The Van Gogh Experience is an immersive art exhibition featuring the works of Vincent Van Gogh. It uses cutting-edge projection technology to bring Van Gogh’s paintings to life on a grand scale. The exhibit has been traveling around the world since 2008 and has been enjoyed by over 6 million visitors.
The standard admission ticket includes access to the 35-minute projection show. However, there is also a VIP ticket that includes additional perks and exclusive access. In this article, we’ll break down what you get with the Van Gogh Experience VIP ticket and whether it’s worth the higher price.
What’s included in standard admission?
The standard exhibition ticket includes access to the 35-minute immersive show projected across large surfaces to create an all-encompassing experience. The show features a selection of Van Gogh’s most famous works of art animated with motion and set to an evocative classical score.
Standard access tickets allow entry at any time during the day. You can stay and watch the show as many times as you want during the venue’s opening hours. Tickets are date-specific but allow re-entry on the same day.
The standard ticket includes access to the exhibit shop and cafe area. You can browse and purchase prints, gifts, and more. There are also photo opportunities where you can pose amid projections of Van Gogh’s artwork.
What extra perks come with VIP tickets?
The Van Gogh Experience VIP ticket includes the following addons and perks:
- Queue jump – bypass the general admission line to enter faster
- VIP lanyard – get a special lanyard to identify you as a VIP guest
- VIP exhibition introduction – get welcomed and guided into the exhibit by staff
- Exclusive VIP viewing area – watch the show from premium seats away from the crowds
- Free drink – enjoy a complimentary drink from the cafe
- Priority cafe service – get served first at the cafe and bar with no waiting
- VIP souvenir gift – take home a Van Gogh-themed gift exclusively for VIPs
The VIP ticket allows re-entry on the same day, just like the standard ticket. So VIP guests can come and go, watching the show multiple times from their exclusive section.
How much more does the VIP ticket cost?
The Van Gogh Experience VIP ticket costs around twice as much as general admission:
Ticket Type | Price |
---|---|
Standard Adult | $40 |
VIP Adult | $80 |
Other types of tickets like child, student, and senior are also available at different prices. But the VIP option consistently costs about double the standard.
When is the extra cost worth it?
Here are some situations where splurging on the VIP ticket could be worthwhile:
- If you’re a big Van Gogh fan – the exclusive extras will make you feel special
- To avoid crowds and congestion – the private area ensures a more relaxed experience
- For less waiting around – with queue jumping and priority service
- As a one-time special treat – it can be a nice indulgence for a special occasion
- If you can easily afford it – it may be worth the cost for convenience
The perks also add value if you’re attending with a group and want a more memorable experience together. Splitting the extra cost among friends can make it more reasonable.
When is standard admission the better option?
The standard ticket is probably the way to go in these situations:
- If you’re on a tight budget – it’s much cheaper and still lets you see the main show
- For solo visitors – you won’t benefit as much from the group perks
- If crowds don’t bother you – standard viewing still provides an immersive experience
- For a shorter visit – if you only have time for the show once
- For kids and students – the standard admission is discounted for them already
As long as you manage expectations around crowds and waiting times, the standard ticket allows you to enjoy the exhibit without paying twice as much.
What do reviews say about the VIP experience?
Here are some extracts from reviews by people who purchased the VIP ticket:
“Being able to jump past the long line was already worth the upgrade cost. The VIP area was roped off so we could sit away from other viewers. It felt like having front row seats to an exclusive show.”
“For my parents’ anniversary, I bought them VIP tickets. They really appreciated the pampered treatment and said it made them feel special. The gift and priority service added to the experience.”
“As a solo traveler, I didn’t really need the group benefits like queue jumping. And I actually enjoyed mingling with people admiring the artwork. The standard ticket was enough for me.”
Reviewers highlight the queue bypass and separate seating as prime advantages. The VIP extras are enjoyed most when shared with others. Solo visitors often report they could take or leave the add-ons.
Is the merchandise worth buying?
The Van Gogh Experience has an on-site shop selling a range of exclusive merchandise featuring the artist’s iconic designs. Here are some of the products available:
Merchandise | Price Range |
---|---|
Posters and Prints | $15 – $50 |
Tote Bags | $10 – $25 |
Mugs | $15 – $20 |
Magnets | $5 – $10 |
Calendars and Postcards | $10 – $20 |
The products are high-quality and make meaningful souvenirs or gifts. However, the prices are inflated compared to online or museum shops. Superfans may happy pay a premium on-site, but you can likely find better deals shopping around elsewhere.
How does the experience compare to seeing Van Gogh’s art in real life?
While screens can never fully capture the feeling of seeing real Van Gogh paintings in person, the Van Gogh Experience aims to get close. The ultra-hi-res projections on giant screens in a vividly animated show provide an immersive impression.
Some key differences between the exhibit vs real life include:
- Sense of scale – projection technology allows the artwork and brushstrokes to be displayed at huge scale
- Moving art – the paintings subtly move and transform, surrounded by animated elements
- Music and sound – an orchestral score and sound effects add drama
- Surrounding space – artwork is projected across floors, walls and ceilings for a 3D effect
- Dimmed lighting – the space is darkened so projections pop out
While not a substitute for seeing real Van Gogh paintings at museums like Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum or New York’s MoMA, the vivid show shares his work in an imaginative, 21st-century way.
Pros of the Van Gogh Experience:
- Immersive introduction to Van Gogh’s paintings, suitable for all ages
- Innovative animated projections with music bring the artwork to life
- VIP options available for added convenience and exclusivity
- Engaging visuals and decor for photo opportunities
- Educational segments provide art history context
- Gift shop has unique Van Gogh-inspired merchandise
Cons of the Van Gogh Experience:
- No original Van Gogh works, only projections of images
- Merchandise and food/drink is expensive
- Can get crowded without VIP access
- Not a complete overview of Van Gogh’s extensive works
- Timed entry means less flexibility compared to museum visits
Conclusion:
The Van Gogh Experience offers an entertaining immersion into Van Gogh’s artwork through cutting-edge projection technology. The VIP ticket provides extras like premium viewing, queue jumping, and gifts at around double the standard price.
For Van Gogh devotees, art lovers, groups, and one-time special occasions the VIP ticket can provide added value. But for budget travelers and solo visitors, the standard ticket is typically sufficient to enjoy this innovative homage to a legendary painter.