Anne-Charlotte PasseraOver the last few years, immersive exhibitions have been popping up in the Province of Quebec.
Although entertaining, they sometimes lack originality. Even if each exhibition is different in terms of content, the experience remains more or less the same.
As with any activity done with the family, and therefore with children, it is important to see the playful aspect. But, after having done the experience once, is it worth repeating?
Admittedly, it does not come cheap, especially since the pandemic. I dare to say that the prices are abusive, making it difficult for low-income families to access them.
By planning ahead and putting some money aside, a family could afford the experience, but these immersive exhibitions are usually temporary.
You want to know which ones to see this summer in Quebec, if they are worth the trip and especially the cost? I tell you all about it below.
Immersive exhibitions
The purpose of immersive exhibitions is to transport us into a three-dimensional space.
This is a better way to capture the audience’s attention than in the traditional museum setting where you have to read.
Just like a museum, these exhibits aim to inspire and educate the audience but using the tools of the digital age.
Technology is the language of our time.
Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Mexican-Canadian artist
The works are projected on canvases replacing walls or on forms. This was the case last year at the Picasso exhibition. The decomposed aspect of his works was highlighted by being decomposed on various forms that made up the space.
While this kind of exhibition can be intoxicating, is it really a natural experience for us?
For kids, this is not a problem. As children, they are in the discovery phase and their senses are still developing. They will appreciate the play of colour and light, especially on the floor. Who doesn’t want to play leapfrog on a Monet’s water lilies?
However, as adults we are almost forced to feel what we should feel, partly due to or because of the choice of music. Actually, music plays a big role in our experience and is therefore essential.
To date, the immersive exhibitions we have experienced have all used classical or more traditional music. According to Top Santé magazine, classical music is very beneficial for children.
Introducing young children to classical music is excellent for their concentration, self-discipline, social behaviour and learning abilities.
TOP SANTÉ
Good to know
- In most cases, the visit of an immersive exhibition lasts about 1h-1h30.
- It’s best to go without a stroller so that you can walk around the space more easily and not obstruct the view of other visitors.
- Coat rooms are usually available.
- Take public transportation, you will lose less time parking.
- Some exhibitions can be difficult for older people, especially when there are dark rooms. A person’s advanced age can affect their vision and dimensional sense.
Frida Kahlo (Montreal, until July 24, 2022)
The immersive Frida Kahlo exhibition is the latest one we’ve experienced. Three generations to experience it with more or less divergent opinions.
- My mother, age 78, loved her experience. It was her first time. She was not familiar with the artist and found it quite inspiring. However, the space leading to the large room was much too dark on the floor for her. She was afraid of tripping on several occasions.
- Blondie Bear, age 14, thought it was okay. It was, in his opinion, a little better than his Van Gogh experience.
I, for one, found the exhibit exhilarating and disappointing at the same time. The beginning and end are really interesting both in content and visuals. There are also interactive parts that I have not experienced elsewhere to date. They will certainly appeal to children, especially if they like to colour.
It’s a Festival in colour.
My opinion
Although titled an immersive biography, I expected more. The middle of the exhibition is repetitive in terms of content. It’s exactly the same text that you’ll spend reading in the long corridor at the entrance but put in images. The immersive part of the exhibition lasts 30 minutes and retraces Frida’s life in images. YOU WILL NOT SEE HER WORKS.
Cost for a family of 4: $138.48 + RV experience $11.49 per person for children 5 years and older (optional).
The experience is way too expensive for a family. However, if you have never done this kind of activity and have children 5 years old and up, this will surely interest them more than a standard immersive art exhibition.
Address: Arsenal d’art contemporain, 2020 William Street, Montreal, H3J 1R8
Book your tickets HERE.
Van Gogh (Montreal, until September 5, 2022)
As far as I know, Van Gogh opened the ball of immersive exhibitions in Quebec in 2019 and we were there.
The exhibition was held in the same place where Frida is currently located. There was a large space with a central angular shape. I really enjoyed my experience at the time and it didn’t cost us too much, about $20 per person.
Van Gogh is back with a new exhibit at Oasis Immersion at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal.
This exhibit marks a parallel between the recognition of the artist, the posterity of his work and the perspective of a more humanist tomorrow as a legacy to future generations.
van gogh – distorsion
Oasis Immersion is the largest indoor immersive installation in Canada. You will be able to live other immersive experiences all year long.
Cost for a family of 4: $103.72
Address: Espace OASIS – Palais des congrès de Montréal
Book your tickets HERE.
Monet (Quebec, until September 5, 2022)
After Montreal, Monet moved to Quebec City.
Monet is one of my favorite painters. At this exhibition you will feel like you are in the garden of his house in Normandy.
At the same time, take the opportunity to discover l’Ile d’Orléans about 20 minutes away. Discover it HERE.
Cost for a family of 4: $107 + taxes
Address: 300 Rue de l’Estuaire, Quebec, G1K 8M8
Book your tickets HERE.
Statera (Sorel-Tracy, until October 2022)
Statera will probably be the best immersive experience suited for kids. There are a lot of activities to do other than interactive ones.
You can do yoga with your little ones inside a 360 dome, dive into the universe of the Lake Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve and then take a boat ride.
You can save 40% by purchasing the activity passport. This will give you access to other family activities in the region, including the immersive outdoor course Echoes of Origins.
Passport cost per person for 4 activities: $56.99 – $77.60
Cost of 2 Statera activities: $24.99 adult, $18.99 child
So are these immersive experiences worth repeating?
Short answer: NO. For a family of 4, they may not be worth the cost.
However, you should go at least once to live this beautiful experience. However, unless the next one is done differently, the experience will remain similar, it’s just the setting that will change. You will certainly remain amazed, but your bank account will be less impressed.
Indeed, for a family of 4 people, it comes to more than 100$. This does not include travel or parking fees and additional activities that are sometimes offered at extra cost.
So which one will you choose this summer?
