The world of sunflowers, cafés and dreamy evenings is coming to the River City. It’s an occasion designed by organizers to dazzle the senses while striking a sense of wonder and new appreciation for one of history’s most acclaimed artists.

“Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” celebrates the life and art of Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. The show, hosted at Exhibition Hub Richmond Art Center, explores a handful of this Post-Impressionist’s works, but with some modern twists.

Filled with special lighting, sound effects and synchronized music, the immersive exhibit attempts to redefine what it is to experience art. Rather than walk and view, like in a typical museum setting, this show strives to be an intensely interactive experience that dives into Van Gogh’s personal perspective and legacy.

“Van Gogh is often seen as the rock star of the art world, but we wanted to take people beyond the surface and offer a deeper understanding of who he truly was, both as an artist and as a person,” says John Zaller, Exhibition Hub’s executive producer. “With the latest technology at our disposal, we saw an opportunity to let people connect with Van Gogh’s art in an entirely new way–one that brings his passion, struggles and genius to life like never before.”

The exhibit is broken up into different sections. One is a 360° digital screen portion. High-tech projectors will display a handful of Van Gogh’s works that come alive as they wrap around the room reaching two stories high.

Some of this artist’s works that will be projected include the Arles “Sunflowers” series, “Starry Night” and “Starry Night Over the Rhône.” There’s also an area dedicated to Van Gogh’s intricate flower drawings which have been meticulously mapped out onto a large 3D vase.

Plenty of other informative and interactive displays will be around to encourage guests to acquaint themselves with Van Gogh as a person and how many of his now-celebrated pieces were created during some of his darkest times.

But the virtual reality experience, considered the grand finale, is perhaps most enchanting. After paying an extra fee (see below) and putting on headsets, guests will be whisked into several paintings while learning about their backstories, tricking the senses into feeling as if they are strolling under a sparkling night sky or observing brilliant summer wheat fields.

“This journey lets you see the world through his eyes, as his beloved countryside of Southern France transforms before you into ten of his most iconic paintings,” says Zaller. “It’s an intimate and immersive way to connect with Van Gogh’s vision, allowing you to feel the landscapes, colors and emotions that fueled his creativity.”

“Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” came to fruition in 2016, and over the next two years, evolved to become a distinctive art show.

“It all started with an initial narrative treatment and storyboards that gradually came to life as we refined and expanded the vision,” says Zaller. “Each step was a careful blend of creativity and technical precision, as we worked to ensure that every element, from the visuals to the audio, captured the essence of Van Gogh’s world.” The exhibit has since traveled the globe and has been credited as one of the best immersive experiences in the world; it was a previous winner of USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, according to a press release.

The Richmond show opens Thursday, Aug. 22 and runs through October. The venue is wheelchair accessible and tickets start at $29.90 for adults and $17.90 for children (those four and under are free of charge) plus fees. Note: The virtual reality portion is a $5 per person ticket add-on and can be purchased on-site only. The overall experience should take an hour and 15 minutes to enjoy. [If you’re unsure, try reading guest reviews from other cities, or even a critic’s take at the New York Times].

“This exhibition is transforming how we present and engage with art, offering a fresh perspective on Van Gogh’s work and life through cutting-edge techniques,” says Zaller. “It’s a unique chance to connect with one of history’s greatest artists in a way that’s both deeply personal and profoundly inspiring.”

“Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” opens at the Exhibition Hub Richmond Art Center on Thursday, Aug. 22 and runs through October. Go here for more.