Van Gogh Alive: Art Heaven in Madrid!

While wandering around the streets of Madrid, I was immediately drawn to a sign posted on a building: Van Gogh Alive. Now, Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite artist in the world. I’m slightly obsessed. So, this sign got my full attention, and I immediately went inside, begging for a ticket in Spanish. I was not disappointed!

The exhibit was open only temporarily in the Círculo de Bellas Artes museum. The museum was packed, with excited visitors for the Van Gogh exhibit, the Azotea del Círculo rooftop bar, and another temporary exhibit. I had to wait a full 24 hours in order to get to see Vincent come alive.

Van Gogh Was Worth the Wait!

When it was finally my turn, I was led into a large room, full of blank walls, floors, and beanbag chairs scattered around. Everyone claimed a seat, and the show began.

A 3D construction of Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles at Van Gogh Alive — A 3D construction of Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles

Following the timeline of Van Gogh’s life, the walls came alive with moving, living pictures of his artwork. Beautiful music played overhead, setting the mood for various artwork movements. The artwork became multi-dimensional, with parts of the paintings animated to give them even more life than before.

Moving projection at Van Gogh Alive inside a blackbox-like theater

I Was in Heaven….and Hell

I was holding back tears of happiness as my favorite works of art came alive in front of me. Van Gogh’s happiness, sadness, and pain could be felt in each of the pieces as they moved, accompanied by music. I was completely surrounded by animated works of art: on the walls, the floor, the pillars. I was dreading the end of the exhibit, as I knew how Vincent’s life tragically came to an end.

Van Gogh’s Wheatfield with Crows. Image from the Van Gogh Museum‘s collection

The experience ended with the painting Wheatfield with Crows, his very last work. A gunshot suddenly ended the music, and the crows flew away. My heart leapt up into my throat, as I silently cried for my favorite artist.

Van Gogh alive was definitely a life-changing experience. I felt incredibly connected with the life and emotions of my favorite artist in the rawest, uncensored way. I highly encourage all art enthusiasts to attend this event. You can find locations and times here for this traveling exhibit.