In my last post, I wrote that in many previous summers, I would be traveling, listening to organ recitals, perhaps playing fabulous organs in Europe, or going to museums. Even Facebook reminded me that it was only three years ago that I was in Austria with the Hawaii Masterworks Festival Chorus, playing the Melk Abbey organ in a gorgeous space.

But, now, the museum has come to Honolulu, in the exhibition called “Beyond Van Gogh.” I found out about this event from a Facebook ad:

Immerse yourself in the world of Vincent Van Gogh like you’ve never experienced before. Beyond Van Gogh is a rich and unique multimedia experience, taking the viewer on a journey through over 300 iconic artworks including instantly-recognizable classics “The Starry Night”, “Sunflowers”, and “Cafe Terrace at Night”, now freed from their frames. Set to a symphonic score and using the artist’s own dreams, thoughts, and words to drive the experience as a narrative, Van Gogh’s art comes to life by appearing and disappearing, flowing across multiple surfaces and heightening the senses with their immense detail. Guests will leave with a new appreciation of this prolific artist’s stunning work.

Here’s what Honolulu Magazine, the sponsor of the exhibit, advised potential visitors what to expect:

When you first enter the experience, you’ll weave through screens with some history of van Gogh’s life as a painter, as well as excerpts from letters to his younger brother, Theo, as classical music plays. These static projections come from right next to the screens, making the textures of the paintings almost realistic. Empty hanging frames give the impression you’re literally moving between the frame and the artwork, slowly immersing yourself into the world of van Gogh’s art. After you pass through this area, there’s a small room with moving projections on the wall above the doorway, creating an otherworldly transition into a long hallway that opens into the main attraction: a large room with projections of hundreds of van Gogh’s works.

Here are some of the photos I took of the main exhibition space. The photos were projected on the walls and floor of the large room, and New Age type music played during the constantly evolving wall panels. There were lots of families there and the whole audience listened quietly and respectfully.

I went away from the exhibit with my wallet considerably lighter… Senior admission was $40.99; parking was $12; and of course I couldn’t stay away from the gift shop! The trouble is, I did not see prices posted anywhere and it was only when I got home and checked the receipt did I find out that I paid for a T shirt, $39.99, and two cloth face masks with my favorite “Almond Blossoms,” $19.99 each! For an hour’s worth of time, it was over $100! Eek!