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 hosted within a stunning, purpose-built venue at MediaCity piazza.
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 access@vangoghaliveuk.com.
Learning & Access Partner
Audio Described Tours:
Sun 16 Jan – 1pm and 3pm
Tues 18 Jan – 4pm
Wed 19 Jan – 4pm
BSL Interpreted Tours:
Sun 16 Jan – 2pm and 4pm
Tues 18 Jan – 5pm
Wed 19 Jan – 5pm
Schools and Groups Relaxed Experiences:
We also have two Relaxed Experiences specifically for schools and groups:
Tues 18 Jan – 10am, 12.30pm
Wed 19 Jan – 10am, 12.30pm
For additional information on Access email access@vangoghaliveuk.com.
To book for these sessions, please email schools@vangoghaliveuk.com.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
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 – you can also access here, and an accessible information pack can be downloaded here.
BSL Interpreted Tour Dates:
Sun 16 Jan – 2pm and 4pm
Tues 18 Jan – 5pm
Wed 19 Jan – 5pm
All tours guided by Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq
For Frequently Asked Questions or Access Information, click here.
Visually Impaired/Audio Description
There are QR codes with audio described content in the foyer gallery to enhance your experience – you can also access here and an accessible information pack can be downloaded here
Audio Described Tour Dates:
Sun 16 Jan – 1pm and 3pm
Tues 18 Jan – 4pm
Wed 19 Jan – 4pm
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 on what to expect.
We have dedicated dates for schools and groups that would prefer a Relaxed Experience.
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.
Schools and Groups Relaxed Experiences:
We have four Relaxed Experiences specifically for schools and groups:
Tues 18 Jan – 10am, 12.30pm
Wed 19 Jan – 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 access@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, 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 artist’s work like never before. More than 3,000 images transform each surface. However, there is no physical work by Vincent Van Gogh on display.
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 the #VanGoghAliveUK
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.
Before you enter the experience, there are exhibit panels about Van Gogh’s life and work. Each panel has a QR code 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 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 and those who would like to know more before their visit.
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 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 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. 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 confirm your safe arrival.
Please be aware that you may be required to present your e-ticket on more than one occasion during your visit.
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.
Are there accessible toilet facilities?
Yes, we have accessible toilet facilities which are located in a separate building, just outside the entrance to the exhibit itself.
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 access@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 #VanGoghAliveMediaCIty 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?
Please note, no outside food or beverage will be allowed inside the venue.
There will be food and drink available in the pop-up village outside the main entrance to the exhibit, but there will not be anything available inside the exhibit itself.
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?
Unfortunately not, all bookings must be made online and in advance. You can book tickets HERE.
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.