The exhibit traces Van Gogh’s work from his early career through his masterpieces.

Discovery Place announcement
CHARLOTTE–From Milan and Moscow, to Istanbul and Budapest, the globally-acclaimed exhibition “Van Gogh Alive” now comes to the United States east coast for the first time when it debuts at Discovery Place on April 25.

“Van Gogh Alive” is the synthesis of traditional art and modern technology. More than 3,000 images, including Vincent van Gogh’s most famous works are taken outside of the frame and brought to life in a whirlwind of vibrant colors and vivid details. For the first time, guests can walk through images of famous works, such as “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” “The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum,” “The Yellow House,” “Bedroom in Arles” and many more.

“This exhibition redefines a traditional museum experience, displaying Van Gogh’s masterpieces in larger-than-life proportions. Guests may have had previous opportunities to see a few authentic paintings in a gallery, but “Van Gogh Alive” brings thousands of Van Gogh’s images under one roof in a stunning audio-visual format,” said Discovery Place, Inc. president and CEO, Catherine Wilson Horne. “Visitors can expect to be astonished and drawn into the splendor of this experience.”

The large scale works and technology will allow visitors to experience the world of Van Gogh.

Upon entering the Sensory4 gallery, guests will be completely immersed in Van Gogh’s paintings with floor-to-ceiling projections that scale Discovery Place’s exhibition space. Synchronized to a classical score featuring the works of composers George Handel, Camille Saint-Saens and Franz Schubert, this extraordinary experience will transport visitors on an expressive journey into Van Gogh’s troubled life and brilliant work using light, color and sound.

The exhibition traces Van Gogh’s artwork from his early life in the Netherlands to his pinnacle masterpieces in Arles and “Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.” Throughout this journey, visitors will learn about the creative origins of the paintings and view excerpts from Van Gogh’s letters that offer insight into the artist’s life. Many of the images draw attention to key features of the art and allow people to study Van Gogh’s dramatic use of color and technique.

From the gallery, guests can dive deeper into art exploration in the “Artist’s Studio” to experiment with the intersections of art and science. What does a painting sound like? Listen to a Van Gogh print using robotic frequencies that translate colors into sound waves. Practice shadow techniques using light, texture and mixed media to create a unique masterpiece. Discover what electrical circuits and paint have in common to explore paintings that play musical notes.

Exclusive to Discovery Place is an experience created by celebrated artist Ivan Toth Depeña, known for his use of science, technology and traditional media. In partnership with McColl Center for Visual Art, Depeña has created an opportunity for visitors to become a Van Gogh painting.  Using projection-based interactive technology, guests’ silhouettes will be digitally “painted” in Van Gogh’s infamous style. To further investigate Depeña’s work, explore texture using 3D-printed recreations of Van Gogh’s art to understand his infamous brushstroke techniques.

Part of what makes Van Gogh’s art so famous today is his life story. While exploring the exhibition, guests will get to meet the artist face-to-face through dramatic interpretation. Guests may encounter Vincent van Gogh himself; Theo van Gogh, younger brother and art dealer to Van Gogh; or Paul Gauguin, the artist who commissioned Van Gogh’s famous “Sunflowers” paintings; or even Adeline Ravoux, the daughter of Van Gogh’s inn-keeper who modeled for the painting “Portrait of Adeline Ravoux.” Their interactions will bring the artist’s story to life, giving guests the opportunity to ask questions and interact with history.

IMAX MOVIE

For further insight into Van Gogh, the artist and the man, Discovery Place hosts the IMAX film “Van Gogh: Brush with Genius.” Guests will relive Van Gogh’s life journey through his letters, visit the landscapes that inspired many famous paintings and discover the man they never knew. The film retraces the artist’s journey from the time of his first canvases at the age of 27 to his death on July 29, 1890. 

“Van Gogh Alive” will be on exhibition at Discovery Place for a limited time only, from April 25 – June 1, 2014. Tickets are now on sale for timed entries, so before making a purchase, visitors will be asked to select the date and time of their visit. Guests can purchase tickets in one of three ways:  online at discoveryplace.org, via phone at 704.372.6261 x300 or in person at Discovery Place.

Admission to Van Gogh Alive is $20 for adults (14-59); $18 for children (2-13) or seniors (60+); and free for children younger than 2. All tickets include full day admission to Discovery Place. Discovery Place Members may purchase tickets for $5.  IMAX tickets may be added for an additional $5 per person. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Children age 13 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult while in Discovery Place.

The museum is open weekedays, 9am to 4pm (last exhibition ticket sold at 3pm); Saturdays 10am to 6pm (last ticket 5pm); and Sundays, noon to 5pm (last ticket sold 4pm).

“Van Gogh Alive” and “Van Gogh: Brush with Genius” are sponsored by Wells Fargo. The Charlotte Observer, NBC Charlotte WCNC-TV and 107.9 THE LINK are media partners.