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ACCESS AT VAN GOGH ALIVE

Welcome to Van Gogh Alive.

As the most visited multi-sensory experience in the world, there are many accessible elements built in to the design of this inspirational exhibition in London’s iconic Kensington Gardens.

We have added to this with specific features to support visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Visually Impaired or have additional needs.

We have a number of dates and times dedicated specifically for hosted accessible experiences, including Audio Described Tours, BSL Interpreted Tours and Relaxed Experiences (which are also BSL Interpreted and Audio Described).

Further access information is available below. If the information you need is not included here, or you require further assistance, please email contact@vangoghaliveuk.com.

Learning & Access Partner

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Audio Described Tours:
Sun 18 July – 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm
Mon 19 July – 3pm
Sun 15 Aug – 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm
Mon 16 Aug – 3pm
Sun 12 Sept – 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm
Mon 13 Sept – 3pm

BSL Interpreted Tours:
Sun 18 July – 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Mon 19 July – 4pm
Sun 15 Aug – 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Mon 16 Aug – 4pm
Sun 12 Sept – 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Mon 13 Sept – 4pm

Relaxed Experiences:
Mon 16 Aug – 10am, 12.30pm

Schools Relaxed Experiences:
We also have two Relaxed Experiences specifically for schools and groups:
Mon 19 July – 10am, 12.30pm
Mon 13 Sept – 10am, 12.30pm

To book for these sessions, please email schools@vangoghaliveuk.com.

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Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Here is a BSL guide detailing everything you need to know about your visit.

We are delighted to offer SignLive online interpretation service, and stewards at the entrance, customer service information point, shop and cafe all have tablets to aid communication.

There are QR codes with BSL content in the foyer gallery to enhance your experience, and an accessible information pack can be downloaded here.

BSL Interpreted Tour Dates:
Sun 18 July – 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Mon 19 July – 4pm
Sun 15 Aug – 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Mon 16 Aug – 4pm
Sun 12 Sept – 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Mon 13 Sept – 4pm

All tours guided by Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq

For Frequently Asked Questions or Access Information, click here.

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Visually Impaired/Audio Description

Here is an informative audio guide detailing everything you need to know about your visit, as well as background information on Van Gogh and the exhibition.

There are QR codes with audio described content in the foyer gallery to enhance your experience, and an accessible information pack can be downloaded here.

Audio Described Tour Dates:
Sun 18 July – 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm
Mon 19 July – 3pm
Sun 15 Aug – 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm
Mon 16 Aug – 3pm
Sun 12 Sept – 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm
Mon 13 Sept – 3pm

All tours guided by Jonathan Nash

For Frequently Asked Questions or Access Information, click here.

Relaxed Experiences

Relaxed Experiences are open to all, but created for people with additional needs who may find public events challenging. This includes people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, learning disability, or sensory and communication disorder.

Here are Easy Read and Visual Story guides to what to expect.

We have a dedicated date for families who would prefer a Relaxed Experience and two for schools and groups.

We encourage and create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe and able to react and enjoy the experience as they wish.

We reduce our capacity, which means more room for wheelchairs and more space and comfort.

Visitors are welcome to walk in and out of the experience as they please and make noise as they wish throughout.

Certain aspects of the experience are also adapted to suit the audience. There will be welcome hosts and a short introduction, loud noises are reduced, and low level lights so it is never completely dark.

There will be beanbags, sensory toys and bubble lights: in the main gallery and in the chillout space nearby.

All our staff are ready to offer you a warm and friendly welcome.

For Frequently Asked Questions or Access Information, click here.

Relaxed Experiences:
Mon 16 Aug – 10am, 12.30pm

Schools Relaxed Experiences:
We also have two Relaxed Experiences specifically for schools and groups:
Mon 19 July – 10am, 12.30pm
Mon 13 Sept – 10am, 12.30pm

To book for these sessions, please email schools@vangoghaliveuk.com

Access Information

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Van Gogh Alive.

We are always striving to provide the best facilities for our customers that require assistance and hope the Frequently Asked Questions and Access Information below will ensure you get the most out of your visit to Van Gogh Alive.

If the information you need is not included here, or you require further assistance, please email contact@vangoghaliveuk.com

Frequently asked questions

General Visitor Frequently Asked Questions can be found on our FAQs page.

We have incorporated the key information here and added some specific information we hope will be helpful for visitors who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Visually Impaired or those with additional needs.

What is Van Gogh Alive?

Van Gogh Alive is not an art exhibition in the traditional sense. It is an immersive 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 artist’s work like never before. More than 3,000 images transform each surface. However, there are no physical original works 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 and following any safety guidance in place. You are able to sit, stand on or interact with the floor screens but please do not touch any of the upright screens.

You are encouraged to take photographs and video of any part of the experience (without flash) and to share these as widely as you like, using #VanGoghAliveUK

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.

Is there accessible information about the exhibition?

We have an introductory information video in BSL and also audio information about Van Gogh Alive.

When you enter the experience, there are 16 posters about Van Gogh’s life and work. Each poster has a QR codes to access either recorded BSL translation or Audio Description of the text.

There are Deaf-led live guided tours of the exhibit delivered in BSL by a local visual artist; and Audio Described live guided tours hosted by Sightlines.

We have created an Easy Read Guide, Visual Story and Accessible Information Pack for those with additional needs.

Please be aware that there are areas of the exhibition that will be dark. This affects visual communication and for some people could affect your balance. Please inform staff if you need support or assistance.

I am Deaf and use lip reading as part of my communication – do I need to wear a mask?

The Charity Signhealth have created videos in BSL explaining the government’s rules on wearing a mask, which can be accessed here.

All face coverings worn must cover the mouth and nose, and fit securely round the side of the face. A face visor is not a suitable face covering for Van Gogh Alive, unless worn by a customer who is exempt from wearing a face covering. Please note that branded Van Gogh Alive masks are available to purchase if you wish in the gift shop.

I am Visually Impaired - what can I expect from an Audio Described experience?

On designated dates we offer Audio Described Experiences.

If you attend these, you will meet the describer, Jonathan Nash of Sightlines, at the meeting point at the foot of the accessible entrance ramp. Your audio describer will be on-hand from arrival and throughout your visit to answer any questions or concerns. You will be offered a pair of stethoscope style headphones, through which a live audio descriptive guided tour will be given, in order not to disturb or interrupt the experience for other visitors.

There will be a touch tour as part of these Audio Described Experiences. There is a three dimensional representation of one of Van Gogh’s famous paintings, which you are invited to enter and explore. We will guide you to the Touch Tour location, before entering the Sensory4 immersive experience.

Is there somewhere for my assistance dog to rest?

Assistance dogs are welcome and can accompany you throughout the experience. We are able to provide bowls of water and they can rest alongside you in the café. Please be aware that some dogs might find the soundtrack in the main Sensory4 gallery a little loud.

Is there a discount for my companion / support worker?

There are 2 for 1 tickets available where a carer or companion is required. All ticket discounts are subject to availability and must be booked at the same time as your own ticket.

When should I arrive?

You should plan to arrive about 15 minutes prior to the time printed on your ticket. Please arrive within the entry times displayed on your ticket. Due to the popularity of the experience we may not be able to accommodate you if you arrive later than your ticket session.

The e-tickets you were issued when you booked will be scanned to both confirm your safe arrival, and to log you for the government required track and trace records.

Please be aware that you may be required to present your e-ticket on more than one occasion during your visit.

An NHS track and trace QR code is also available for you to scan if you have the app on your smart phone.

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.

Will there be staff on hand to assist me?

Front of House staff will be on hand if you need assistance. Lanyards will be made available if you would like one, to help staff identify visitors who may require or prefer additional support.

They have access to scribble pads to communicate with you in written English if this would be helpful. The scribble pads will be cleaned before and after use. You can also ask to use SignLive video to contact a BSL interpreter for live online signed communication with staff at the venue.

They can support if you attend without a companion and require this. Operating within current guidelines, they can assist you in maintaining social distancing with others if you need this, and will only guide for short periods, where required. You can be offered a bench seat within the Sensory4 gallery if you would like one.

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 £14.00.

Can I access with a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes, the venue is suitable for strollers and is wheelchair accessible.

Please email contact@vangoghaliveuk.com if you have specific questions on accessibility that are not covered here.

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 #VanGoghAliveLondon 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?

Yes, there is a delicious array of food and drink available in “Café Provençale” which is located within the Van Gogh Alive venue. Whether you fancy a light lunch or simply a glass of fizz overlooking Kensington Gardens, we’ve got you covered!

Please note, 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.

Do I need to purchase a ticket?

Yes and 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.

Can I buy tickets onsite?

Yes, there is a box office on site. 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.

If you are self-isolating because of COVID-19, you will be eligible to transfer your ticket to another available date.

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.

We hope to welcome you to Van Gogh Alive soon.

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Presented by

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Official charities

Global Make Some Noise
Van Gogh Alive London Kingston Hospital Charity
Shout 85258

Created and Produced by

Grande Experiences
Van Gogh Aive London Sensory4

Delivered by

Active Entertainment
Royal Parks

Supporting partners

Priority
Ticketmaster-Logo-w
Hambledon Vineyard
DeBoer

© Van Gogh Alive UK   |   Terms of Use   |   Contact Us

Van Gogh Alive is operated by Active Sport & Entertainment Ltd – registered in England and Wales, company number 10225082
Registered office and postal address: 495 Green Lanes, London, England, N13 4BS