A new immersive art exhibit has opened in Portland that brings to life the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. It’s called Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh, produced by Paquin Entertainment, and both exhibits are set up at the Oregon Convention Center through January 5. The exhibits opened up on October 29.
There’s something magical about watching a masterpiece come alive before your eyes. At the Beyond Van Gogh exhibit this isn’t just a figure of speech. Videos, music, and some narration all work together to tell the story of the artwork and the painter’s life. The entire exhibit hall is wrapped from floor to ceiling in video screens so you’re literally surrounded by the artwork — beyond life size.
We got tickets for Beyond Van Gogh, but you can also get tickets for Beyond Monet or a ticket that includes both experiences. One of my favorite moments was when the video starts to show Van Gogh’s famous painting “Almond Blossoms.” The delicate branches and petals materialize from darkness across the screens and projected onto the floor. Then it transforms into a spectacular display where florals bloom and the petals start to fall in a shower of dancing white petals across the screen. Van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night” unfolds as a mesmerizing dance of white swirls across a dark background before coalescing into the complete masterpiece we know so well.
The video encompasses all of Van Gogh’s masterpieces and periods, including flowers, his bedroom paintings, and self-portraits. Even those come to life, with Van Gogh’s penetrating gaze actually blinking back at you! Beyond Van Gogh shares space with its sister exhibition, Beyond Monet, offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to explore both masters’ works through this new intimate format. I can only imagine how cool Monet’s luminous waterscapes and dreamy gardens would be when brought to life on the big screen like this.
As Van Gogh himself once said, “The sight of the stars always makes me dream.” Walking through this huge gallery, watching light ripple across floors and walls while digital birds take flight through projected skies, it’s impossible not to share in that dream. Get your tickets for a timed entry for either exhibit, or at a discount when you purchase both.
Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 8 pm (last entry 7 pm)
Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm (last entry 8 pm)
Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
Holiday Schedule:
November 28-29: 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
December 24 & 31: 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Closed:
November 5 & 11
December 11 & 25
January 1
Oregon Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Portland
