This year marked the opening of the Van Gogh Experience, highlighting breathtaking art from one of history’s most talented painters. Since its doors opened, Winston-Salem’s new Van Gogh exhibit charmed art connoisseurs and curious passersby alike — breathing new life into iconic works like Sunflowers and Starry Night through 360-degree video mapping, interactive activities and more.
Splashed over the walls of the venue (1612 Stratford Road), Van Gogh’s pieces take on a life of their own. Details and brushstrokes are magnified, almost as if you were stepping inside the painting itself. To put it plainly, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a fascinating journey through the artist’s life and work. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it:
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
The experience mixes art and technology for a full immersion through Van Gogh’s masterpieces
At Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, you’ll get a glimpse into life as the artist and the man. Through the walk-through section of the exhibit, you’ll learn more about Van Gogh’s life and inspiration. Then comes the acclaimed Projection Room, highlighting the artist’s incredible pieces thanks to state-of-the-art technology. As you’re taking in the video mapping, a curated soundtrack will transport you to Arles, France — where Van Gogh spent a majority of his artistic career.
Plus, the Van Gogh Immersive Experience only debuted their Sunflower Room in a handful of cities, and Winston-Salem’s one of them! Walk through a gorgeous field of sunflowers and snap Instagram-worthy photos at this new offering that transports you inside a Van Gogh painting. Don’t miss the unique room!
There’s a captivating VR journey through Van Gogh’s world
Towards the end of the exhibition, there’s an add-on VR experience you can embark on that takes you through eight of Van Gogh’s paintings and the inspiration behind each creation. During the 10-minute virtual reality adventure, you’ll be transported to his hospital bedroom in Arles, the Rhone River (where he painted Starry Night) and many more places that were fundamental to Van Gogh’s oeuvre.
It’s an exhibit that has toured all over the world
Before landing in Winston-Salem, the Van Gogh Experience has been all over the world in Asia, the Americas and Europe. In 2021, it was coined Best Immersive Experience by USA Today, ranking among the 12 best immersive experiences in the world by CNN. The experience is currently open in five U.S. cities, including Tampa, Richmond and our very own Winston-Salem.
The adventure will charm young and old
The Van Gogh Experience was made for all ages. Kids will be impressed by the swirling shapes and colors of Van Gogh’s oeuvre during the projection segment of the experience, and might even fall in love with paintings they didn’t know prior to the exhibit. Towards the end of the experience, kiddos will love the VR experience, but they’ll also be captivated by a sketching segment where they’ll get to recreate Van Gogh’s pieces and display their creation on the walls of the venue!
It’s an exhibit that’s guaranteed to leave a mark
Since the experience opened in Winston-Salem, attendees have been captivated by its whimsical projections and immersive activities. See what they have to say:
Very peaceful and beautiful! Brought tears to my eyes! Schuyler W.
This event is a must see for all ages… We took our daughters and their families. Our grands and greats range from 21 to 2. All of us were amazed and enjoyed every bit of it. You will not regret it!! Sindy M.
Awesome! So glad we did it. Lots of interesting information about Van Gogh and the VR was the best VR I have done so far. Definitely pay the $5 for the VR experience!! Gentry L.