“Van Gogh: In Pursuit of Light”, held at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Digital Experience Centre, attracted 55,000 visitors in its first month after opening on 23 August.
Combining art, technology and interactive design, the exhibition offers a multidimensional experience of the works of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. The Digital Experience Centre, set up by the municipality to widen cultural access through digital innovation, has four themed sections where visitors can engage with various forms of interactive art. The exhibition is permanent and has become one of Istanbul’s popular new cultural attractions blending creativity and technology.
An immersive journey into Van Gogh’s art
The exhibition takes visitors on a chronological and sensory journey through Van Gogh’s artistic development. In the “Digital Hall”, his life and key works are shown in chronological order so visitors can follow his creative evolution. In the “Virtual Reality Hall”, participants step into the landscapes of his paintings in a simulated, interactive environment.
The “Immersive Experience Hall” uses 360-degree projections to place viewers among Van Gogh’s paintings, creating a feeling of stepping inside the artwork. In the “Augmented Reality Hall”, AI creates new works in Van Gogh’s style, offering a digital reimagining of his techniques.
Interactive sections for all ages
The exhibition also has special spaces for children. Digital corridors and interactive sections let them engage with art through colouring and visual activities, offering families an educational and enjoyable experience and fostering creativity through technology.
Linking technology and cultural tourism
The exhibition adds to Istanbul’s growing range of interactive cultural experiences appealing to both residents and foreign visitors. It is in line with the global trend of “art tourism”, in which immersive and multimedia shows create new forms of connection between audience and art. Using AI, virtual reality and 360-degree imaging, the Digital Experience Centre has placed Istanbul among the world’s leading cities for digital museums.
The initiative is part of the municipality’s wider strategy to integrate technology with cultural development and promote tourism through innovative platforms. Attracting 55,000 visitors in its first month shows strong public demand for interactive cultural programmes and highlights Istanbul’s role as one of the region’s leading destinations for modern art experiences.
