Get lost in some art – literally

Virtual reality exhibition allows viewers to walk within famous artworks

A visitor experiences a virtual reality experience by Thyssen museum at University of Barcelona on January 14, 2019 (by Pau Cortina)
A visitor experiences a virtual reality experience by Thyssen museum at University of Barcelona on January 14, 2019 (by Pau Cortina) / Manuela Lopez

Manuela Lopez | Barcelona

January 15, 2020 03:07 PM

If you've ever felt like you could get lost inside a painting, you may be interested in a new immersive art experience being offered at the University of Barcelona this week. 

'Enter into the painting' is a virtual reality experience from the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum in collaboration with technology company Endesa that allows the viewer to step inside masterpieces by the likes of artists like Vincent van Gogh and see them like never before.

Evelio Acevedo, the managing director of the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum said that this project, which has proven to be popular amongst crowds, "brings art closer to the people", as it concludes its installation tour of major cities including Madrid, Sevilla, Ferrol, Palma and Saragossa.

By putting on virtual reality goggles, the participant can move around within a three-dimensional space, with their surroundings including  'Les Vessenots à Auvers' by Vincent van Gogh, 'Manhattan' by Piet Mondrian, or 'Still Life' by Balthasar van der Ast. Acevedo says that allowing the viewer to see these works in this new way enriches the "communication" objective that lies within art.

The event will take place in the lobby of the University of Barcelona's historic building in Plaça Universitat square and will take place from 10 am to 7 pm January 15 through January 17. Admission is free, but requires a reservation on the 'Enter Into The Painting' website.