My Visit to Van Gogh Exhibition York at St Mary’s Church

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me outside Van Gogh Museum

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I had the pleasure of experiencing the Van Gogh immersive exhibition at St Mary’s Castlegate.

This breathtaking exhibition takes you on a journey through the life and work of Van Gogh like never before, with its stunning 360-degree experience.

As I walked through the exhibition, I was amazed at how the walls came to life, lighting up the room with their vibrant colours and intricate details.

For only £24, my sister and I enjoyed a one-hour tour of this incredible exhibition. It’s a perfect activity for families and school groups, as it offers drawing activities for kids and even a virtual reality tour of Van Gogh’s world for an additional fee.

I highly recommend visiting to anyone who loves art or is looking for a unique and immersive experience in York.

It’s truly a must-see attraction that will leave you in awe of the artist’s incredible talent and legacy.

What Is the Van Gogh Exhibition?

360 projection left side Van Gogh exhibition
360 projection left side

Van Gogh immersive exhibition is currently being held at two locations:

  1. St Mary’s Church in York
  2. and All Saints Church in Leicester

They use state-of-the-art projections to transport you into the world of Van Gogh, allowing you to become part of the stunning light and sound show that features some of his most famous paintings

It’s perfect for families and offers an immersive experience that truly allows you to step into the life of Van Gogh.

As you walk through the exhibition, you’ll feel as though you are a part of the paintings themselves, surrounded by the vibrant colours and intricate details that made Van Gogh’s work so famous.

@discovering.york Van Gogh Experience York set in an old curch this 360 Van Gogh is a must see attraction. @vangogh.experience #york #yorkart #yorkie #travelbloggeruk #vangoghexhibition #vangoghexperience #vangogh #vangoghyork #thingstodo #thingstodoyork #thingstodoyorkshire #thingstodowithkids #thingstodowithfriends #relaxing #artexhibiton ♬ original sound – THXOC

My Experience at Van Gogh Exhibition

360 projection right side Van Gogh exhibition in York
360 projection right side

I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance for the Van Gogh immersive exhibition.

I’d heard that it can get very busy, especially during peak times.

We booked our tickets for the 14:00pm slot as the exhibition runs every hour from 10am – 6pm, Monday to Sunday, except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the exhibition is closed.

Unfortunately, we arrived late for our slot, but the lady on the door was very understanding and informed us that they allow a 15-minute leeway for visitors.

This was a relief and after providing ID to match ticket booking, we were allowed in.

Entering the first room, I was blown away.

This room is deadly silent, but it’s lit up with bright colours everywhere, which takes your breath away.

360 projection front view Van Gogh exhibition York
360 projection front view

There is plenty of seating available in this room, both around the sides and in the center. I would highly recommend sitting in the middle of the room for the best possible 360-degree experience.

One of my favourite parts of this room was a projection of a rainy night, where the raindrops were projected onto the floor. It was an incredible effect that made me feel like I was really there, experiencing the rain firsthand.

Rainy night projection Van Gogh exhibition in York
Rainy night projection

After the projection room, you enter a traditional exhibition space that features copies of Van Gogh’s famous artwork on the walls.

It gives a more traditional art experience, with informative plaques about the artist and his work. There we’re also colouring activities available for kids.

Projected water droplets floor Van Gogh Exhibition in York
Projected water droplets floor

At the end of the exhibition, we were given the opportunity to experience the VR (virtual reality) tour of Van Gogh’s world.

This optional experience comes at an additional charge of £3 per person, but it’s highly recommended by staff and other visitors who have tried it.

VR welcome sign Van Gogh in York
VR welcome sign Van Gogh

Although i didn’t try the VR experience myself, it’s a great way to fully immerse in Van Gogh’s world and to explore his paintings in a whole new way.

After the exhibition, there was also a little gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and mementos of their visit.

Pros

  • Experience like no other
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Interactive and entertaining
  • Suitable for wheelchairs and buggies

Cons

  • Short experience
  • Need to book even when kids under 3 go free
  • Expensive with additional fees for extra activities

Opening Hours

Here is all the information i looked for prior my visit to the Van Gogh Exhibition.

DaysOpening Times
Monday10:00 to 18:00
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday10:00 to 18:00
Friday10:00 to 18:00
Saturday10:00 to 18:00
Sunday10:00 to 18:00

Last entry is one hour before closing

Contact Number: 01904 501544
Location: York St Mary’s, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN

Van Gogh Exhibition In York Map

Contact Number: 01904 501544
Location: York St Mary’s, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN

Get Tickets for Van Gogh Exhibition in York

Traditional Van Gogh Exhibition
Traditional Van Gogh Exhibition room 2

Standard ticket prices:

  • Adults: £15.00
  • Children: £9.00
  • Family Ticket: £42.00
  • 2 adults + 2 children
  • Students & Concessions: £12.00

Disable Access: There is access for people with reduced mobility at the main entrance.

  • Check out the official website where I booked the tickets here. Or if you buy a York City Pass through Get Your Guide, you might enter this attraction for free (this card offers entrance to 20 attractions in York).

Parking Near Van Gogh Exhibition in York

Closest short stay car parks are:

  • Piccadilly Car Park, York YO1 9NX
  • Castle Car Park, York YO1 9SA

Q-Parking Shambles – is a large car, well lit and maintained car park which is open 24hours. With a minute walk from St Mary’s Church . With average rate of £2.90 per hour.

Pre-book to plan ahead for a space in a safe, secure car park in the city center

Final Thoughts

My trip to the Van Gogh immersive exhibition at St Mary’s Church in York was an unforgettable experience. From the breathtaking projection room to the traditional exhibition space and optional VR tour, every aspect of the exhibition was thoughtfully designed to transport you into the world of Van Gogh. The exhibition is a perfect activity for families, offering something for all ages.

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