Van Gogh Alive!

As a Christmas present, my parents treated us to Van Gogh Alive exhibit tickets over at Media City, Salford. I will have no doubt mentioned in previous blogs that anything I think will be great sensory-wise for the baby, I am eager to visit. So this exhibit was perfect for us.

While we were in Media City, we passed the Cbeebies building, and Dexter saw Upsy Daisy from In The Night Garden. We also walked through the Blue Peter garden. So, even if you are only spending a short amount of time at the exhibit, there is more to see and do in this area!

After having visited the exhibit, I don’t think the price for entry is worth it, especially considering the relatively short time we spent there. But that isn’t to say it isn’t worth the visit. Because it is. The Exhibit started in October 2021, and has been extended to run until February 27th 2022. So, after reading this, there might still be time to book some tickets. But this does tour the world…so keep a look out when booking future holidays.

The experience of the whole exhibit is pretty unique. The first part of it sees you step into a life-size representation of Van Gogh’s famous painting ‘Van Gogh’s Bedroom’ – and you can snap some cool photos in here too. The second part is the main spectacle. The SENSORY4™ Gallery is a huge space with Van Gogh’s art work projected all over the walls and floors, running alongside a classical score (Erik Satie when we visited). It was sooo relaxing. Most visitors simply stand there, look around and take it all in. The display is just on a loop, so you won’t miss anything.

A little room that is attached to the Sensory Gallery is the Immersive Sunflower Room. I love sunflowers, so I couldn’t wait for this part. Slightly underwhelming with how small the room is though. But with the help of a few mirrors – you do feel like you are within a meadow of Sunflowers. Great photo opportunities here. We seemed to start a trend with everyone queuing behind us, leaving no empty space to get clear photos of us and the baby.

Once you have visited all of the above, the last part of the exhibit is an ‘art activity area’. We didn’t do this, we just watched some visitors take part. Here, there are lots of easels set up, looking towards a screen that shows you drawing techniques and tutorials – so you can have a go at your own drawing!

Obviously, before exiting there is a shop! You can buy art, paint-by-numbers of the art, sunflowers, t shirts, cards, magnets, books…you name it! We ended up buying a card of the Sunflowers painting and we have it framed, as it was the cheapest way to have some art to take home with us.

Overall, I think it is a different way to spend a couple of hours, admiring and immersing yourself in art. My only gripe is the price, but that is just what things cost these days. So FYI, £23.50 for adults, £16.50 for 5 to 16 year olds and free for under 5’s. Make sure you book your tickets fast!