Away We Gogh! Virtual-Reality Exhibit Takes Visitors on an Emotional Journey Through the Artist’s Final Years

Away We Gogh! Virtual-Reality Exhibit Takes Visitors on an Emotional Journey Through the Artist’s Final Years

YOU'VE PROBABLY SEEN the billboards. You've certainly seen the ads on Facebook and Instagram. And now, after months of anticipation, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit has opened its doors in a warehouse in West Houston.


Through Jan. 3, the virtual-reality art experience allows Houstonians to step inside the paintings and the life of the celebrated artist. The emotional production, designed by Italian producer Massimiliano and including music by multimedia composer Luca Longobardi, specifically explores Van Gogh's final years leading up to his taking his own life.

It shows the "journey through life and struggles, and the creative process of the artist," said Impact Museums' Diana Rayzman at a ribbon-cutting ceremony last night. In today's cultural climate, she believes people are wanting to be "inspired by beauty and art and also confronted with the darkness and difficulty of the human experience."

Visitors enter the site-specific exhibit through an arched and mirrored hallway dubbed the "Van Gogh Chapel," inspired by Houston's Rothko Chapel. Once inside the main room, attendees can sit or stand within a socially distanced circle to take in the 35-minute show, comprised of 60,600 frames of video projected across 500,000 cubic feet. Van Gogh's landscapes move; his still-life paintings are brought to life with sweeping brush strokes.

The venue is located at 1314 Brittmoore Rd., in the Founder's District, next-door to the innovation incubator The Cannon. The warehouse will soon become known as the Lighthouse Artspace, and will be home to future immersive art and entertainment experiences.

Houston is the 13th North American location of Immersive Van Gogh, which has sold more than 3 million tickets across the continent.

Art + Entertainment
Chlorophyll Water, Special Spa Treatments, More: Tips for Mom Bods Emerging from Long Winter’s Nap

The author suggests Pilates as part of her plan for ‘mom bods’ to renew for spring.

AS WE SWAP out our warm comfy PJs for swimsuits, the thought of showing off our bodies can stir up all kinds of emotions, especially for us moms. Here are a few strategic steps to stride into the spring and summer months with confidence and feeling your best.

Keep Reading Show less

The Cottages at the Boat Basin

THERE'S A REASON that many Houstonians glorify a quaintly picturesque life on Nantucket. Actually, there are several: a storied history, charming shops, cobblestone streets, impossibly fresh oysters (and need we even mention the weather?).

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath

How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.

Keep Reading Show less