beside Museumplein.
- Rijksmuseum: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm; adult admission is €25.
- Van Gogh Museum: Adult admission is €25, and all visitors need an online ticket with a start time.
- Planning: The Rijksmuseum suggests allowing one hour for its highlights if you are short on time.
Which museums in Amsterdam fit your day?
The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum both sit in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, making them natural options to compare when planning a museum visit. The Rijksmuseum suits a visit focused on Dutch art and history, while the Van Gogh Museum centres on Vincent van Gogh and offers timed-entry tickets.
If you are choosing between them, start with the collection that interests you most, then check ticket availability and opening details.
The museums have separate ticket rules, so a pass or discount that applies at one should not be assumed to work at the other. A one-day Amsterdam route from IJburg can help you fit a museum stop into a wider day in the city.
What can you see at the Rijksmuseum?
The Rijksmuseum presents 800 years of Dutch art and history at Museumstraat 1, in the Museum Quarter. Its Gallery of Honour includes works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals.
The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, including public holidays. Adult admission costs €25, and visitors aged 18 and under enter free. You must book a start time, including if you hold a Museumkaart; Friends of the Rijksmuseum and ICOM or ICOMOS pass holders are exceptions.
Short on time? The Rijksmuseum suggests seeing its highlights in one hour. The museum is wheelchair- and mobility-scooter-accessible, has lifts on all floors and welcomes assistance dogs.
What should you know about the Van Gogh Museum?
The Van Gogh Museum is at Museumplein 6, beside the Rijksmuseum’s Museum Quarter location. Its ticket includes the permanent collection and current temporary exhibitions.
Adult admission is €25, and visitors under 18 enter free. Every visitor needs an online ticket with a start time, including anyone eligible for free admission with a discount card. The museum is not affiliated with the I amsterdam City Card.
The museum provides mobility aids and other accessibility facilities. Visitors who cannot navigate the museum independently may bring a companion free of charge.
How do tickets and museum passes compare?
Both museums charge €25 for adult admission and require advance planning, but their pass arrangements differ. Check the official site before you go, as opening details, prices and ticket rules can change.
The Rijksmuseum is free with the I amsterdam City Card. Its listed passes offering free admission also include the Museum Card and Amsterdamse Stadspas. A start time is still required for Museumkaart holders, with exceptions for Friends of the Rijksmuseum and ICOM or ICOMOS pass holders.
The Van Gogh Museum requires an online ticket with a start time even for visitors using a discount card for free admission. The museum does not participate in the I amsterdam City Card, so check its own ticket options when planning your visit.
From Four Elements rooms in IJburg, Amsterdam city centre is about 19 minutes by car. That gives you a reference point for planning a museum day, though the trip onward to the Museum Quarter is separate.
FAQs
Can you visit both museums in one day?
Both are in the Museum Quarter, so you can plan visits in the same area. The Rijksmuseum suggests one hour for its highlights if you are short on time; check timed-entry availability for the Van Gogh Museum before setting your schedule.
Are children admitted free?
Visitors aged 18 and under enter the Rijksmuseum free, while admission to the Van Gogh Museum is free for visitors under 18.
Are the museums accessible?
The Rijksmuseum has lifts on all floors, welcomes assistance dogs and is wheelchair- and mobility-scooter-accessible. The Van Gogh Museum provides mobility aids and other accessibility facilities, as well as a free companion for visitors unable to navigate independently.
For the journey into the museum district, an Amsterdam public transport guide for trips from IJburg can help you plan how to get around.