Van Gogh paintings come alive in Abu Dhabi

The Starry Night created in 1889 when the artist was a patient at an asylum at Saint-Remy-de-Provence is seen here cast on floor-to-ceiling screens by 40 high definition projectors. 

A collection of Van Gogh's many self portraits seen as larger than life in the multi-sensory exhibition of images and sound.

Sunflowers. The title of two series of paintings Van Gogh created in late 1888 and 1889, they are among some of the artist's most reproduced works.

Some of the paintings are not shown in full, yet small details are magnified to intensify the experience. 

Seeing the unmistakable swirls of Van Gogh's Starry Night projected across floor to ceiling high walls is undoubtedly an immersive experience. It may seem as if you are able to transcend through time and dimension to be standing inside the painting itself. This is the philosophy behind Van Gogh Alive – The Experience that combines a specially chosen score of classical music with over 3000 images being broadcast from 40 high definition projectors.

All of Van Gogh's classic paintings are used in this multi-sensory experience which has been designed for all the family. The Sunflowers come alive and his self portraits loom large and life-like. Some of famous artworks are shown in their entirety and others are broken down into highlighted sections or magnified on a huge scale.

The exhibition is held under the patronage of the Minister of Culture & Knowledge Development, and is being brought to the UAE by Grande Exhibitions and local event company called 6IX Degrees Entertainment. It will run for six weeks in Abu Dhabi and another six weeks in Dubai.

• Van Gogh Alive – The Experience, January 14 - February 26, 2018 at Abu Dhabi National Theatre & March 11 - April 23 at Dubai Design District.
• Prices: Adults: AED70; Kids: AED65 (up to 16 y.o.); Student discount: AED65 (any age, with student card). Tickets purchased through: Platinum List, Virgin Megastore, Dubai Calendar app