Flowering Garden

I’ll admit it.

When I hear the words “immersive experience,” I’m a little skeptical.

Will it actually be immersive? Or is it just a room with a projector?

“Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” surprised me.

Located downtown at the Immersive Hub on Fourth Street, it’s much more than a collection of paintings on the wall. It walks you through Vincent van Gogh’s life, his inspirations and the stories behind some of his most recognizable works before culminating in a 360-degree projection show that surrounds you with his art. The newest Cincinnati edition also includes several interactive rooms, two virtual reality experiences and an “Infinite Sunflower” room that's made for photos.

The highlight for me was the walking VR experience.

Instead of simply putting on a headset and watching a movie, you’re actually moving through Van Gogh's world. It starts in an art gallery, then you step through portals to places special to Van Gogh as he narrates. You wander the streets of Arles, you see the tiny bedroom he made famous in his paintings, and finally, find yourself on a rooftop looking at the sky that inspired his “Starry Night.” It’s easily the most memorable part of the exhibit.

Learning about the man behind the famous paintings (and ear mutilation) was also interesting. Van Gogh died at just 37 years old, yet created more than 2,000 works of art. Many believe he was also color blind, which is why his paintings were so vibrant. And while we might all recognize his famous “Sunflowers” painting, it was actually one in a series that became one of his defining subjects, symbolizing gratitude, friendship and hope. The new “Infinite Sunflower” room is a fun nod to those iconic paintings and one of the exhibit's most Instagram-worthy stops.

There’s also an interactive art gallery where you can make your own Van Gogh-inspired art and a gift shop where you can grab something to remember your experience.

You don't need to be an art expert to enjoy this. In fact, it's better if you're not. The projections, music and storytelling make Van Gogh's work approachable in a way that feels more like stepping into a movie than walking through a museum.

If you're looking for a different kind of date night, something to do before dinner downtown, a family outing – or just an excuse to spend an hour surrounded by beauty, add this one to your to-do list.

 – Kathrine Nero