The immersive exhibit—Beyond Van Gogh— comes to town

Beyond Van Gogh

Exhibit makes its way to the Magic City through the New Year

BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE

Dutch post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most prolific artists to ever emerge from Europe, though his fame and influence on modern art history did not take shape until after his death at age 37. His works are known for bold color and dramatic strokes, seen in paintings such as The Starry Night, Irises, and Café Terrace at Night.

Now, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, has come to Birmingham at the BJCC, November 17 through January 2, 2022. Featuring a three-dimensional experience, guests will take in more than 300 works that include Van Gogh’s most well-known paintings, as well as a selection of selfportraits.

Beyond Van Gogh was conceptualized by French-Canadian creative director Mathieu St-Arnaud and his team at Normal Studio in Montreal. These world-renowned audiovisual designers created an imaginative exhibit using cutting-edge projection technology that allows guests to immerse themselves into Van Gogh’s world. His dreams, thoughts, and words lead the narrative as you walk through. Wall projections include the light, color, and swirling shapes for which Van Gogh is known: Flower, cafe, and landscape masterpieces with larger-than-life details dance across multiple “canvases.” “Through his own words set to a symphonic score, we may come to a new appreciation of this tortured artist’s stunning work,” notes the exhibition website.

The art presentation is suitable for all ages, so you can make it a family outing. Ticket prices start at $32.99 for adults and $21.99 for children ages 5 and up. Visit vangoghbirmingham.com for more information.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Regular hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. The exhibit is closed Mondays. Holiday hours: On Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, hours are noon – 6 p.m.; Christmas Eve hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Expect the exhibit to take about an hour. Last entry is at 8 p.m. Tickets: Prices vary, but all tickets are timed and must be purchased ahead. There are no ticket sales at the door.

Location: The BJCC, 1 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, 35203 Precautions: The exhibition is walk-through and space is accommodated for social distancing and heightened sanitation protocols. Masks are required inside the venue. Accessibility: The exhibit is accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, etc., and limited seating is available for those with mobility issues. Other: A cashless gift shop is on-site. Food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibit. Photos are allowed and encouraged, but flash or professional photography or videography is not. A Spotify playlist of the exhibition’s music can be found by searching “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.”