Paul L.
Yelp
Our daughter said several months back to mark our calendars - she got us tix to see 'The Van Gogh show". So, even though we'd just driven back from Atlanta after a 10-day visit, off we went to ATL again for a short 3-day trip (this time we flew).
Little side note to start: there are actually (count them) THREE different VG 'immersive' shows around the world, something I didn't know until I did the research. There's one called "Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit", said to be the original; (and for my Orlando Yelp friends, that's the one gracing our city later this year); then there's "Van Gogh Alive", mostly in Europe, but coming to Denver, along with this, the Atlanta one we took in. Even though I've only seen the one, I believe all are the same concept, with variations in execution: there will be elements of the pained painter's life and his most famous works "brought to life" through set after set of stunning visual displays, backboned by some amazing music.
This show is in 4 different sections. The first two are slide shows in a darkened room, depicting Van Gogh's somewhat tragic life, and the background/history of his most famous works. No, despite their claim, no social distancing here, folks, although masks are mandated. Some presentations are more dynamic in nature (that vase with visuals superimposed on it, for example). An understanding of what Van Gogh went through could fill one with deep sorrow: I know I lost it when looking at the Room at Arles, and Debussy's "Rêverie" came on.
The third section is the pièce de résistance: instead of the museum-feel of the first two halls, you are now in a huge room with what looks like 60-foot 'walls', which are canvases for the fantastic presentation. Flowers bloom and transform right before your eyes, Two Crabs are now scampering around, a horse-drawn carriage is moving along the wall, and the black birds in Wheat Fields with Crows are now flying ominously toward you in a way that will make Hitchcock of "Birds" fame proud. Guests can sit on benches in the center of the room, on a few low-slung chairs along the walls, or on the floor (it's carpeted, but no, don't dress fancy for this). I think I broke a record snapping photos and recording videos for any one event. TIP: chairs along the walls might be in high demand and therefore enticing, but some of them are actually not conducive to enjoyment without distraction - the projectors (there are dozens of them) could become a glare in your eye during certain portions due to the low angle of your sitting position.
The final section is 'activities': you can either create your own version of a Van Gogh painting (we passed - short on time, plus I'd decided I'm done with 'coloring' activities after kindergarten, but this could be fun for kids of all ages), or pay $5 extra for the VR. Depending on how you feel about VR (some people can't wear those goggles without feeling claustrophobic), it might be worth it. It's not a short little thing, and we did get something out of the experience.
Then there's the obligatory swag-selling before you exit. Hearing the "cha-ching" when reckoning that poor Vincent sold a grand total of ONE painting in his life, with both he and his beloved brother living a life of destitution ... that just filled me with infinite sadness.
Even though your ticket is for a specific time, and they say the show 'lasts 60-75 minutes', I'd encourage you to set aside 2 hours or more. Linger in the first 2 sections: take in EVERY exhibit, and make sure you take in the entire 3rd section presentation. Don't rush or hurry. Use the appropriate amount of time to let the beauty soak into you. Have a quiet time of reflection later at a cafe or bar - it'll be good for your soul.
Most of them keep the location in each city a 'secret' until close to opening, to have a measure of marketing mystery, I suppose. In my estimation, it doesn't matter which of the three or where exactly it will be - it will be awesome. Tix were $32, I think, with the weekends 10% more. The other shows topping $40 before taxes and fees, $10 more for peak, but I believe it's well worth it. I might very well do the Orlando show when it comes to town, and I'll definitely find an off-peak time instead of a weekend afternoon when it will be more crowded. So, if it's in your city, or it's a city you're visiting, GO!