A day trip to Virginia Beach is not just for the Atlantic Ocean. The works of Vincent Van Gogh in an immersive exhibit at the Virginia Beach Convention Center is well worth the drive from the Peninsula.
Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a multimedia, 3-D, traveling exhibit presented by the Virginia Arts Festival. Visitors are surrounded by more than 300 Van Gogh works using cutting-edge projection technology. The exhibit is produced by Paquin Entertainment Group, and created by French-Canadian Director Mathieu St-Arnaud and team from Montreal’s Normal Studio.
The exhibit begins in the Education Room, which features biographical information including letters from the artist to his brother, Theo. The letters provide insight into Van Gogh’s decision to pursue artistic endeavors and his mental health struggles.
The Waterfall Room is, from top to bottom and all around, a colorful canvas that uniquely changes to show the vast range of Van Gogh’s work. The paintings flow into each other. Visitors become a part of Van Gogh’s artistic genius. His popular work shown includes The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Café Terrace At Night.
Contemporary music and readings from Van Gogh accompany the art display.
The exhibit is good for all ages. Taking time to read the information in the Education Room may be difficult for younger children. There are a few benches available in the Waterfall Room but not enough for everyone. Most people stand. While visitors may want to capture their experience on their smart phone, being in the moment is the best way to enjoy this immersive experience. Tickets sales are timed so never to provide comfortable spacing. Visitors can stay as long as they want, but a little more than an hour is typical.
Globally, the exhibit has sold more than five million tickets, making it one of the most popular current traveling exhibits. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will continue at the Virginia Beach Convention Center until September 2. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. The last entry is one hour prior to closing. Tickets range from $33.99 for adults to $23.99 for children (plus ticketing fees). For ticket information visit www.vangoghvirginiabeach.com.
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