One of the world’s most popular art experiences is coming to Greater Manchester this autumn, allowing people to experience Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings in 360 degrees.
Van Gogh Alive will land in MediaCityUK Square for three months, following a huge event held in London’s Kensington Gardens.
Visitors will enter a purpose-built 17,500 square foot venue, where the artist’s famous paintings will be brought to life through groundbreaking technologies.
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The experience has been seen by more than eight million visitors worldwide in 70 different cities, but it will be his first trip to Greater Manchester.
The multi-sensory attraction sees the Dutch artist’s work displayed on 360-degree screens, complete with a classic soundtrack and even scents that have been created to make visitors feel like they’re “walking straight into his paintings like if they lived and breathed. .
There will be interactive art stations where you can create your own art using expert tutorials, and a life-size depiction of Van Gogh’s bedroom in Arles, perfect for a photo op.
(Image: Ian Baker Photography)
The experience also includes the Sunflower selfie room, reflected on all sides and filled with hundreds of sunflowers.
Visitors will be completely immersed in all things Van Gogh, as the attraction takes you through the periods of his life that shaped him as an artist, using 3,000 images and even ‘aromas of Provence’ , the region of southern France where he created many of his paintings.
Some of his most iconic artworks, including Starry Night and Sunflowers, have been recreated using state-of-the-art immersive SENSORY4™ gallery technology.
(Image: Ian Baker Photography)
Van Gogh Alive supports The Christie charity and will raise funds through the experience – visitors will have the option to donate when purchasing tickets or at the experience itself to support the work of The Christie in cancer care, research and education.
Bruce Peterson, owner of Grande Experiences, said: “After mesmerizing a global audience of over eight million people and selling out cities around the world including Rome, Sydney and of course our newest location at Kensington Gardens in London, we’re incredibly excited to bring Van Gogh Alive to MediaCityUK.
“It’s an unforgettable cultural experience for the whole family.”
Paul Dennett, Mayor of the City of Salford, said: “It’s wonderful to welcome such an impactful art experience as Van Gogh Alive to Salford’s MediaCityUK.
“Communities have really missed out on the arts and entertainment experience, with the hospitality and creative industries being some of the hardest hit by the impacts of Covid-19, so it’s great to see the creative industries launching new and innovative experiences so that everyone can enjoy them in a safe environment.
“I can’t wait to be transported into the fascinating world of Van Gogh.”
The Sunday Times called Van Gogh Alive “glorious, breathtaking, but also very moving”.
The immersive Van Gogh experience was created by Grande Experiences and took place in London and Birmingham safely.
It will open at MediaCityUK, Salford, between October 22, 2021 and January 23, 2022.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday July 22, priced at £22 for adults and £15 for children.
There are concession prices and group discounts available.
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