Painting to patisserie: Four things you NEED to do at Van Gogh Alive

Posted on 7 March, 2022

Have you ever wanted to stand in a Van Gogh painting? What about lay on it or roll around in it?

The good news is the spectacular multi-sensory experience Van Gogh Alive is finally in Canberra, and unlike ordinary art exhibitions, it promises all this and more.

Assisted by the National Capital Authority, and taking place in the National Triangle, Van Gogh Alive will open during the 2022 Enlighten Festival on Saturday 5 March. Running long past the end of the festival it will display more than 3,000 of Vincent van Gogh’s artworks, from Sunflowers to A Wheat Field With Cypresses.

The best part is you can forget tiptoeing through silent galleries to view the art—the larger-than-life experience gives visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves into Van Gogh’s artistry and truly venture into his world.

But there’s more to Van Gogh Alive than viewing the masterpieces. With interactive displays, a high tea package, a painting package and more, there’s plenty to see and do that will keep the whole family entertained.

Here’s four things you NEED to do to experience the best of Van Gogh Alive.

Ready, set, Gogh explore

Upon arrival at the giant bespoke marquee known as the Grand Pavilion, exhibition goers will learn about the life and works of Vincent van Gogh before entering the SENSORY4™ Gallery, where they can walk right into their favourite paintings, including Van Gogh’s magnum opus, Starry Night.

Combining multi-channel motion graphics with cinema-quality surround sound, the unique experience allows art lovers to saturate themselves in the paintings from new angles and awaken the senses. Covering the walls and floors, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve been transported into Van Gogh’s greatest works. Add in a subtle scent winding through the gallery and an evocative classical score, and Van Gogh’s artistic journey will transcend the normal gallery experience.

Snap a sunny selfie

While the SENSORY4™ Gallery offers endless Insta opportunities–and we all know that if you don’t ‘gram it, it didn’t happen–the exhibition extends beyond the super-scale gallery. Walk into a life-sized representation of Van Gogh’s Bedroom, one of his most famous pieces of work, and pose next to the iconic bed.

But if you love a good selfie, then the immersive sunflower room is for you. The infinity room is filled to the brim with 30,000 sunflowers, turning it into an endless field that will make your followers envious (dare we add this might be the MOST romantic spot to get down on one knee? Just saying, nothing screams romance like a field of sunflowers).

Be sure to stop and immerse yourself with every frame and create your own art with the snap of a camera.

Paint Like Vincent

If you’re feeling inspired by the extraordinary artwork, the good news is you can pick up a paintbrush and take your place within a painting class set within the Grand Pavilion’s recreation of his famous painting Café Terrace at Night.

The two-hour session is sold as an experience for two people–perfect for date night or a catch up with your bestie. The best part is not only will you have the chance to paint your own masterpiece but no experience is needed as you’re guided through a Van Gogh classic by a professional artist.

With a paintbrush in one hand, and a delicious glass of wine in the other, it promises to be an art class like no other.

Combine your love of food, wine and art

If food is more your forte, be transported back to Bohemian Arles, France thanks to the exquisite reconstruction of Van Gogh’s famous Café Terrace at Night where mastery can be found on a plate and in a glass.

With ever-changing French patisserie offerings and weekly specials made on site along with a decadent drinks menu (which includes Taittinger champagne) it’s the perfect opportunity to take a moment to sit and reflect on what you saw.

You can also treat yourself to High Tea on the Terrace, a delightful Champagne high tea that features a three-tiered arrangement of decadent sweets, artisanal savouries and accompanied with a glass of Taittinger champagne or a glass of wine as well as a pot of Maison du Thé tea or a coffee.

The package allows you to enter the Van Gogh Alive experience at 2 pm with high tea service available from 3 pm – 4 pm after you have explored Van Gogh’s art, promising a fun and frivolous afternoon to remember.

But don’t take our word for it, try it for yourself.