10 Must-See Van Gogh Paintings Around the World

Vincent van Gogh’s genius wasn’t widely recognized during his lifetime, but today his masterpieces are housed in some of the world’s greatest museums. From swirling starry skies to glowing fields of sunflowers, Van Gogh’s paintings continue to move millions with their beauty, intensity, and vulnerability.

If you’re an art lover or planning your travels, here are 10 essential Van Gogh paintings to see in person—and the museums where you can find them.

1. The Starry Night (1889)

Visit: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City, USA

Possibly Van Gogh’s most famous work, The Starry Night captures a dreamlike sky over the village of Saint-Rémy. Painted from his asylum window, this swirling vision of stars and cypress trees is both cosmic and deeply emotional.

Why see it: It’s a universal symbol of beauty born from struggle.

2. Sunflowers (1888)

Visit: National Gallery, London, UK

This radiant still life is one of several sunflower paintings Van Gogh created in Arles. The version in London is particularly celebrated for its rich yellows and expressive brushwork.

Why see it: A masterpiece of color theory and emotional symbolism.

3. Irises (1889)

Visit: J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, USA

Painted in the garden of the asylum in Saint-Rémy, Irises pulses with life and contrasts: motion and stillness, joy and melancholy.

Why see it: A floral meditation on beauty amid isolation.

4. Self-Portrait (1889)

Visit: Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France

This intense self-portrait—one of more than 30—is thought to be among the last Van Gogh painted. His piercing gaze and textured strokes reflect both vulnerability and artistic command.

Why see it: A raw look into the soul of the artist.

5. The Bedroom (1888)

Visit: Art Institute of Chicago, USA

One of three versions of The Bedroom, the Chicago painting is beloved for its calm composition and vibrant hues. It offers insight into Van Gogh’s dream of home and stability.

Why see it: A personal sanctuary turned universal symbol.

6. Portrait of Dr. Gachet (1890)

Private Collection (sold at auction, often exhibited on loan)

This portrait of the physician who cared for Van Gogh in his final months is charged with melancholy and empathy. It’s one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.

Why see it: If on loan—don’t miss it. It’s haunting and humane.

 

7. Café Terrace at Night (1888)

Visit: Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, Netherlands
One of Van Gogh’s most atmospheric works, this starry evening scene shows a café in Arles. The warm glow and deep blue sky are iconic.

Why see it: A romantic vision of nocturnal life, with a cosmic twist.

8. The Red Vineyard (1888)

Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow, Russia

This is the only painting Van Gogh sold during his lifetime. It depicts workers harvesting grapes under a fiery sunset.

Why see it: Its historical significance makes it especially poignant.

9. Wheatfield with Crows (1890)

Visit: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Thought to be Van Gogh’s final painting, this stormy wheat field is crossed by black crows and cut-off paths—unsettling yet beautiful.

Why see it: A possible farewell painted with fierce energy.

10. Blossoming Almond Tree (1890)

Visit: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Painted as a gift to celebrate his nephew’s birth, this serene image of almond blossoms against a blue sky is influenced by Japanese prints.

Why see it: A symbol of hope and new beginnings in Van Gogh’s final year.

Planning Your Van Gogh Pilgrimage

Here are some quick tips for seeing Van Gogh’s works around the world:

• Check for temporary exhibitions or loans—masterpieces often travel
• Use museum apps for extra context on Van Gogh’s life and technique
• Buy tickets in advance at major museums like MoMA, Musée d'Orsay, and the Van Gogh Museum
• For rarer works (Dr. Gachet, The Red Vineyard), check exhibition listings from major private lenders

For rarer works (Dr. Gachet, The Red Vineyard), check exhibition listings from major private lenders.

Conclusion

Vincent van Gogh’s art transcends geography—his canvases are windows into the universal human experience. From a café in southern France to a starry sky over New York, his paintings invite us to feel more deeply and see more clearly. Whether you're standing before The Starry Night at MoMA or the Sunflowers in London, these works offer more than beauty—they offer connection.