On the lookout for unique things to do in southern California? Look no further than Beyond Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience in Anaheim. The limited-time exhibit, presented by Nederlander Concerts & Beyond Exhibitions, is open now at the Anaheim Convention Center. But what can you expect? We recently were invited to check it out. Follow our journey below.
Why Go to Van Gogh, An Immersive Experience in Anaheim?
In short, this is one incredible display — a fully immersive experience with music and Van Gogh’s art wrapping around you. The experience features more than 300 of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic artwork that you can walk through in a three-dimensional display. It was like nothing we’ve experienced before.
Right now, there are other Van Gogh exhibits on display in southern California including in Hollywood. My husband was doubtful at first about making a trek, wondering…Why are we driving all the way to Anaheim when we can just walk to the other one? Good question.
But if you’re fully vaccinated like us, you might want to consider Anaheim. A big draw here is that fully vaccinated guests can remove their masks (making better photo opps). Also, you don’t have a designated area where you’re required to stick to. Inside the exhibit in Anaheim, you’re able to wander wherever your heart desires. Plus, it’s an easy drive from LA. If you can drive to Disneyland, you can make the trek here!
What Can I Expect at Van Gogh An Immersive Experience?
We found it so easy to get into the convention center and there is a convenient parking lot on site ($20 flat rate). Once you’re parked, it’s just a short walk to the exhibition. Come with your bar code ready to go on your phone so you can just get scanned and walk right in. The first room was incredibly enjoyable, especially if you’re into history and learning more about Van Gogh’s life.
Of course, everyone knows of Van Gogh’s infamous moment of cutting off his ear. But the exhibit goes beyond that moment — and I was fascinated to learn how nature was central to so much of his work, showing the true beauty of the land and those who work it.
In fact, Van Gogh dreaded the city and all of its temptations. He often went to the countryside to paint its visual richness and enjoy its healing qualities. One interesting trivia fact? Van Gogh’s famed painting “The Starry Night” was done from an asylum, where he lived following a breakdown. He ended up painting it on an oil canvas while looking out of the view from the window in his room. Who knew?
The Main Art Hall: A Full Immersive Experience
While walking through Beyond Van Gogh, you’ll get to experience the stunning masterpieces, including instantly recognizable classics such as “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” and “Café Terrace at Night,” — all freed from their frames.
Van Gogh’s art is brought to life by appearing and disappearing, flowing across walls, floors and ceilings. We didn’t know where to look next, but that is the fun part!
There is no time limitations and you can wander the gigantic space as long or short as you’d like. The full video loop takes about 45 minutes total, but truly flew by. We ended up getting such a great appreciation of this tortured artist’s work, hearing Van Gogh’s own words set to a symphonic score.
Van Gogh also considered portraits as one of the highest forms of art. However, with no means to hire models to pose for him, he resolved to paint himself and those around him. We were thrilled to see that the exhibit also included some of his most notable portrait work and all their vivid colors. The massive size of each portrait gave us a sense of just how much work went into each. It blew us away!
In total, we spent about 1.5 hours exploring the exhibit, including our time in the first room reading all about Van Gogh’s life. If you’re looking for something unique with the entire family, make the trip to Anaheim and visit Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. And maybe you’ll even be inspired to start painting yourself! Or maybe just pick up some of his reproductions at the gift shop at the end!
THE LOW DOWN
- Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience features more than 300 of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic artworks.
- Advanced tickets are highly recommended. Prices start at $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for children, plus ticketing fees.
- Parking is available at the convention center for an additional $20
- This world-renowned art experience is open for a limited-time, so be sure to get tickets while they are still available. Tickets can be purchased here.
- There are other Van Gogh exhibits in Southern California. However, the experience here is so much better for those fully vaccinated like us. Masks are optional and there is no distancing restrictions. We appreciated the freedom to move around.
Looking for other ideas in LA? Be sure to visit all of our recommendations here, including 5 secrets spots in LA you (probably) never knew existed (but should!). Love pop ups? You’ll certainly want to read about our night going through the Madcap Hotel, an LA pop up experience like no other. Or our recent visit to experience immersive theater with Clue Live. Ever think about a LA staycation? Check out our ideas and itineraries for a fun weekend in downtown LA and read our feature on the hotel in downtown with the best views of Los Angeles.
