Explore the most compelling works of the Dutch master like never before – through a digital art exhibition. Step into the newly opened Immersive Experience, which we had a sneak peek at, but forget about traditional paintings hanging on walls. Instead, artworks are floating around, brought to life by state-of-the-art 4K technology. Here is what to expect at this unique display firsthand.
If you are ready to get your mind blown, head to Budapest's BOCK Hall, where Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience is set to take you on a unique visual tour. Opening today (2 February), the digital art exhibition has captivated audiences across Europe, Asia, and America. Crowned the winner of both Best Exhibition Experience and Best Immersive Experience at the prestigious Eventex 2023 Awards and ranked among the 12 best immersive experiences globally by CNN, it is not an attraction to miss.
So, scrap your previous plans, and clear some space for this must-see attraction. Spanning an expansive 20,000 square metres, the artist's masterpieces come to life through special light and sound effects (thank you, 4k technology), letting you literally walk into the paintings, whether it's the street in The Yellow House, the enchanting neighbourhood of Café Terrace at Night or the serene wheatfield.
The multimedia exhibition unfolds in three sections: the first one unveils intricate details about Van Gogh's life and work, including his colour schemes, relationships with siblings and connection with Paul Gauguin. While it offers a traditional exhibition experience, allowing you to linger before each painting, absorbing its essence before delving into the description, don't expect a dry art history lesson—here, the focus is on the more engaging and enjoyable aspects.
Speaking of fun: this room already gives a taste of the special effects. Here, a painting, crafted from several pieces, reveals itself as a complete masterpiece only from a specific angle. Also, you can watch a short film about The Starry Night, uncovering the reason for the various shades of the same colour (spoiler alert: Van Gogh was colour-blind).
As you transition to the next room, the multimedia and audiovisual experience keeps getting more intense. Van Gogh's most iconic art pieces float across the walls and floor. Saying that the majority of the social media content will capture this space is a safe bet, but hey, no judging here. Snag an empty deck chair, sit back, and immerse yourself in the animation. It's really worth it as you'll see everything from Van Gogh's self-portrait to trains and wheatfields coming to life. Super relaxing.
The last section is interactive and focuses on creativity and virtual reality (VR). You can add your own colours to the artist's pieces, transforming them into unique artworks. In the VR room, walk alongside the artist to explore the inspiration behind eight iconic paintings for an unforgettable experience. However, trying this feature comes with an additional fee.
Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience is on view at BOK Csarnok until September 1st. Get tickets here.
(Cover photo: András Szántó)
