‘Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.’, are Van Gogh’s words presented on a gigantic screen while the room is filled with falling Sakura petals and traditional Japanese music. As excitable children are trying to catch the petals on the light installation on the floor, they are lit up by Vincent Van Gogh’s famous paintings. This marvel can be found at Van Gogh Alive, known as the most visited immersive exhibition in the world.

Van Gogh Alive is an immersive art exhibition that explores the works of the famous Vincent Van Gogh in Edinburgh. The experience presents the art in a way that has not been done before and has travelled to different cities around the UK since 2021. Visitors can witness art from a different angle, with an immersive sunflower room, a real-life Van Gogh’s bedroom, and a sensory light installation.

Vincent Van Gogh is a name known to most. Born in 1853 in The Netherlands and the son of a protestant pastor, the artist left school at 16 and started working at an art dealership with his uncle. Van Gogh fell in love with art during the dealership years and has since become one of the most influential post-impressionist artists in Western history. In just one decade, he completed over 2100 works, leaving a majestic legacy behind. However, Vincent struggled with poverty and severe depression from unrequited love and committed suicide when he was only 37. Little did he know the creations would later sell for millions of dollars at private auctions.

Immersive Sunflower Field

Van Gogh Alive is respectful, yet a creative testament to Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings and sketches, as well as his life. The immersive sunflower room is a meaningful tribute to mark Vincent’s love for the sunniest flower of all and bestows the illusion of standing in a sunflower field. Visitors can take well-positioned pictures with the mirrors that will be a stand-out on any feed.

Sensory24

The immersive exhibition’s most impressive feature is the Sensory24 Gallery: art lovers are taken to another dimension with comprehensive projectors and music filling the room. The floor is also lit up in Van Gogh’s works and is a playful spot for younger guests. From the very first moment one enters, visitors are welcomed with a harmonious dance of light, colour, and sound.

Sensory24 Gallery is not only a place of marvel but also a place of education. While some walls are covered with paintings, others offer stories of Van Gogh’s life and quotes. ‘It is looking at things for a long time that ripens you and gives you a deeper meaning.’, are some of the words that represent Vincent’s approach to both his paintings and life.

Van Gogh’s Bedroom

After the surreal experience of the immersive art gallery, art enthusiasts are invited to a real-life Van Gogh’s bedroom in Arles, France. It is one of the post-impressionist artist’s favourite paintings brought to life, where one can even take a seat at Van Gogh’s table. The bedroom was Vincent’s depiction of restfulness and Arles was a place where he found most happiness before a significant decline in the painter’s mental health.

Interpretative section and interactive art area

Visitors are also welcomed to learn more in-depth about Vincent Van Gogh in the interpretative area, where descriptions of his most significant paintings and his life are to be found. Art lovers can witness the transition of painting styles throughout, and the mental turmoil and darkness that led the artist’s life, especially towards the end of his days.

However, the experience has another surprise in store. In the art activity area, exhibition goers can get immersed in painting, and create a masterpiece of their own. With video tutorials on painting techniques and the materials provided, anyone can have a go at becoming an artist.

Therefore, Van Gogh Alive is a meaningful immersive exhibition that not only looks impressive but also tells a meaningful story in a way that has not been done before.