Immersive Van Gogh experience opens in Escaldes‑Engordany on 22 January

An immersive Van Gogh exhibition produced by Grande Experiences opens at Sala Prat del Roure in Escaldes‑Engordany on 22 January and runs until 6 April. The large‑format installation occupies about 900 square metres and combines giant projections, moving multichannel graphics and cinematic surround sound to present Vincent van Gogh’s life and work in a multisensory format.

A pre‑show interpretive hall with explanatory panels will provide biographical context before visitors enter the main auditorium, where expanded, animated versions of works such as Sunflowers and The Starry Night are projected across the space. Organisers say the presentation aims to balance education and entertainment to make Van Gogh’s art accessible to a wide audience.

The core programme comprises a roughly 40‑minute immersive promenade through the projected works. For the first time in Europe, the Andorra run includes a virtual‑reality segment titled Finding Vincent. Previously shown in Melbourne, the VR experience — lasting about 15 minutes — follows Theo van Gogh’s search for his brother and recreates key moments from Vincent’s life; it requires prior reservation and has age restrictions (children under eight are excluded from the VR part; children under four enter free).

The project was brought to Andorra by local promoters Francesc Camp and Gilbert Saboya, with Grande Experiences represented by commercial director Rob Kirk. Grande Experiences says its Van Gogh Alive format has toured roughly 115 cities in more than 50 countries and has attracted over 10 million visitors; the company also produces immersive shows on artists such as Monet, Leonardo da Vinci and Dalí.

Local authorities have backed the event: the Comú d’Escaldes‑Engordany is providing the venue and plans to distribute some 1,500 free tickets to parish residents, while Andorra Turisme has contributed funding of €100,000. The minister of Tourism, Jordi Torres, described the initiative as a way to raise Andorra’s cultural profile.

Organisers estimate between 25,000 and 30,000 visitors for this run. Two ticket types will be offered: a general ticket covering the interpretive area and immersive hall, and a Plus option that adds the VR experience. Weekend prices are set at €19.90 for adults and €16.90 for children aged 4–12; weekday prices are €16.90 and €14.90 respectively. Prices vary by day and package, with the most complete options generally reaching about €29.90. Tickets will be sold online and at the Illa Carlemany box office.

Opening hours are Monday–Wednesday 15:00–20:00, Thursday, Friday and Sunday 11:00–20:00, and Saturday 11:00–21:00, with additional weekend sessions to accommodate visitors.

Organisers say the installation is intended to be both informative and visually engaging, bringing Van Gogh’s work to life through scale and technology while situating the immersive elements within a conventional interpretive framework.