Moving images, a soundtrack, and specially-curated aromas bring Van Gogh’s masterpieces to life.
Van Gogh Alive has toured to 50 cities around the world and become the most visited multi-sensory art experience to date. In its wake, it has dispelled the traditional way of seeing art and brought to the world such an experience that envelopes the audience in sight, sound, and smell.
The masterpieces of the Dutch post-impressionist painter—think The Starry Night, Sunflowers and over 3000 more images—now swirl, sway and soar, drawing the public in as they are digitally displayed on giant screens, columns, walls, the ceiling, and even the floor.
And it’s been in Adelaide since the beginning of July. However, it’s run is coming to a close on 12 September, so if you haven’t yet seen it, you’re running out of time.
Popping up in North Adelaide, Van Gogh Alive is housed in a specially-built venue named The Grand Pavilion. Designed by Australian Anna Cordingley, the venue—a huge 25,000 square-feet—allows visitors to wander through the space, choosing their own paths, as detailed images of famous artworks are projected all around. The purpose-built gallery also has a dedicated Sunflower infinity room as well as a passageway where Van Gogh’s Starry Night is projected.
In Van Gogh Alive, the vibrant colours and vivid details of Van Gogh’s technique and style are made visible in never-before-seen detail and are accompanied by a classical soundtrack that helps interpret the thoughts, feelings and intentions of the master painter.
With visitors exploring the nooks and crannies of the exhibition and searching for new perspectives, they get to be immersed in many of the sites of inspiration with fragrances specifically designed to evoke the setting of the paintings.
Adelaide is the second Australian city to experience Van Gogh Alive, which is produced by Melbourne-based company Grande Experiences—the team behind The Lume as well as the permanent Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome.
The immersive experience began its Australian tour in Sydney last year after being forced to postpone its Melbourne event due to the pandemic. It will head to Brisbane next, then Perth, Canberra and Newcastle.
For more info and tickets, see the website.