Bengaluru basks in the vivid colours of The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience

The Hindu

04-07-2025

While there 'ain't nothing like the real thing', it pays to check out what comes the closest. Whether one is an ardent art-lover or amateur, rich or famous, it would be next to impossible to catch all of Van Gogh's art in one place.
Many of the works by the Dutch Post-Impressionist are in museums around the world or in private collections, so a show such as this is an eye-opener to his oeuvre.
The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience begins when you step into the cafe with its wooden benches and bright, yellow sunflowers to await your turn. The walls are dotted with a few of the artist's popular prints and a photo corner that is a replica of his Bedroom in Arles.
Shows are slotted every half hour and the first stop is the Education Room where sections of the artist's life are set against the backdrop of his art works, followed by a stint in the Infinity Room.
The Infinity Room, with thousands of serial lights strung up from the ceiling, pays homage to two of Van Gogh's most recognised works — The Starry Night and Starry Night Over the Rhone. Swathes of yellow and blue cover the floor, while distorted mirrors line the walls and ceiling, resulting in a swirl of colour and light.
A sense of illusion is complete as you wander around and you do lose track of time, in this fittingly named room. But, since re-entry into each space is not allowed, you really do not mind the amusingly contorted images that show up all around. However, seen as a window into the artist's despair it can be quite sobering.
The Immersive Room is where the magic unfolds and visitors can experience Gogh's art up close. Brush strokes and vivid colour come alive and the organisers have taken care to include some of his lesser known works such as Courtesan from his Japanese series and portraits of acquaintances, among the 70 hand-picked pieces on display.
After the 30-minute show, you exit via The Store where some of Van Gogh's most popular works adorn keychains, mugs, totes and t-shirts. Prints and postcards of his works are available too.
The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience is at Bharatiya Mall Of Bengaluru till July 13, 2025. Tickets starting at ₹499 for children and ₹899 for adults available on District. From 10am to 9.30pm on weekends, from noon to 9.30pm Monday to Friday. Last entry at 9pm on all days.