Throughout recent history, London has been a global hub for the arts, but in the last few years it has embraced a brand-new creative concept: immersive art exhibitions. Visiting these exhibits is a captivating experience where audiences are invited to step into the artwork for unrivalled multisensory engagement rather than just viewing the artwork from afar. This cultural trend draws on cutting-edge technology and utilises interactive installations and imaginative storytelling in a way that completely changes how audiences connect with the creativity on display.
This rise in popularity of these immersive exhibits is largely down to their ability to offer something more than traditional art galleries. London has played host to some of the most iconic shows in this genre, including the dreamlike quality of Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms at Tate Modern which was on display earlier this year. Limited availability made it one of London’s most sought-after exhibitions and it was hailed for its use of mirrored illusion and kaleidoscopic use of light. Pioneers in this genre such as TeamLab, a renowned international art collective, have pushed this trend even further, continuing to blur the lines between art, entertainment and technology.
As this genre continues to resonate with audiences, London remains a pioneer for the evolution of immersive art, with a plentiful array of exhibitions to choose from.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Located at East London’s Old Truman Brewery, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience offers audiences a beautiful fusion of technology and creativity. The exhibit brings to life over 300 of Van Gogh’s works, including iconic pieces like The Starry Night and Sunflowers, using floor-to-ceiling digital projectors. The result is a stunning 360-degree sensory environment that fully immerses audiences into the works of one of history’s most iconic artists. There is also a virtual reality (VR) experience on offer at the exhibit where visitors can step into the life of Van Gogh and explore the inspirations behind his famous paintings. Video mapping is used within the exhibit, adding depth to the artwork, and a separate gallery focuses on the struggles and successes of Van Gogh as an artist, helping visitors to forge a deeper connection to him and his work. Offering education, entertainment and reasonably priced tickets starting at £20, this exhibition is a must see for art lovers.
Frameless
Frameless, the UK’s first permanent large-scale immersive art venue, is located at the Marble Arch and is transforming the way audiences experience iconic artwork. It is divided into four separate galleries, each with their own unique theme: Beyond Reality, Colour in Motion, The World Around Us and The Art of Abstraction. The exhibition features vibrant reinterpretations of some well-known classics from artists like Monet, Kandinsky and Van Gogh through the use of motion sensors, dynamic visuals and mirrored floors, allowing the artwork to shift based on how the viewer interacts with it. A bespoke soundtrack accompanies the experience, further enhancing the multisensory engagement and making the experience more enjoyable. Frameless has found particular popularity among families as well as those seeking to explore classic artwork in a more modern, innovative way. With tickets priced from £25, this 30,000 square foot art venue is well worth a visit.
Bubble Planet
Located in Wembley, just 30 minutes from downtown London, is a whimsically fun experience that centres almost entirely around bubbles. Bubble Planet is an immersive environment that features 11 unique zones, each filled with a variety of giant bubble sculptures, ball pits and exciting illusions designed to entertain people of all ages. State-of-the-art VR technology allows audiences to explore surreal bubble-themed landscapes in a way that is fantastical and completely interactive. Utilising a mix of sights, sounds and textures, Bubble Planet appeals to all the senses, creating an experience that is fully engaging. One particular highlight is the augmented reality installation that allows guests to design and then pop their very own bubbles. Perfect for families and offering reasonably priced tickets, Bubble Planet is a totally original concept that promises hours of creative fun.
Outernet London
Just a few feet from Tottenham Court Road, Outernet London is an inventive cultural space that combines high-level technology with art. Known for its open-air approach that prioritises digital innovation, this venue features the Now Building, which has some of the largest screens in the continent. The rotating displays have a range of inspirations, from mindfulness exhibits like Room to Breathe to crowd-responsive designs that respond to audience movement. It is free to visit and is redefining accessibility to immersive art exhibitions. The visual and auditory displays are vibrant and are complemented by an underground music venue called HERE at Outernet which hosts live performances and DJ sets. The result is a dynamic blend of art, entertainment and public engagement that makes Outernet a standout destination in London.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer
Based at Lightroom in King’s Cross, David Hockney: Bigger & Closer is an exploration of six decades of the artist’s career through large projections and an immersive soundscape. The multimedia approach to this exhibition highlights Hockney’s creative process, from the vibrant paintings of Los Angeles to the beautiful landscapes of Yorkshire. The chapters of this art display each focus on a distinct phase of Hockney’s work and are enhanced by high-definition animations bringing these iconic pieces to life. Hockney himself guides visitors through this exhibition with his own pre-recorded commentary, providing unique insights into his life, inspirations and artistic philosophy. With a cutting-edge sound system rounding out this fully immersive installation David Hockney: Bigger & Closer is a must visit for those looking for an interesting and inspiring art experience. Tickets for this unparalleled opportunity to delve into the mind of one of Britain’s greatest artists start at £25.
Offering multisensory journeys that are changing how we experience creativity, the immersive art exhibitions of London are some of the most celebrated in the world. From displays that invite you into the mind of some of the most iconic artists in the world to playful spaces like Bubble Planet, these exhibitions reflect the growing demand for interactive encounters with art.
