Few paintings in the world stir the soul quite like Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night. With its swirling sky, glowing moon, and dreamlike atmosphere, it has become one of the most recognizable masterpieces of all time. But while prints of it hang in homes across the world, seeing the original in person is a very different experience—emotional, powerful, and unforgettable.
So where can you see The Starry Night in person? And what should you know before you go? In this guide, we’ll reveal where the iconic painting is housed, what to expect when visiting, and how you can explore Van Gogh’s related works and artistic legacy across the globe.
The Home of The Starry Night: Museum of Modern Art, New York
Why Is The Starry Night in New York?
If you’re hoping to find The Starry Night in Van Gogh’s native Netherlands or in the South of France where it was painted, you might be surprised—it’s actually in the United States. The painting has been part of the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City since 1941.
- MoMA acquired the painting through a donation from the Lillie P. Bliss Bequest
- It has remained one of the museum’s most visited and treasured pieces
- The work is displayed in MoMA’s galleries alongside other modern masters like Picasso, Matisse, and Cézanne
Visiting MoMA: What to Know
To view The Starry Night in person:
- Location: 11 W 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
- Gallery: It is typically housed in the Painting and Sculpture Galleries on the 5th floor
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or late evenings are less crowded
- Tickets: General admission ranges from $14–$30 depending on age and membership status
Expect to find the painting displayed behind protective glass with adequate lighting and ample space for viewing. Still, because of its fame, it attracts large crowds—so be patient to get a clear look.
Why Is The Starry Night So Iconic?
Painted from Isolation and Imagination
The Starry Night was painted in June 1889 while Van Gogh was voluntarily interned at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Though it captures the night sky outside his window, it’s far from a realistic representation—it’s a blend of imagination, memory, and symbolism.
- The swirling sky reflects his turbulent mental state
- The village is thought to be based on his hometown in the Netherlands
- The cypress trees suggest a connection between earth and the heavens
For more insight into Van Gogh’s time in the asylum, explore our article on Life at Saint-Rémy: Van Gogh’s Time in the Asylum.
A Signature of His Genius
The painting’s expressive brushwork and bold color palette are quintessential Van Gogh. It combines his deep emotional sensitivity with a unique vision of the cosmos. That’s why it remains a defining example of Post-Impressionist art—and why it moves millions each year.
Other Places to Explore Van Gogh’s Art
While The Starry Night itself is at MoMA, Van Gogh’s spirit can be found in museums and galleries across the world. If you’re a true fan, you’ll want to add these destinations to your travel list.
1. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
This is the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s work, housing over 200 paintings and 500 drawings. Although The Starry Night is not there, many of his other masterpieces are—including:
- Sunflowers (1889)
- The Bedroom (1888)
- Wheatfield with Crows (1890)
The museum also features letters between Vincent and his brother Theo, providing intimate insight into his mind and process.
2. Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Housed in a former train station, this museum is home to many iconic works by Van Gogh created during his years in France. Highlights include:
- Starry Night Over the Rhône (1888)
- Self-Portrait (1889)
- The Church at Auvers (1890)
These works offer variations of his night sky themes and show his stylistic development across time and location.
3. Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, Netherlands
Located in a serene forest, this lesser-known museum contains the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world. It’s a quieter, more intimate experience and includes:
- The Café Terrace at Night (1888)
- Sorrowing Old Man (At Eternity’s Gate) (1890)
- Multiple landscape studies and figure drawings
4. Other Notable Locations
- Art Institute of Chicago: Holds The Bedroom (one of three versions)
- National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.: Exhibits rotating Van Gogh pieces
- Van Gogh House, Zundert: Birthplace and childhood home turned museum
If you can’t make it in person, you can still celebrate his brilliance with Vincent van Gogh wall art prints that honor his greatest works for your own space.
Tips for Viewing Van Gogh’s Masterpieces in Person
Prepare for Crowds and Security
Van Gogh’s works are heavily protected and highly visited. Expect:
- Security glass and distance barriers
- Timed entry tickets at top museums
- Crowds that can obstruct full views
Plan accordingly—arrive early, or opt for VIP and member hours if available.
Observe the Details Up Close
Seeing a Van Gogh painting in person allows you to appreciate:
- The thickness of the brushstrokes, also known as impasto
- The subtle shifts in color and texture that aren’t visible in prints
- The emotional charge that resonates from standing in front of the original canvas
Take Time to Reflect
Don’t rush. Choose a few works to study deeply rather than trying to see everything. Van Gogh’s paintings reward quiet, prolonged attention.
Virtual Options: Bringing the Masterpiece Home
Can’t travel to New York or Amsterdam? You can still enjoy Van Gogh’s vision through:
- Virtual tours of MoMA, the Van Gogh Museum, and Musée d’Orsay
- Museum-quality canvas wall art that recreates his works with vibrant detail
- Art books and letter collections that give context to his process
For collectors and enthusiasts, our Vincent van Gogh wall art collection offers high-quality reproductions that bring the same emotional impact to your home decor.
Related Works That Complement The Starry Night
Starry Night Over the Rhône (Musée d’Orsay)
Painted a year earlier in Arles, this work captures the peaceful reflection of stars on the river. It offers a more grounded, romantic vision compared to the turbulence of The Starry Night.
Café Terrace at Night (Kröller-Müller Museum)
This nocturnal scene is filled with warmth and community—a stark contrast to the isolation of The Starry Night and a beautiful companion piece.
Wheatfield with Crows (Van Gogh Museum)
Often seen as a foreboding farewell, this piece was painted just weeks before Van Gogh’s death. The expressive sky and dark birds echo the swirling intensity of The Starry Night.
For more on these and similar paintings, browse our full artists collection, where Van Gogh’s legacy lives on through timeless canvas prints.
Conclusion
If you want to see The Starry Night in person, there’s only one place to go: The Museum of Modern Art in New York. But Van Gogh’s spirit stretches far beyond that one canvas. From Amsterdam to Paris to the quiet museums of the Netherlands, his brilliance awaits you in vibrant color and powerful emotion.
Whether you travel to MoMA or explore his work online, experiencing Van Gogh’s art is always a journey into the human soul. Let his masterpiece live on in your space by discovering our Vincent van Gogh wall prints, inspired by a genius whose stars continue to shine.