Van Gogh Alive - Sydney - Review
We were lucky to attend the media preview of Van Gogh Alive last Thursday 17th of September at the Royall Hall of industries in Moore Park. Van Gogh Alive is a unique multi-sensory covid-aware experience which blends images, sounds and scents to allow visitors to escape, wonder and enjoy art once again. This exhibition has inspired over 6 million people across 50 cities around the world. Families will enjoy this experience which is perfect for the upcoming holidays.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
From the beginning of the exhibition, visitors are transported to the streets of Paris and then to the many sites of Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh lived and visited (Auvers-sur-Oise is not far from where I was born in France which makes it even more special).
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Van Gogh Alive is an immersive multimedia art experience which combines high definition projections of Van Gogh’s paintings with digital surround sound. Imagery and animations are projected at a scale that offers visitors the ability to see the details of the artists work like never before. More than 3,000 images transform each surface. Projections, sounds and scents make it a must go to exhibition. The comforting scent of cypress, cedar, sandalwood and nutmeg with accent of lemon and vetiver transported us to the orchards, gardens and fields where Vincent once painted his timeless masterpieces.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
These gorgeous projections, combined with classic music and subtle scents ever change throughout the large exhibition hall. It paints the journey of Van Gogh’s life by showcasing his art on projected screens and lets you escape your current world for that almost one hour of pleasure for the senses.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
The exhibition also captures some difficult times in Van Gogh’s life but not depicting anything that could offend children visiting the exhibition.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
It is definitely a moveable feast of beauty introducing visitors to Van Gogh’s timeless paintings, his life and more. Van Gogh lovers will also appreciate and love the feeling that this exhibition has and remind them of the beauty of his talent and how much Van Gogh loved painting the skies and the stars, dream away and his love of florals especially his dear sunflowers.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
There are no physical work of art on display at Van Gogh Alive just a few printed pieces with explanation about the artists and his paintings and a small version of his bedroom replicated onsite which is on the side of the exhibition.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
We really enjoyed Van Gogh Alive and cannot recommend it enough as a must-do these holidays and until it closes 22nd November. While we took many videos and photos, we purposely did not showcase all of these within this post as to not spoil the experience of sound and projections but we hope we have provided enough photos to showcase how wonderful this exhibition is. A great introduction of Van Gogh for the family and children who will sure enjoy and absorb this 45 minute exhibition.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Our tips & info:
Van Gogh Alive is located at Royal Hall of Industries adjacent to the Entertainment Quarter, 1 Driver Avenue in Moore Park.
The exhibition is opened now and on sale until Sunday 20th December 2020 for a strictly limited season.
The venue is wheelchair accessible with 2 hour free parking at the Wilson EQ Car Park next to the Royal Hall.
There are multiple session times per day, commencing on the hour with 10 minute break in between, check their website for session times. Extended opening hours during the NSW school holiday period are available with 9am early starts instead of 10-11 am.
Tickets start from $30 but be quick as sessions are selling out due to popularity and COVID numbers restrictions.
Mask wearing is compulsory for this exhibition, QR code checkin is required upon arrival as well as temperature check and ticket checks.
Busy City Kids were hosted by the MAgency and Van Gogh Alive for the purposes of a review. Travel was self funded. All opinions & feedback are genuine & truthful.
For more information on Van Gogh Alive, head to their website.
For more ideas and reviews for what to do with kids around Sydney, head to our blog where you will find reviews as well as useful guides like our Daily Spots List as well as parents rooms, playgrounds, beaches & pools and more!