I immediately booked my ticket for Atelier des Lumières after I’d heard about their current digital exhibition featuring the works of my main man, Monsieur Vincent van Gogh. I wasn’t sure what I was going to see, mind you, but I had a feeling I’d kick myself if I missed out.
After arriving and being ushered into a large commercial warehouse type space I quickly picked one of the limited available seats and waited. For what, I wasn’t sure.
Looking around it seemed that most others were as unsure as I was. After several minutes of low polite chitchat, music filled the room and VVG paintings appeared on almost every surface of the room including the floor.
It was immediately clear that the exhibition was better experienced while slowly wandering throughout the space.
For the next 45 minutes or so, the entire crowd was focused on the images moving around the room.
It was a really neat experience, and I would almost jump at the chance to see another exhibition at Atelier des Lumières. Almost, because they charged me 2€ (!) to use the toilet at the end of the show. The bathroom wasn’t worth the ridiculously high entrance fee (it was pretty gross), and I feel like that’s something that should be included in the ticket price. But desperate times call for desperate measures, so I begrudgingly handed over my money. I was so irritated though, that I sailed through the gift shop without giving them another cent. It was my own Pretty Woman scene.
“Big mistake! Big. Huge.”
Bonne journée!
Marla
I’ve never been to this place, but I’m not surprised to learn that you have to “exit through the gift shop” — which always makes me laugh because that is the title of a turbulent film by Banksy (whose works are generally not displayed in places with gift shops).
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Yes, I’ve heard of that Banksy film! I’m part of the target market for “exiting through the gift shop” as I always look at everything and try to justify an overpriced momento. 😊
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I saw the previous exhibition but fortunately didn’t need to use the facilities. I loved the immersive nature of the artwork.
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I think I recall that you saw Klimt, right? It’s a great way to bring classic art to the social media age. It’s just too bad about the admission fee to use the toilets. I’ve paid far less to use others – and those were spotlessly cleaned after every visitor.
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I went in March and there was no charge for the restroom. This must be new. I loved the show though.
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It was borderline shocking. I hope they discontinue this practice.
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I guess I’ve gotten used to paying for the toilets while traveling anywhere in the world but the US!
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I’m in Canada and I don’t think I’ve ever seen it here either.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. Good memories.
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