Brighton Dome, one of the UK’s leading cultural institutions, has just announced that the opening event for its refurbished Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre will be the world-renowned immersive experience Van Gogh Alive from Grande Experiences.

This multi-sensory exhibition will take place from 12 May to 6 August 2023 and will be the first event to welcome back audiences to the fully restored venues.

An innovative exploration

Van Gogh Alive is an innovative way to explore the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most seminal Dutch artists of all time. With more than 3,000 images on display, including iconic works such as Sunflowers and lesser-known paintings, the experience is a visual feast for visitors. This unique experience has been enjoyed by over 8.5 million people in 80 cities worldwide and has received glowing reviews from audiences and critics alike.

The Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre restoration is part of a long-term vision between Brighton & Hove City Council, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Brighton & Hove Museums. It will reinvigorate the historic Royal Pavilion estate and make it a major cultural destination in the UK. With the first phase of the regeneration project almost complete, this collaboration will help to establish Brighton Dome and the Royal Pavilion estate as a landmark centre for heritage and the arts, positioning it for a sustainable future that reflects the unique spirit of Brighton.

Van Gogh Alive will include several exciting new installations, such as the “Starry Night” display, a dedicated artist studio, and a life-sized walk-in representation of Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles painting. Visitors can also create souvenirs and take a 360° selfie in the “Sunflower selfie room,” complete with hundreds of sunflowers.

Van Gogh Alive – a thrilling event in a stunning venue

This refurbishment project has received leadership support from Brighton & Hove City Council, Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, and backing from trusts & foundations and individual donors.

Bruce Peterson, Founder & CEO of Grande Experiences, said: “We are thrilled to bring Van Gogh Alive to Brighton and to be the first event on show at the beautifully restored new Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre at Brighton Dome – one of the country’s most stunning Regency palaces. Brighton, with its rich artistic heritage and abundance of creative talent, is the ideal location for the next stop of the hugely successful UK tour. We look forward to sharing it with the Brighton community very soon.”

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, said: “We are thrilled to announce that Van Gogh Alive will be the inaugural event at Brighton Dome’s newly refurbished Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre. This innovative and immersive exhibition provides the perfect opportunity to welcome audiences old and new to these unique historic spaces ahead of our performance program from autumn 2023.”

Tickets and info

Tickets for Van Gogh Alive will go on general sale from 1 February, with adult tickets starting from £24 and concession tickets from £19. Early bird tickets are available from 25 to 31 January for Brighton Dome Members and those who register online. School group discounts and free entry for under-fives and essential companions are also available.

For more information, visit brightondome.org and vangoghaliveuk.com/brighton.

Take advantage of this chance to experience the world-famous Van Gogh Alive experience in one of the UK’s most historic and beautiful cultural institutions.

If you are interested in touring Van Gogh Alive or any other experience from Grande Experiences, contact us.