Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours for Van Gogh Alive?
Van Gogh Alive is generally open from 10:00am until 19:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 9:30am – 20:00pm on Friday, from 9:00am – 20:00pm on Saturday and from 9:30am – 19:00pm on Sundays (other than some dates over Easter/Summer/Bank holidays). On certain dates, additional visiting slots may be added outside of these times, whilst some visiting slots within these times may be removed, dependent on demand.
Please see out Visitor Information page for more details on opening hours.
Where is Van Gogh Alive Edinburgh?
Van Gogh Alive Edinburgh is located on Festival Square in Edinburgh. The full address is Festival Square, Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9SR. There are many public transport options to choose from.
What is Van Gogh Alive?
Van Gogh Alive is not an art exhibition in the traditional sense. It is an immersive, multi-sensory multimedia art experience which combines high definition projections of Van Gogh’s paintings with digital surround sound. Imagery and animations are projected at a scale that offers visitors the ability to see the details of the artists work like never before. More than 3,000 images transform each surface. However, there is no physical work by Vincent Van Gogh on display.
What is the best way to see the experience?
We encourage you to move around freely to view the experience from different perspectives, always mindful of other visitors in the venue.
What is SENSORY4™?
Developed by Grande Experiences, SENSORY4™ is a unique technological system that combines multi-channel motion graphics, cinema quality surround sound and up to forty high-definition projectors to provide one of the most exciting multi-screen environments in the world.
General information
When should I arrive?
Your ticket is valid for entry up to 30 minutes after the timeslot that you have booked, so please feel free to arrive anytime within that window. Due to the popularity of the experience we may not be able to accommodate you if you arrive later than your ticket session.
How much time do I need to see the experience?
Individual visit times will vary, but most visitors can anticipate spending 60 – 90 minutes. The main feature of the exhibition lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the exhibition has been designed to appeal to all ages. There is no minimum age to visit the exhibition. Children under 5 years old are admitted FREE of charge when accompanied by an Adult. They still need a ticket so we can manage numbers safely. Child tickets (aged 5-16) start from just £15.
Can I access with a stroller or wheelchair?
Yes, the venue is suitable for strollers and is wheelchair accessible.
The Van Gogh Alive Experience is accessible for wheelchair users – however no wheelchairs are available to loan to visitors. Access tickets will be sold at a concession rate and carer tickets are free of charge.
Can I take photos and videos?
Yes, you are more than welcome to take photos and videos inside the experience. Please be considerate of other visitors when taking photos.
When posting images and comments on social media, please use the hashtag #vangoghaliveedinburgh so more people can see the exhibition through your eyes.
Please be advised that flash photography is not permitted inside the SENSORY4™ gallery.
Are food and drink available inside the experience? Am I allowed to bring my own?
There is an array of delicious cafes, bars and restaurants located around Festival Square, all of which are within walking distance to the experience. No outside food or beverage will be allowed inside the venue.
Can I bring in bags? What are the prohibited items?
No cloakroom will be provided so all bags and items must be carried with you inside the exhibition.
We therefore recommend bringing small, easy to carry bags.
Can I bring my dog to the exhibition?
Unfortunately we are not able to allow dogs, or other pets, into the exhibition. We do, however, allow assistance dogs.
Ticketing
Do I need to purchase a ticket?
Yes we strongly recommend you book tickets online in advance of your visit. To ensure a comfortable and safe visit for all visitors, access to the experience is by timed entry. Once inside, you can enjoy Van Gogh Alive at your leisure keeping mindful of COVID-aware considerations.
Group bookings – booking fees do not apply.
Where can I buy my tickets?
Ed Fringe are the official ticketing partner of Van Gogh Alive Edinburgh. Only tickets purchased through Ed Fringe or via one of their affiliate partners will be valid for Van Gogh Alive Edinburgh.
Can I buy tickets onsite?
There is not a box office on site, although tickets can be purchased online via the QR code near the entrance. However, advanced booking is recommended as you will have a better chance of securing your preferred time slot.
Can my tickets be exchanged, modified or refunded?
All bookings are considered confirmed and final at the time they are made.
Should any show date be impacted by COVID-19, tickets may be fully refunded or exchanged.
Worried about COVID symptoms affecting your visit? Well you can ‘Book with Confidence’ because no one with symptoms or who has been asked to self-isolate should attend the exhibition. And with that in mind, we have updated our terms and conditions so that you have up to 48 hrs before your visit to return or exchange your tickets for these reasons.
Is my ticket valid for another day?
Tickets are purchased for a specific time slot and will not be valid for entry on another day or time. This is required so we can ensure a limited number of visitors within the venue, and to offer you the most memorable and safe experience.
We cannot guarantee access to the experience outside the hours indicated on your ticket.
Accessibility
Can I access with a stroller or wheelchair?
Yes, the venue is suitable for strollers and is wheelchair accessible.
The Van Gogh Alive Experience is accessible for wheelchair users – however no wheelchairs are available to loan to visitors. Access tickets will be sold at a concession rate and carer tickets are free of charge.
Is Van Gogh Alive suitable for those with access needs?
There are many accessible elements built in to the design of this inspirational exhibition, including specific features to support visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Visually Impaired or have additional needs.
For more information, please visit our Access page here. If the information you need is not included within our Access page, or you require further assistance, please email access@vangoghaliveuk.com.
Do you offer free tickets for carers?
Yes, those purchasing a ticket who have a disability may bring one essential companion free of charge. Customers are required to contact our ticketing partner, Ed Fringe for a free carer ticket in advance of their visit and evidence of needing an essential companion will need to be shown on the day of visit.
Can I bring my dog to the exhibition?
Unfortunately we are not able to allow dogs, or other pets, into the exhibition. We do, however, allow assistance dogs.
