We drove up towards a dingy warehouse on the east side of downtown San Antonio. Our progress was stopped by a long slow train, just yards from the venue. As we waited for the freight cars to slip past, a long line of cars queued up behind us. We were first in line.
From the tracks to the intersection behind us was about 75 yards (7-8 car lengths). It filled up within 45 seconds. Cars were now blocking the intersection as if they had to ensure no one went before the.
Staring through the passing train cars, you could see a brick building, a field with cars parked, and some sort of entry. On the side of the building was a large canvas mural strapped to the building depicting some of van Gogh’s art.
As you entered the building there was a large van Gogh self-portrait to your left and two lines to get in, one directly in front and one off to the right. Ours was the cheaper one, straight ahead. The other had some extra experience perks, which were not obvious.
There is a large commercial enterprise selling over-priced van Gogh-themed items, including nightgowns and neck-ties. There are books, but nearly all are available on Amazon, for much less money. But if it is a part of your experience to buy at the venue, then it’s there for you.
The experience is not something you walk through. It is an enter and experience exhibition. In this case two rooms, one in the back larger and with a large mirrored rock formation-looking thing in the middle with a few benches.
We stayed in the first room, most people migrated to the second thinking there was more there but there wasn’t–just more people. Technomusic plays while visions of van Gogh’s art are projected on the floor and walls in a moving manner, creating a slight cutout depth of field appearance, like a pop-up book.
You can sit on the floor and if you gaze in one direction long enough you will see all the artwork presented. Looking at other walls just gives nuance to the experience.
The room is dark, the ceiling is back, and the walls are accepting of the colors, making the immersive experience enjoyable. It lasts about 30-45 minutes.
A highlight for me was it was my father’s day present, and my college student son was in town to enjoy with me, my (his mom), his girlfriend, and my wife’s parents.
Another highlight was we went to Shilo’s, a family favorite German-Texan restaurant serving food since 1917. I had the homemade root beer and a Reuben sandwich–you will not be disappointed. Shilo’s is it’s own immersive experience.
Shilo’s is at 424 E Commerce Street, in downtown San Antonio. https://schilos.com/
The van Gogh Immersive exhibits run a number of major cities. Search Google for “van Gogh Immersive.” Depending on when you read this, the train may have already departed.
Have a nice day! 🙂
Between the Espressos 
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