Why Families Should Check Out San Diego’s Beyond Van Gogh

It's a Unique 21st Century Experience

The exhibit bridges the gap between the 21st-century audience and the 19th-century artist in a special way. So it doesn't matter whether your kiddo has learned about Van Gogh or not, they'll be able to connect with the painter and his art in a unique way. Mostly done through the use of cutting-edge 3D projection technology and music, guests of the show get to experience Van Gogh with all their senses. Paintings appear with digitally added movement; the wheat sways in the wind, a cart drives across the field. The stars move and twinkle.  The focus of “Beyond Van Gogh” is on the artist’s painting process and his genius.

It's Fully Immersive & Imaginative

Van Gogh's body of work is mind-blowing; he created 900 pieces in just 10 years. And, the Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience allows visitors to see 300 of his most famous pieces all in one place. The cool part for kids is that while art museums generally present static displays in silent rooms —which isn't always the best for active, chatty littles —at this exhibit nearly everything moves. And, viewers can move around, too. There’s classical music (with some narration) playing. The music can be loud, so some recommend noise-canceling headphones for sensitive ears. The upside to the music is that you don't have to worry about your museum-goer being chatty or disturbing anyone else's experience. 

Parent Planning Tools:

1. Plan a little over an hour, give or take, for the experience. 

2. Babies and children of all ages are welcome to attend the show.  Children 4 years and younger enter the show for free when accompanying an adult with a ticket. The show is best suited for kids 5+. As you walk into the show there is a lot of information on Van Gogh, that even older kids may want to speed through. Feel free to pass through quickly and get to the more immersive room. You can always go back if you feel your kiddos have the patience for it. 

3. Yes, strollers are permitted and it is a stroller-friendly experience. However, there will be no facilities for storing and parking strollers or leaving them unattended. 

4. The show is immersive, but guests can NOT touch the screens. It might be helpful to discuss this with your kids before visiting. 

5. On-site parking is available for $10. They are only accepting cashless forms of payment at both the parking lot and the gift store at this time.  All vehicles must enter the Main Parking Lot via the Main Gate to access Beyond Van Gogh Parking through the Durante Gate. To view a parking map of the venue, please visit the Del Mar Fairgrounds website.