Van Gogh Almond Blossom (1890): History, Gallery Location & Tickets

Few works of art radiate such tender hope and serene poetry as Vincent van Gogh’s Almond Blossom (Amandelbloesem, February 1890). Set against a luminous turquoise sky, delicate white and pale pink blossoms erupt from dynamic, gnarled branches. To stand before this canvas is to experience one of the most emotional moments in the Van Gogh Museum.

The painting holds a singular place in the museum’s very existence: it was painted to celebrate the birth of Vincent Willem van Gogh, the nephew who would grow up to establish the Van Gogh Museum foundation and preserve his uncle’s artistic legacy for the world.

Tickets & Admission: 100% Included in General Entry

Viewing Almond Blossom requires no extra exhibition ticket:

[!IMPORTANT] 100% Online Timed Entry Required: The Van Gogh Museum does not operate ticket windows at the door. You must reserve your digital timed-entry ticket online before heading to Museumplein.

The Heartfelt Story Behind the Painting

On January 31, 1890, Vincent’s beloved art dealer brother Theo wrote an ecstatic letter to Saint-Rémy announcing the birth of his son:

“We are naming him Vincent Willem, after you. And I make the wish that he may be as determined and as courageous as you.” — Theo van Gogh to Vincent, January 1890

Deeply touched, Vincent immediately set to work. As a harbinger of new life and the awakening of spring in Provence, almond trees begin blooming as early as February, defying the winter cold. Vincent positioned his canvas looking upward into the branches against a bright, clear sky—a symbol of rebirth, affection, and fresh beginnings.

Where to Find Almond Blossom in the Museum

Almond Blossom hangs in an evocative space in the Gerrit Rietveld Building:

• Floor 3 (Third Floor, Room 3.2): This gallery showcases works from the Saint-Rémy and Auvers periods (1889–1890). Here, you will find Almond Blossom positioned in gentle dialogue with Irises and Wheatfield with Crows.
• Atmosphere & Conservation: The room is climate-regulated and softly illuminated to safeguard the delicate fugitive pigments Vincent used for the blossom petals.

[!TIP] Recommended Visit Route: Start on Ground Floor and work your way upward. Arriving at Almond Blossom on Floor 3 after witnessing Vincent’s darker Dutch and Paris periods creates a profoundly uplifting emotional climax.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Audio Guide Highlight: Use track 22 on the museum multimedia device to hear the original letters between Theo and Vincent read aloud.
• Museum Gift Shop: High-quality silks, prints, and ceramics inspired by Almond Blossom are available at the flagship museum store on Floor 0.
• Photography: Non-flash personal photography is welcomed.