What is the Van Gough Immersive Exhibit?
The Immersive van Gogh Exhibit New York is located on the Lowest East Side at Pier 36 (299 South St) in a 75,000 square foot waterfront space located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
The exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to “step inside” an experience that makes Van Gogh’s paintings come to life in all its vivid colors and splendor.
The exhibition was created by Italy’s Massimiliano Siccardi who is a pioneer of immersive exhibitions. The creative director is Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated designer David Korins, known for his set design of Broadway shows including Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen.
Ticket Types:
Tickets can be purchased here.
It involves the following ticket types:
- Child 6-16 years ($29.99)
- Basic Timed ($39.99): Fixed timed admission
- Premium Flex ($49.99): Limited edition poster, Van Gough Cushion rental, and flexibility to arrive +/- 2 hours of your time
- VIP Flex ($79.99): Priority access, limited edition poster, VIP souvenir, Van Gough Cushion, and flexibility to arrive +/- 2 hours of your time
My experience:
Booking tickets was super easy. I made a reservation for two premium flex tickets one hour before the time I wanted to go.
Before getting inside, the outdoor security checked our bags and scanned us. Someone was at the entrance to give you a mask if you didn’t have one.
Once inside, you get in line to have your tickets scanned. The premium flex tickets provided cushion rental. which we picked up after our tickets were scanned. (Note, if you need to use the bathroom make sure to go before you get your tickets signed! There are no bathrooms once you go past the ticket line).
You will immediately encounter a dimly lit hallway, which will lead you to the first room of the exhibit. A cascade of colors and music envelope you upon entering. You can sit on the floor and experience the immersive exhibit. The experience runs in ~30-minute loops so, in the first room, I caught the last five minutes of the loop. When it ended, I walked to the second room and then proceeded to the third room.
I liked the third room the most and watched the entire loop here. I enjoyed sitting on the cushion and looking up at the walls and floors in awe. There is also a platform in that you can take stairs up to view the exhibit from a different perspective.
The imagery is absolutely breathtaking, capturing your heart and mind as van Gogh’s works come to life. Accompanied with technology and music, it is awe-inspiring to see traditional art in the setting of an augmented experience
At the end of the exhibit, you can drop off your cushions if you rented them. They’ll also give you a poster if you got the Premium Flex tickets.
When you exit, you open the doors to spectacular views of the East River and the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges.
Overall, this was a great experience for friends or a date that leaves you in awe, wonder, and appreciation for this artist.
