'Immersive Van Gogh' in Scottsdale has been extended: What to expect, what not to bring

The highly anticipated “Immersive Van Gogh” experience that surrounds visitors with moving projections of the renowned artist’s works is now open in Scottsdale. The exhibit, which was scheduled to run through the end of November, has been extended through March 13.

It’s a “living, breathing space,” according to artist-in-residence Rowan Doyle, who helped design the venue. The inspiration for the nearly 40-minute animated short film that showcases Vincent van Gogh’s paintings in 360 degrees throughout the galleries is “what might have flashed before van Gogh's eyes the moments before he passed away," according to co-producer Corey Ross.

Tickets and more information about the exhibit can be found at https://www.vangoghphx.com.

Here’s a guide to "Immersive Van Gogh Phoenix," including what to expect when you arrive and how to reschedule tickets — or find them, if you are unable to locate them.

Immersive Van Gogh: Problem with your tickets? Here's how to reschedule

'Immersive Van Gogh Phoenix' location and tickets

Where is “Immersive Van Gogh” in metro Phoenix?

“Immersive Van Gogh” is at Lighthouse Artspace, 4301 N. Scottsdale Road, in Old Town Scottsdale. It’s at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Fifth Avenue.

Lighthouse Artspace did not exist prior to the exhibit — it used to be an office space, according to the show’s producers — but they hope for it to become a permanent exhibition venue, given the renovation work that was required for “Immersive Van Gogh.”

How much are “Immersive Van Gogh” tickets?

There are several tiers of tickets that include different perks. Pricing also depends on whether the time you select is peak or off-peak.

Basic tickets cost $39.99-$54.99.

• Off-peak timed tickets: $39.99.

• Peak timed tickets: $54.99.

• Flex tickets: $54.99.

Basic tickets require guests to arrive within the hour of their chosen time. Flex tickets give a four-hour window for entry — two hours before or after the designated time.

Premium tickets range from $49.99 for flex tickets during an off-peak time and $64.99 for peak or prime tickets. The price includes a cushion to sit on (must be returned at the end of your visit) and a poster.

VIP tickets are $99.99 during peak or prime times ($79.99 for off-peak). That includes priority access, a cushion to keep, a poster and flexible timing as detailed above.

Tickets for children ages 6-16 start at $29.99 ($34.99 for peak or prime). Admission is free for age 5 and younger. Ticket prices do not include taxes and fees.

Do the timed tickets have a determined departure time?

No — once inside, guests are allowed to stay for as long as they want.

How long will “Immersive Van Gogh” stay in Scottsdale?

Tickets are currently available for purchase through March 13. There is a possibility the run will be extended.

What to expect at 'Immersive Van Gogh Phoenix'

How many rooms are there?

There are two galleries — with a mezzanine — where the film is projected. Guests enter through a tunnel after passing through the lobby.

The “mirror room” leading to the galleries is “somber,” according to Doyle. It’s a step into van Gogh’s mind and a “primer before the main event.” Quotes from the artist’s letters to his brother, Theo, are featured amid 250 mirrored panels.

How long does it take to go through “Immersive Van Gogh?”

The short film that transitions between van Gogh’s works is “just under 40 minutes long,” according to Ross.

“You can come in at any point in the loop, and you can stay as long as you want. You can stay for two or three iterations of the loop,” he said.

Which of van Gogh’s works can be seen at “Immersive Van Gogh?”

Digital artist Massimiliano Siccardi and his creative team licensed 400 photos of van Gogh’s works to create the immersive animated film. According to Ross, 40 paintings are represented, including:

• “Les Mangeurs de pommes de terre” (“The Potato Eaters”).

• “La Nuit étoilée” (“Starry Night”).

• “Les Tournesols” (“Sunflowers”).

• “La Chambre à coucher” (“The Bedroom”).

What's allowed, what's prohibited at 'Immersive Van Gogh'

Strollers, walkers, service animals, mobility scooters and other mobility aids are allowed inside the exhibit.

The following items are prohibited:

• Backpacks and duffel bags.

• Paints and aerosols.

• Weapons.

• Permanent markers.

• Outside food and drink.

• Any item deemed to be “inappropriate.”

• Camping chairs.

• Tripods.

• Bicycles, helmets, skateboards, rollerblades, Heelys and non-mobility aid scooters.

For a full list of prohibited and permissible items, visit https://www.vangoghphx.com/faq.

Is 'Immersive Van Gogh' accessible? Is there seating?

Are there places to sit at the exhibit?

There are some benches but seating is limited, Ross said. People may choose to sit inside the social distancing circles projected on the floor.

“This is a show that you move through,” Ross said.

VIP ticket holders receive van Gogh-themed cushions to sit on and can take them home. Premium tickets include a cushion that must be returned at the end of the visit.

How accessible is Lighthouse Artspace?

The “Immersive Van Gogh” venue is below street level, and guests can enter via escalator or elevator. There is a mezzanine within the exhibit that can be accessed by either stairs or elevator.

According to the website, "Attendants supporting persons with disabilities receive free admission to the exhibition. Persons with disabilities may request an attendant ticket by emailing ticketing@vangoghphx.com or by visiting the box office on arrival at the exhibition."

Service animals are permitted. Wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters are all allowed, and one wheelchair is made available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A number of folding chairs are as well.

"Visitors who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy, as well as others who are sensitive to moving lights" should be aware that the exhibit contains "sequences of bright flashing lights."

What are the COVID-19 safety measures?

Patrons and staff are required to wear masks, according to the event's website. There will be social distancing floor markers as well as circles projected on the floor throughout. Staff will clean throughout the day, according to the website.

How to find or reschedule your 'Immersive Van Gogh' tickets

How can you reschedule “Immersive Van Gogh” tickets?

If you need to change the date or time for your tickets, go to https://myorder.immersivevangogh.com/change_date.

If you are unable to reschedule through that website, go to https://www.vangoghphx.com/reschedule and provide your booking details. This must be done at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled entry time.

Flex and VIP tickets allow for two change-of-date requests before incurring rescheduling fees. After that, change fees for flex ticket holders are $4.99. Change fees for timed ticket holders as well as flex tickets with a scheduled arrival within 24 hours are $9.99.

If you don't see your ticket confirmation in your email in-box, request for it to be re-sent at https://myorder.immersivevangogh.com. Make sure to check your spam folder if you don't see it in your in-box.

Some people have received an error message that tells them their tickets do not exist. Sometimes that means there was a typo in the email address when the tickets were purchased. Call the ticketing department at 844-307-4644 or email ticketing@vangoghphx.com.

According to a representative of the show, customer service agents respond more quickly over email.

Can I request a refund?

According to the website, “There are no refunds of tickets for the exhibit.”

If you decide to transfer tickets to someone else, no name change is required. Anyone who has access to the tickets can use them.

Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Immersive Van Gogh: What to expect at the Phoenix-area exhibit