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The ultimate guide to visiting Van Gogh at The Lume
The world's largest digital art gallery, THE LUME, brings its blockbuster 'Van Gogh' exhibition back to Melbourne with a new VR experience to discover.
THE LUME has brought its stunning inaugural exhibition back to Melbourne. 'Van Gogh' at THE LUME breathes new life into the artworks of Vincent van Gogh, the beloved Dutch post-impressionist painter best known for his vibrant depictions of 19th-century France, sunflower still life paintings and vivid self-portraits. Along with art galleries, musicals and movies, it's among the many ticketed and free things you can do in Melbourne.
The cutting-edge exhibition was a smash hit when it premiered in 2021, enthralling guests with its 360-degree projections of Van Gogh's art. The encore season allows Victorian audiences to relive the magic of the digital exhibition, plus try out a new virtual reality experience.
Everything you need to know about Van Gogh at THE LUME
What is THE LUME?
THE LUME is the world’s largest digital art gallery and the first permanent venue of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The four-storey high, 3000m2 space is the canvas on which dozens of digital artworks are displayed using 150 projectors.
These aren’t just static projections – Grande Experiences, the creators of THE LUME, curate the artworks and digitise them to add movement and sound. The result feels almost as if you’ve stepped into the artworks themselves.
Spend as much time as you like at THE LUME's 'Van Gogh' exhibition, and sit or wander at your leisure.
What is Van Gogh at THE LUME, Melbourne?
'Van Gogh' at THE LUME is a spectacular journey into the life and artwork of Vincent van Gogh. The LUME envelops guests in the artist’s paintings using digital projection techniques and audio.
The dynamic projections bring the art to life as they play on a 42-minute loop, with guests able to enter and enjoy the exhibition at any point in the cycle. Visitors can spend as long as they like enjoying the artworks. There are places to sit or even lie down on a beanbag and immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s paintings. The whole experience is heightened by a curated soundtrack designed to amplify the emotions underpinning the works.
Further insight into the mind of Van Gogh comes via quotes from the artist projected alongside the paintings. These quotes are taken from Van Gogh’s personal letters, primarily to his brother (and arguably his biggest supporter), Theo. The exhibition also features a more traditional gallery space where guests can learn more about individual paintings and the artist himself.
'Van Gogh' also features a recreation of the artist’s Bedroom in Arles painting, a digital infinity room, an artist studio (join a tutorial to learn more about Van Gogh’s techniques), and an interactive Art Play room where your movements can affect the digital ‘paint’ on the walls.
What’s new at Van Gogh?
New to 'Van Gogh' in 2025 is the world premiere of Finding Vincent VR, a virtual-reality experience.
After donning a VR headset, you’ll find yourself in 19th century France where you’ll go on a journey to find Vincent alongside his brother, Theo. As you move through the virtual world you’ll learn more about the artist, his works and see the world as he depicted it through his paintings.
Finding Vincent VR can be prebooked alongside general admission or additionally purchased during your visit.
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'Van Gogh' immerses you in some of the artist's most iconic paintings, all set to an emotive soundtrack.
Who was Vincent Van Gogh?
Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous artists of all time, known for his vibrant use of colour and bold brushstrokes. The Dutch post-impressionist painter was born in 1853 but was active as an artist for only a relatively short period of time before his death in 1890, aged just 37.
During his life Van Gogh struggled with mental health issues and poor commercial success as an artist. While he began to achieve acclaim in the last years of his life, he sold only one painting while alive, to his brother Theo. Van Gogh’s acclaim continued to grow after his death – these days his paintings are amongst the most valuable artworks in the world.
What Vincent Van Gogh paintings can I see at The LUME?
'Van Gogh' uses massive digital projections to immerse guests in some of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous artworks.
All 880 of Van Gogh's works shown, including The Starry Night, Bedroom in Arles, Café Terrace at Night, Almond Blossoms and Irises, as well as many of Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings and self-portraits.
The exhibition also features projections of some of Van Gogh’s lesser-known works, including some of his sketches and paintings inspired by Japanese woodblock prints.
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The exhibition is accessible to those using a wheelchair or bringing a pram, with audio descriptions available via QR codes.
Can I take photos at the Van Gogh exhibition?
Yes, visitors are welcome to take photographs of their experience at ''Van Gogh'.
Commercial photography, videography and flash photography are prohibited without prior written consent.
Are babies and children allowed at Van Gogh at THE LUME?
Yes, children are welcome at 'Van Gogh', and there is no minimum age requirement. Children aged 12 years and younger should be accompanied by an adult. Baby change facilities and a parents’ room are located within MCEC.
Is the Van Gogh exhibition and THE LUME accessible?
'Van Gogh' is accessible for both wheelchairs and prams. A free companion ticket is provided when booking an accessible ticket (companion card must be provided).
Audio descriptions are available throughout the exhibition via QR code, guests are advised to bring their own headphones.
As well as the projections, visitors to 'Van Gogh' can visit a recreation of his Bedroom in Arles painting.
Are there food and drink options at THE LUME?
Café Terrace 1888 serves French-inspired light meals and drinks, in a nod to the setting of Van Gogh’s painting, Café Terrace at Night. Think French pastries, cheese and charcuterie, soufflés, croque monsieur sandwiches and niçoise salads.
Outside food and drink cannot be consumed within the exhibition.
How do I buy Van Gogh exhibition tickets at THE LUME?
Tickets to 'Van Gogh' can be booked in-person at the box office, online, or over the phone. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended to avoid missing out, especially during busy periods. RACV Members can save up to 10% off their tickets when they book online.
Tickets are dated but not timed, meaning guests are welcome to arrive anytime during opening hours on the date of their ticket.
THE LUME is a cashless venue and does not accept cash payments at the box office, café or gift shop. All major credit and debit cards, as well as contactless payment methods, are accepted.
Stop for a bite to eat at Cafe Terrace 1888, a French-inspired café within the 'Van Gogh' exhibition.
How long is Van Gogh at THE LUME on for and what are the opening hours?
Tickets for 'Van Gogh' are available now until 1 June, 2025.
THE LUME is open 10am to 5.30pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10am until 8.30pm Fridays and Saturdays.
How do you get to THE LUME?
THE LUME is located within the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) at 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf.
You can easily access THE LUME via public transport via the routes 96, 109 or 12 trams. Alight at stop 124A Casino/MCEC/Clarendon St. THE Lume is approximately a 10-minute walk from Southern Cross Station.
Underground car parking is also available at MCEC. Organise your journey to 'Van Gogh' at THE LUME with the arevo Journey Planning App.
