From dazzling light shows to historical VR experiences
Galleries are constantly innovating and finding exciting new ways to showcase art. While there will always be a place for the traditional art gallery, many modern-day shows benefit from other elements too, such as video and live performance. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen an influx of immersive exhibitions, which offer the chance for fans to connect with art in a new way – and perhaps attract new audiences too. Here are the ones worth visiting.
Best Exhibitions in London / Best Immersive Experiences 2022
Immersive Exhibitions To Book Now
Mexican Geniuses: A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience
This spring, make sure to keep your ear to the ground for news on one of London’s most hotly anticipated exhibitions of the year: Mexican Geniuses: A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience. The show will bring to life the work of Mexico’s most famed painters, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, in an explosion of colour and brushstrokes across giant screens. A VR experience will also be available, transporting visitors to the Mexican streets that inspired many of Frida and Diego’s paintings. Tickets are available to book now, so get going before they’re gone.
When? From 28 May 2022
Where? Dock X London, Retail Park, Unit 1 Canada Water, Surrey Quays Rd, London, SE16 2XU
How? mexicangeniuses.com
Image courtesy of Fever
Dopamine Land
Calling all ASMR lovers, immersive experience fanatics or just those who fancy a boost of serotonin – South Ken’s newest immersive installation promises is the brainchild of Fever, and aims to boost those essential dopamine levels. Guests will enter on a multisensory journey through a collection of differently themed rooms, each intended to overload the senses, often through nostalgic nudges. You can embrace your inner child in the video-game style room, be transported to a festival with the woodland-style room lit with glowing lanterns or lose yourself in the Yayoi Kausama-inspired room with its hanging multicoloured-lights and mirrors. Each room will tantalise the senses and absorb the mind – the volume’s turned up high, the smells are evocative, and the decor is dazzling. End your journey in the rainbow-coloured warehouse-style bar at the end and finish off with one of their special and delicious bubble-tea cocktails.
When? Open now
Where? 79-85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LD
Feelscape
Combat the January blues with a trip to Feelscape, an immersive exhibition at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square created by abstract artist Matt Jukes in collaboration with House of Suntory. Running until the end of January in the hotel’s experiential gallery space, The White Box, the innovative show uses a specially designed AI camera to turn viewers’ emotions into personalised pieces of art. Jukes has assigned a colour to seven emotions, from joy to worry to surprise. Each user will then be able to download their own Feelscape onto their phone or buy an art print. Afterwards, head to The Lounge for a cocktail from House of Suntory, inspired by one of the seven emotions.
When? Until 31 January 2022
Where? Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
Klimt: The Immersive Experience
Experience Austrian modernist Gustav Klimt like never before at a 360-digital art show, launching next July in a yet to be announced London location. Floor-to-ceiling projections amid a 20,000 square foot light and sound space will allow visitors to step into a world of moving paintings and vibrant colour. A project from Exhibition Hub – the group behind the popular Van Gogh immersive exhibition, detailed below – the exhibition also features a virtual reality component where you can discover the inspiration behind eight of Klimt’s most iconic works.
When? July 2022
Where? TBC
How? Tickets will be released on 14 December, sign up to the waitlist here and find out more at klimtexpo.com
The Bob Marley One Love Experience
You’ll no doubt have heard Bob Marley’s music, but Saatchi Gallery’s upcoming exhibition will give fans the chance to see the reggae artist in a new light. Launching in February 2022, the multi-sensory experience will immerse audiences in a journey through his lifestyle, passions and influences. The One Love Music Room will display giant art installations, while the Soul Shakedown Studio will serve as a live listening experience. In The Beautiful Life area, fans can delve into Marley’s other joys – from football to family – and The Next Gen Room will explore his enduring legacy.
When? From 2 February 2022
Where? Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, London SW3 4RY
How? bobmarleyexp.com
Image by Adrian Boot
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Fancy stepping inside some of the world’s most famous art works? Now’s your chance: Van Gogh is being brought to life in an all-consuming show at The Old Truman Brewery. Immerse yourself in more than 300 of his sketches, drawings and paintings through floor-to-ceiling digital projections, made possible by special video mapping technology. In a separate gallery, visitors can embark on a 10-minute VR experience which takes you through a day in the life of the artist, with insight into the inspiration behind some of his most acclaimed works including Bedroom at Arles and Starry Night Over The Rhone River.
When? From July 2021
Where? The Old Truman Brewery, 106 Commercial Street, London E1 6LZ
How? vangoghexpo.com
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms
Tate Modern
Still not managed to get your hands on a ticket for Yayoi Kusama’s Instagram-famous Infinity Mirror Rooms? Fear not: you have until next June to secure a booking, and more tickets are being released in the new year. The much-awaited exhibition arrived at Tate Modern this May after being postponed from its original date last year, complete with two spectacular installations. The first is Infinity Mirrored Room – Filled With The Brilliance of Life, a room featuring a walkway of mirrored tiles, with hundreds of small LED lights hanging from the ceiling. This sits alongside Chandelier of Grief, the centrepiece of which is a rotating chandelier of Swarovski crystal. Both work together to give viewers the experience of being in a seemingly endless space of reflections.
When? 18 May 2021 – 21 June 2022
Where? Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
How? tate.org.uk
Main image courtesy of Chris Levine, photo by Michael Fung
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