Fans of Vincent van Gogh in the U.S. — especially those in Chicago — have a reason to rejoice. The U.S. premiere of “Immersive Van Gogh,” a massive, digital presentation of his work, will open in Chicago on February 11, 2021, at the Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago venue inside the landmark Germania Club Building.
One of the world’s most well-known artists, van Gogh is famous for oil-on-canvas paintings including Starry Night and Sunflowers. The Dutch post-impressionist painter’s work is noted for his bold colors, thick brushstrokes, and liberal amounts of paint to create landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and self-portraits.
The “Immersive Van Gogh” experience made its world premiere in Toronto, where it is still impressing crowds. The experience uses 500,000 cubic feet of high-def digital projections, including 60,600 frames of video, along with music, so art lovers can “step inside” van Gogh’s works. The installation includes The Potato Eaters, Starry Night, Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and other works.
A Truly Unique Experience
The exhibit is designed and conceived by Artistic Director Massimiliano Siccardi and features mood-setting music by Italian composer and pianist Luca Longobardi.
“The exhibit isn’t just van Gogh’s work projected onto walls,” co-producer Corey Ross said in an original interview. “The work also isn’t shown in a linear timeline. Instead, Massimiliano Siccardi took a unique approach to create a story that flows through the piece to show what was flashing through van Gogh’s life. It’s a very moving, and emotional, experience.”
The exhibit also marks the grand opening of Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, a new venue within the recently renovated Germania Club Building.
“This exhibit is custom designed for the Germania Club Building, and it incorporates the building’s Victorian Era architecture — including walls, 35-foot ceilings, and mezzanines,” Ross said in the interview. “Patrons will walk through two giant ballrooms and side rooms, which will all be animated with moving projections of van Gogh’s work.”
Know Before You Gogh
The producers point out that, “With over 170,000 visitors in Toronto during COVID-19, and zero reported cases associated with the exhibition since opening, we’re proud to be operating an experience where it is safe to GOGH.”
Here’s how that’s possible. Among other steps taken to ensure safety, the venue will operate at reduced capacity, contactless payment is encouraged, and social distancing circles are projected throughout the exhibition gallery space. Touchless hand sanitization stations are also placed throughout the venue.
What’s more, face coverings are required for all staff and guests, as are temperature checks.
For more information, please check the full list of safety measures.
The exhibit runs from February 11 to May 2, 2021.
A range of ticket options are available, beginning at $39.99. Tickets for children are $24.99.
Finally, we think it’s important to note that the exhibit contains sequences of bright flashing lights. This is an important consideration for visitors who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy and those who are sensitive to moving lights.
A different immersive experience for van Gogh lovers can be viewed in St. Petersburg, Florida. You can read more about the event here.