Exciting Van Gogh immersive exhibition comes to Exeter

Westpoint Arena in Exeter has officially opened the Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, making its debut in the South West and drawing visitors from across Devon and beyond. 

Launching on Thursday 16 October, the exhibition transforms Westpoint arena into a vivid moving gallery featuring more than 300 of Vincent Van Gogh’s artworks, brought to life through large-scale projections and a curated musical soundtrack. 

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Guests begin their journey in the Introduction Hall, where personal letters between Van Gogh and his brother Theo offer insight into the artist’s life. They then moved into the Immersive Room, where iconic paintings such as Starry Night, Sunflowers and Café Terrace at Night swirled across the walls and floor, allowing visitors to step inside the world of one of history’s most influential artists.

Sarah Dumont, the Event Manager for Westpoint Arena told Exeter Today that: “Bringing this experience to Exeter isn’t just about celebrating art and history, it's about sharing culture, curiosity, and creativity with our community. It’s wonderful to see world- class exhibitions here in the South West, and even better to see so many people coming together to enjoy and be inspired by them. We have been so pleased to see such a wide range of the demographic enjoying the event - it's wonderful to be able to share it with everyone.” 

“The Immersive experience offers something unique and inspiring, reminding us of the power of creativity, ambition, and storytelling.  It's like nothing I have seen before but is a beautiful experience that touches visitors in so many different ways.”

Adding to this, Sarah said that visitors can expect to be “blown away with the installation” as “it is such a powerful visual experience. The whole experience is surreal and meditative, the story unfolds before your eyes, and captivates everyone as the images wash over you.”

“We are getting over 1000 visitors each day and everyone seems to be captivated by the spell that the experience gives each individual. We are so pleased that Westpoint is host to such a powerful and memorable exhibition and hope that this will pave the way for similar touring events in the future.”

This is the first time the exhibition comes to Exeter, having already captivated millions across North America and other UK cities including Liverpool, Glasgow and Birmingham.

As part of the Exeter opening, visitors were also invited to take part in yoga sessions inside the exhibition space, held on Saturday mornings (18 and 25 October). The sessions offered a unique opportunity to practise yoga surrounded by Van Gogh’s animated artworks.

Timed entry tickets were made available via the Beyond Van Gogh website, along with VIP Experiences, which offered flexible arrival, fast-track entry and exclusive merchandise. Discounted family and concession tickets were also offered, with free entry for children aged three and under.

Hannah Roper from St Thomas, who attended on the opening weekend, said: “You don’t just look at the paintings, you feel like you’re inside them. I’ve never seen anything like this in Exeter. It’s amazing to have something so spectacular so locally.” 

Gemma Harbour from Exeter city centre added to this by describing the experience as “inspiring but also calming. To be here surrounded by Van Gogh’s artwork in such a unique way is so surreal and special.” 

Families, couples and friends all enjoyed the experience as they sat, walked or stood through the 35 minute long projection of Van Gogh’s work. Each new artwork brought discussion and admiration, especially with the accompanied animations to make his work feel brought to life. 

Anna Parry, UK Business Development at Annerin Productions, said ahead of the opening: “We were thrilled to bring Beyond Van Gogh to Westpoint Exeter. The venue has been the perfect space for this immersive experience, and it’s been wonderful to see visitors stepping into Vincent’s mesmerising world as his art comes alive around them.”

Westpoint Exeter, located near Junction 30 of the M5, provided convenient access for visitors, with free parking and close links to Exeter International Airport and Exeter St David’s railway station.