A spectacular immersive experience which brings the world of Vincent Van Gogh to life in mesmeric and moving fashion is now open in Aberdeen.
This weekend saw the first visitors captivated by the Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience which is being staged at the P&J Live event complex until 10 August.
The month-long run was launched with a special VIP event where invited guests were given an exclusive early glimpse of the experience which has enchanted millions of people worldwide.
Photo credit Sam Sharp
The Aberdeen dates follow a hugely successful Scottish premiere at Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus (SEC) last summer which was seen by 50,000 visitors.
Timed tickets are already being snapped up for the P&J Live run with art lovers also being given the chance to enjoy special yoga and Pilates classes in the heart of Van Gogh’s visionary world.
And in addition, there is the opportunity to take inspiration from Van Gogh’s work to channel into your own artistic creativity in an exclusive ‘Paint and Sip’ night during the month-long run.
Photo credit Sam Sharp
Produced by Annerin Productions and Paquin Entertainment Group, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience blends more than 300 of the post-Impressionist icon’s paintings with cutting-edge technology and a specially curated musical soundtrack to tell the story of one of history’s most influential artists, with people able to wander through iconic works - including The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Terrace of a Café at Night - as they came alive around them.
It has been seen by seven million people worldwide, with the show attracting five-star reviews during its stay in Glasgow where visitors praised the experience as ‘hauntingly emotional’, ‘thought provoking’ and ‘a wonderful day out’.
The immersive experience takes art lovers on a journey through the artist’s world from darkness to light, enhanced by his own dreams, thoughts and words set to a stirring symphonic score.
Beginning in the Introduction Hall, visitors connect with Vincent van Gogh through personal letters he wrote to his brother, and greatest supporter, Theo. Visitors then move into the heart of the exhibition – the Immersive Room – where Van Gogh’s paintings are freed from their frames to dominate the space and fully immerse the audience in the incredible detail of his work, awakening their imagination in a playful and dreamlike way as they are enveloped in colourful flowers, cafés and stunning landscapes, shifting and swirling across the projection-swathed walls and floor.
Even if you are not very familiar with Van Gogh’s incredible paintings, this is an excellent access point to his world, and a way to connect to the artist behind the art.
Photo credit Sam Sharp
As part of its Aberdeen residency, there is also a chance to purchase VIP Experience tickets which includes selected Beyond Van Gogh merchandise along with flexible arrival times and fast track entry. There are various discounted tickets available including new family ticket options. Merchandise is also available in the Beyond Van Gogh store on site.
And the merchandise store also features a drawing and colouring area for budding young artists, ideal for family visitors during the summer holidays.
Anna Parry, UK Business Development at Annerin Productions, said today: “What a brilliant opening weekend in Aberdeen – it’s been a pleasure to welcome our first visitors to Beyond Van Gogh and to see them experience the world brought vividly to life through Vincent’s wonderful and unique lens.
“We’ve had fantastic support from P&J Live, and the immersive experience looks amazing in the venue. I know from the reaction of Scottish audiences in Glasgow last year that it’s going to be a huge hit in Aberdeen - and with the school holidays underway, it’s a great opportunity for families to enjoy Van Gogh’s stunning masterpieces together.
“Along with general timed ticket entry, we have a complementary programme of activities planned over the next month including yoga, Pilates and painting inside the experience, which are already proving very popular.”
The award-winning P&J Live boasts world-class conference and exhibition facilities. It also houses a superior 15,000-capacity arena.
The £333million venue, situated next to Aberdeen International Airport, opened in 2019 and is the largest event complex in the north of Scotland. It is sustainably powered by local, renewable energy sources.
Photo credit Sam Sharp
LISTINGS INFORMATION
BEYOND VAN GOGH
VENUE: P&J Live, E Burn Road, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX
DATE: Saturday, 12 July - Sunday, 10 August 2025
TIME: 10am-7pm Monday-Friday & Sunday/ 9am-7pm Saturday
PRICES: Adult tickets from £28.31 (Concessions available)
Family Ticket, Parent and Child and VIP Experience tickets available
Three and under go Free
Yoga and Pilates: £36.40
Paint and Sip: £66.68
All prices include booking fees. | Flexible entry add-on available £3.30
Entry is by timed ticket. No change of date or time is permitted unless you have purchased flexible ticket add on. Please arrive 15 minutes before your entrance time.
VIP Experience includes flexibility to arrive at any point on your selected date, fast track entry and 2 pieces of Beyond Van Gogh merchandise.
Tickets can be booked via www.pandjlive.com and www.beyondvangogh.co.uk