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Do you love museums as much as I do? I’ll admit, museums and galleries are some of the first activities I plan when I start looking at a new destination. But since we haven’t been able to travel much recently, how are people still able to appreciate the incredible works of art you can see at these museums? Well, there has been a move towards virtual art gallery exhibits like the new Imagine Van Gogh exhibit.
But is a virtual art gallery really that good? I mean, it can’t be like really seeing the paintings can it? I was a bit of a sceptic to this new found way of seeing world class art. That is, until my recent experience at Imagine Van Gogh, currently touring Canada and the United States.
Experiencing a virtual art gallery
When I say ‘virtual art gallery’ you might imagine being sat at your computer scrolling through a museum catalogue. A lot of new virtual travel experiences started in 2020, with many museums creating a way for people to visit without actually visiting. And this was typically how they did it – clicking from room to room using something akin to Google Images.
But while it might be great to travel the world from the comfort of your own home, pajamas on and cocktail in hand, there are now even better options. Ways to enjoy seeing art as it is projected into a gallery you can actually walk around. Sophisticated technology allows for a whole new way to explore the world of art. And brings it to you in a public setting.
What is Imagine Van Gogh?
Imagine Van Gogh is an incredible immersive art experience that shows off works of one of the most popular painters of all time. But without having to transport priceless paintings around the world – or have the expense of you traveling to see them. I visited the Vancouver event – although they are popping up in other cities across North America too.
The first part of the exhibit is the biography of Van Gogh, as told by story boards that you walk around and read. Informative, compelling and really interesting to learn the history of such a troubled artist.
The second, and main part of Imagine Van Gogh, is the virtual art gallery itself. Classical music playing, you enter a room with panels stretching way up high and the works of Van Gogh are projected on them. Every part of the room has a different angle of the painting. Sometimes in full, sometimes zoomed in on the intricate details and brush strokes.
The paintings are on a cycle which takes about 40 minutes to go through. And the lighting in the room and music changes to match the mood and feel of the art. You can’t do that in a museum!
How much is Imagine Van Gogh?
While not the cheapest exhibit you’ll go to, it is cheaper than a ticket to Paris. Or Amsterdam, I guess, if we’re talking Van Gogh.
Tickets are about $40 and the whole experience will last about an hour. Tickets are timed so that the number of visitors are staggered. That way it’s never too busy, for both safety reasons and enjoyment of the virtual art gallery.
The room where the Vancouver exhibit took place was in the Vancouver Convention Center and we had plenty of space. There were a number of other people there for our evening show, but since the same piece of art is displayed on each wall you aren’t fighting each other for space. Which, after my experience seeing the Mona Lisa is the Louvre, is way better.
Imagine Van Gogh is maybe more than you would pay for some art galleries and museums, but it’s also very unique. And unlike a museum where the only noise is the buzz of hushed conversations, this virtual art gallery comes with it’s own relaxing classical soundtrack.
Virtual art gallery vs. in person
There are two things to consider when comparing these two experiences:
- Seeing the real paintings and artwork is likely always going to be preferred
- A virtual art gallery makes art more accessible to those who appreciate it
There are two sides to this, and while I admit that seeing the real paintings of Van Gogh (or any artist) is unbeatable, a virtual art gallery can still be a phenomenal experience.
Not everyone can afford to take two weeks vacation and pay thousands of dollars to fly to Europe and visit the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay. If they could, I’m sure they would. Who wouldn’t want to stand in front of some of the most celebrated pieces of art in the world?!
But think of how many more people are able to enjoy the artwork by offering these unique exhibits. Especially in a world where travel has been so restrictive in the last couple of years. So while both are very different, I think it’s worth thinking about the benefits of a virtual art gallery and treating it like it’s own experience, not necessarily a comparable one.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you ever been to a virtual art gallery? What are your thoughts on an experience like Imagine Van Gogh?
I love this idea! It’s a great way to get up close and personal to art, and I love that it’s interactive as well. Definitely a great idea to get people more involved with art and visiting galleries.
I saw a similar exhibit in France years ago and it was SO cool! This exhibit is in Chicago now too and I just got tickets to attend a yoga class taking place inside of the exhibit! I’m so excited 😀
What a fascinating event and a great way to experience Van Gogh’s work! I love this different take on a virtual gallery. I’m a bit over some of the ‘virtual’ travel options right now! It’s nice to have an excuse to get dressed and leave the house! Thanks for the great guide!
This is so, so cool! I’d be seeing ads for this all over Facebook and I finally booked my tickets in NYC for August! Of course, like you said, it’s not a substitute for the real artwork, but it looks so amazing and I’m super excited!
I’m so intrigued by these, wish they were priced a bit more family-friendly!
I love art museums and I, too, plan my destinations with art museums in mind. The virtual Van Gogh exhibit has been on my radar screen. I am eyeing one in Chicago. Thanks for sharing the great details.
This is great, had no idea, thank you so much for sharing it.
Ooh this is unusual! I like the idea – would be nice for people who can’t travel to art galleries due to ill health etc too, not just during the pandemic. Thanks for the summary of it!
I went to the one in St. Petersburg, Florida it is such an amazing experience! I am glad you had such a fun time also!
This is incredible, and the exposition is in Tampa now, where I live. I saw some pictures, but now, reading your article with all the details convinced me to want to go. Thanks for sharing so many details and for inspiring me to visit.
This is so interesting. It’s here in Auckland now, and I hadn’t gone, but now that I read this, I am going to get there for sure.
I LOVE Van Gogh and this looks SO cool! I’m looking for tickets right now…thanks for sharing!
I love this! Thank you for shaing!
Wow. I’ve never seen an exhibit like this. It looks like an incredible experience. Definitely adding to my bucket list!
This looks amazing! I saw this is coming to my city and really debated. This post has convinced me that it’s much cooler than what I imagined!
Such a great idea in the new world that we are all trying to get used to. Thanks for sharing!
You just reminded to check if the NY one is still open. I love interactive museums . I want to try visiting at least one museum when I travel . Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’m also a huge fan of museums and can’t wait to wander around aimlessly in them. I had the chance to see this Van Gogh exhibit in France in Lex Beaux-de-Provence and it was remarkable. I’m so happy to see that it’s available in so many places now for more people to enjoy. I’d definitely go and experience it again.
Although I love museums IRL this is definitely a great alternative to not being able to attend a museum in real life 🙂
This looks like such a neat experience! I know it was in Toronto last summer but I didn’t think much of it until I heard such great reviews. I’ll have to check it out.
Oh my gosh! We bought tickets for this show when it comes to Detroit in November. I’m so glad to hear that it was as good as we hope it will be.
This is coming to Charlotte, NC soon and I am dying to go!! Love your insight on your experience!
I was so curious about this event so am super glad you went and I could hear about your experience. This sounds really cool! I love how immersive it seems and the accessible point is really important too. I think $40 is a little steep for me, as I’m not a huge art or history person, but can see how this would be well-worth it, especially if you can’t make it to a museum to see the originals anytime soon. I did enjoy the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam but I think I might have liked this immersive experience even more.
I would adore going to this. You were so lucky to have seen it. Van Gogh is one of my all-time favourites artists and I loved the van Gogh Gallery in Amsterdam. The idea of music accompanying the artworks sounds really interesting – it would captivate two senses while looking at the screens.
Nice that there is plenty of room and, as you say when comparing it to the viewing of the Mina Lisa, you aren’t fighting for a space to see it, That did really spoil it for me in Paris.
This article is fab, as its picks up a thread that is not just the usual city sights, foodie views etc. Really enjoyed reading it, being the culture-vulture that I am.
Wonder if they will do others like Picasso, Miro or Monet – some of my other favourites – if they do, count me in !
I’ve never been to a virtual art gallery but the uniqueness of Imagine Van Gogh definitely sounds interesting. I can sense through your writing that you enjoyed the experience and I guess it will never replace the real thing but it’s a great temporary option!
I saw this when it came to Toronto last summer and loved it! I could go many times over! I elected to do the drive-thru which has 6 cars in at one time. I would return and do the walk-thru. Everyone has to see this exhibit! It’s fantastic. Next one is Claude Monet.
That’s awesome. There’s no drive-thru option here as it’s at the convention center but that would be great during these times too. Good to know there will be others, a really unique perspective of seeing art
After visiting the Van Gogh museum in the Netherlands I fell in love with the artwork and the history. I cannot wait to see the virtual exhibit since its going by my city in the U.S.
This sounds like such a cool experience! I’m going to something like this during the summer in Philly and I can’t wait!
What a fantastic way to experience the artwork of a great artist! Definitely worth a visit!