Two Van Gogh exhibits coming to Houston
- but which one is which?
Even though he died unappreciated and in poverty, Vincent van Gogh is one of the most recognizable artists today. With his moody and vibrant color palettes, unique brushstroke technique, and unflinching perspective, he brought his subject matter to life in a way that still resonates and connects with audiences across the world today.
Van Gogh’s popularity is such that not one, but two, Van Gogh exhibits are heading to Houston this year! Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit and Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. If you’ve been on social media at all recently, you’re probably very aware of the situation. It has caused a lot of confusion, with both shows promising an unforgettable way to experience Van Gogh’s art – but which show is the one you want to see?
Here are the answers to some of your questions:
Which show is the ‘real’ show?
Both shows promise to create immersive experiences based on Van Gogh’s art, but there are differences:
Immersive Van Gogh Houston
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit was created by Massimiliano Siccardi, a 30-year pioneer in immersive content. His work has mesmerized over 2 million people in Paris, and was recently showcased in the Netflix series Emily in Paris. A visionary in digital and video mapping, Siccardi takes audiences on an emotional and cathartic journey that explores Van Gogh’s art and life in a stream-of-consciousness narrative. From bright bursts of colors to moments of moodier introspection and everything in between, Immersive Van Gogh Houston is a beautiful homage to this great artist and the legacy he left behind. Immersive Van Gogh is the Van Gogh show that is selling out in Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience promises that their experience will explore “one of history’s greatest artists in a 360-degree exhibit”.
How do the numbers stack up?
Immersive Van Gogh Houston
With the help of 60,600 frames of video, 90,000,000 pixels, and 500,000+ cubic feet of projections, Immersive Van Gogh merges state-of-the-art technology, theatrical storytelling, and world-class animation to create an experience that has enthralled audiences in North America.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience promises 15,000 square feet of screens in a 360-degree exhibit.
When are the different shows coming to Houston?
Immersive Van Gogh Houston
Immersive Van Gogh Houston will run from.August 12th.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will start in October.
Where will the exhibits be located?
Immersive Van Gogh Houston
Immersive Van Gogh, through Lighthouse Artspace, is renowned for transforming venues into unforgettable art experiences. In the soon-to-be-announced venue in Houston, Lighthouse Artspace will host Immersive Van Gogh Houston, as well as establish itself as a multi-year, next-gen art, culture, and entertainment showcase. The future Lighthouse Artspace will aim to cultivate community and creativity through large-scale events and exhibitions of all art forms, engaging audiences and encouraging dialogue to inspire.
It is also worth noting that Siccardi, the creator of Immersive Van Gogh, digitally maps every venue to ensure a seamless and completely immersive experience in each of the Immersive Van Gogh venues, complementing the architecture of every unique venue.
Immersive Van Gogh’s co-producer, Starvox, has a history of producing amazing events in Houston, including at the Hobby Center, the Wortham Center, and even free events at Miller Theater in Hermann Park.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a traveling exhibit.
How many of Van Gogh’s paintings form part of the experience?
Immersive Van Gogh Houston
Immersive Van Gogh brings 40 of Van Gogh’s paintings to life from over 400 photos licensed from the world’s most prestigious museums.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience features eight of Van Gogh’s paintings.
What about the music?
Immersive Van Gogh Houston
Immersive Van Gogh is scored by Italian multimedia composer Luca Longobardi. The music beautifully complements the exhibit – adding emotional weight, release and catharsis in perfect synchronicity with the mesmerizing visuals. Along with classic and contemporary song selections, the Immersive Van Gogh soundtrack features original compositions by Longobardi.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Not much information is available about the Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience soundtrack.
Where can I buy tickets? And how much are they?
Immersive Van Gogh Houston
Tickets for this exhibit can be purchased on their website – houstonvangogh.com – through Universe (a Ticketmaster platform), Prices start from $39.99.
What can I expect from the experience?
Immersive Van Gogh Houston
The runtime of one experience at Immersive Van Gogh Houston is about 35 minutes. It runs on a continuous loop, and guests can stay for multiple viewings. Most guests stay for two to three viewings – sometimes even longer – to experience all the varied aspects of the immersive experience. In every city, Immersive Van Gogh also collaborates with local artists and businesses to create a truly unique space and experiences and offerings.
There will also be a gift shop stocked with all the Van Gogh-themed goodies and apparel you could want. Selected items are also available online.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Overall, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience states that guests can expect to spend about 60 to 75 minutes at their exhibit, including experiencing their VR show, which involves wearing VR goggles. The VR component is included with VIP packages, and can be purchased as an add-on with other ticket types.
Will the exhibits be COVID-19 safe?
Immersive Van Gogh Houston
With over 200,000 visitors in Toronto during COVID-19, and zero reported cases associated with the exhibition since opening, Immersive Van Gogh reports it is proud to be operating an experience where it is safe to GOGH. From operating at a reduced capacity to social distance markers, temperature checks, hands-free sanitization stations, contact tracing, a mandatory mask policy and more, Immersive Van Gogh follows CDC guidelines, as well as its own enhanced protocols developed through experience garnered in running events during COVID-19.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Van Gogh: Immersive Experience will be implementing various protocols, including reduced capacity and mask requirements as per city regulations, timed entry, temperature checks, social distancing markers, and more.
Which exhibit should I attend?
This is completely up to you! If you are keen to GOGH and decide to attend both events, be sure to rate and compare your experiences for others!