Guests Urged To 'Van Gogh' To Hartford Exhibit

HARTFORD, CT — Experienced art buffs or those with just a passing fancy for creative endeavors are invited to immerse themselves into the world of famed Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh.

Just not too immersive. They should keep their ears on.

Starting Wednesday, Aug. 10, at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, guests are invited to enjoy "Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience."

There, folks can partake in a traveling exhibit that, literally, takes visitors into Van Gogh's works.

This isn't your father's art exhibit.

It's actually an immersive mix of colors, scenery and music that allows people to not just see Van Gogh's creations, but be within them.

"Set to a symphonic score and using the artist’s own dreams, thoughts, and words to drive the experience as a narrative, Van Gogh’s art comes to life by appearing and disappearing, flowing across multiple surfaces and heightening the senses with their immense detail," reads the narrative on the Hartford Convention Center's website. "Guests will leave with a new appreciation of this prolific artist’s stunning work."

Of course, Van Gogh is famous for “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers” and “Café Terrace at Night,” works many probably recognize even if they might not know the names of the paintings.

But he is also infamous for his 1888 incident in which the classic starving artist cut off part of his ear in frustrated agony amid his personal sea of depression.

That agony eventually ended in 1890, when he shot and killed himself — never realizing his fame and falling far, far short of the fortune accumulated by his work after death.

The Van Gogh exhibit runs from Wednesday, Aug. 10, to Sunday, Oct. 2., with the exhibit open Wednesdays through Sundays.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. They are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, according to the convention center website.

Tickets are not cheap, but the experience is quite unique, with price ranges between $83.99 for a VIP experience during peak days and $23.99 for an off-peak, children's admission ticket.

For the History Channel account of Van Gogh's infamous ear incident, click on this link.

For more information on the Connecticut Convention Center, visit this link.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the exhibit, visit this link.