Van Gogh Alive in the Philippines: What You Need to Know
If you missed its first run in 2019, you’re in luck because the world’s most-visited immersive museum is back for another run in the Philippines!
This is your time to walk among the sunflowers, the starry skies, and the vibrant symphony of light, color, and sound again as this most visited immersive experience will take place in a much bigger venue–the BGC Arts Center.
Who is Vincent Van Gogh?
We all have heard of his name and his famous “Starry, Starry Night”. Don McLean’s song “Vincent” is also dedicated to him.
Now that this immersive and interactive museum has returned to the country, it’s high time to learn our art history and discover who is the artist behind these distinct brush strokes and bold and vibrant colors.
Vincent van Gogh, one of the most renowned and influential artists in the history of Western art, was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter. He was born on March 30, 1853, in Zundert, Netherlands, and is best known for his distinctive and expressive style characterized by bold colors, dramatic brushwork, and emotional intensity. Van Gogh’s short and tumultuous life was marked by his struggle with mental illness, which greatly influenced his art.
In 1889, after a series of personal crises and a self-inflicted ear injury, van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. During his time at the asylum, he continued to paint prolifically, producing some of his most celebrated works, such as “The Starry Night.” His time in Saint-Rémy was marked by both periods of intense creativity and moments of despair, reflecting the profound impact of his mental health struggles on his art.
Van Gogh spent a significant portion of his career in the cities of Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise. In Arles, he produced many of his iconic works, including “Sunflowers” and “Café Terrace at Night,” where he experimented with vibrant colors and unique perspectives. In Auvers-sur-Oise, during the final months of his life, van Gogh created some of his most poignant and somber paintings, such as “Wheatfield with Crows.” His artistic legacy endures, with his contributions to the art world continuing to captivate and inspire people around the globe.
What to Know About Van Gogh Live Manila
Van Gogh Alive, as mentioned, is coined as the “world’s most visited multi-sensory exhibition experience.” The exhibit features thousands of timeless masterpieces of Vincent Van Gogh being scaled massively and projected onto the space walls, screens, columns, floors, and ceilings of the exhibition. The images change and are synchronized with a classical score.
The immersive experience walks you through different phases of Van Gogh’s life with his art and words. The large digital projections of Van Gogh’s works looked real as if you were standing in huge canvases. It’s unlike your traditional museum visits!
The exhibit is sponsored by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc., and Del Monte Philippines.
What Should I Expect from My Visit?
Visitors will get to “travel” to Arles, Saint Rémy, and Auvers-sur-Oise–places where he created his well-loved masterpieces.
Prepare to be engulfed as you enter the museum. The Melbourne-based Grande Experiences used over 3,000 images depicting Van Gogh’s story using their state-of-the-art SENSORY4™ system. This enormous scale of images will blow your mind through the gallery space.
Visitors can emulate Van Gogh’s works in the Drawing Room. The Sunflower Mirror Room is a mirrored tunnel with several sunflower blooms. On the other side, visitors will see a life-sized, interactive replica of Vincent’s bedroom in Arles.
What Makes Van Gogh Alive different from other Immersive Contemporaries?
According to Maria Isabel Garcia, the managing director and curator of the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Van Gogh Alive is an ultra-cohesive story of Vang Gogh’s quintessential journey, which was important to put across to the audience.
Garcia said that Van Gogh Alive will allow Filipinos who cannot afford to go elsewhere to visit the museum and enjoy the immersive experience.
But for those living in the province and don’t want to miss out on this event, you can always try renting condominium units or get lots near BGC. Brittany Corporation’s Forresta Villar City is a great lot in Metro Manila where you can roam around with your friends and family and an ideal place you can get your dream home.
You can also try checking out Tagaytay condo offered by Brittany Corporation. They have a selection of condominium units that are accessible to nearby cities and provinces, where you can also get to see the beauty of Taal Lake and the cool breeze of Tagaytay as one of your side trips!
Being Intentional in Appreciating the Art
Garcia raised the concern about the generation today, as they were born with technology already existing. She cannot force people to pay attention to art if they are held by a short attention span.
However, she was surprised that the crowd in the exhibit were thoughtful. The visitors were quiet and mindful of the exhibit, absorbing everything that was happening.
Garcia challenged the younger generations to be intentional in appreciating the art. A person won’t have the full experience without reflection and insight.
Again, Garcia hoped that the visitors of Van Gogh Alive would pay more attention to the artworks, regardless of any setup–whether it be a traditional museum set-up or an interactive museum such as this. She noticed that the people in today’s generation would just take photos and post them social media, without seeing the value and meaning behind the art.
She said in an interview, “A burning planet, everyone at war… If we all paid attention, and took the time to understand, to reflect, do you really think we’d come to disastrous stuff like that? So, the value is really to pay attention.”
She concluded that people should be careful what they pay attention to, as it defines who you are in the end.
However, art does not only come in paintings and is confined to galleries. We’re all aware that Vincent van Gogh’s paintings drew inspiration from nature and everything that brings meaning to his life. Everyone is an artist, and we can make our own “painting” by going out to nature and reflecting on our lives. Forresta in Alabang offers lush greeneries that you can appreciate whenever you go out of your home.
When Can I Visit Van Gogh Alive?
Van Gogh Alive runs from October 20 to December 10. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during weekends. You can get tickets a Ticketworld online or at the BGC Arts Center TicketWorld Box Office, located at Bonifacio Global City.
How Much are the Tickets?
A Two-Hour Pass is priced at Php 1,200 per head for adults and Php 890 for children and students.
Premium Flex Pass costs Php 2,500 per head for adults, children, and students. The Premium Flex Pass allows you to enter and exit anytime on the day of your scheduled visit, with a special entry lane and a complimentary Van Gogh Alive Program.
Discover the Art and Beauty of Nature in Forresta
As we mentioned earlier, we can immerse ourselves and create our artwork through nature. That’s why Forresta Villar City is the ideal location for anyone who loves nature.
Located in Daang Reyna, Alabang, Forresta Villar Land is a 118-hectare mixed-used residential area in Alabang City considered the luxurious “city in the forest.” Its high-rise towers, prestigious residential condominiums, and ultra-exclusive residential lot for sale are integrated with nature.
Forresta residents will get to enjoy an elite lifestyle, with complete access to amenities within the community–perfect for anyone who wants to get inspiration without needing to go far away.
Forresta Villar City is near the Alabang Business District and accessible via Daang Hari. This accessibility allows you, your family, and your friends to explore more horizons and see more breathtaking destinations that Brittany Corporation has to offer.
Forresta has 25 exclusive estate lots where you can build your dream Asian contemporary home and your sacred and private living space that won’t hurt your budget.
Immerse in the World of Art with Brittany Corporation
Are you excited for Van Gogh Alive? Make your experience more worthwhile by visiting and relaxing at some of Brittany Corporation’s luxury properties!
Brittany Corporation has proven itself as a pioneering force in Philippine real estate. The corporation’s commitment to sustainability, luxurious living, and community development is commendable. Now, it’s time for us to take action and be part of this transformative journey.
Brittany’s diverse residential offerings, where you’ll find homes catering to various preferences; second, champion sustainability within your sphere of influence, sharing the Brittany story and inspiring eco-friendly living; third, engage actively in local community dialogues to ensure development aligns with nature and heritage; fourth, support green initiatives and environmental charities; and fifth, spread the word about Brittany Corporation’s innovative approach to real estate development.
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