I have fond memories of past efforts to combine VR content with real-world locations, but I thought the pandemic ended that ambition. I figured if I needed VR in 2024, I would have to buy a headset. It can be an almost solitary experience at home or in the office. Not something to share with a crowd in a renovated retail space.
But a new immersive experience proves me wrong.
Created by French startup Excurio in collaboration with Musee d'Orsay and another startup Eclipso, “Tonight With The Impressionists, Paris 1874” celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist art exhibition by transporting visitors back to 19th century Paris. Commemorate. On to the city streets, then the exhibition itself, and other important locations in the history of Impressionism.
“Tonight with the Impressionists” opened Friday at New York's Eclipso Center after opening in France and Atlanta. (My understanding is that Eclipso provided the space for the virtual reality experience, and Excurio created the VR content.) Like other Excurio experiences, this one also uses VR to learn more about history and culture. While making it more accessible, it also provides a showcase for the company's technology.
Image: Excurio
At a press event earlier this week, my partner and I joined a long line of people wearing VR headsets and walked into a large white room. The 11,000 square feet of nondescript rooms will be converted into apartments, galleries, lakeside retreats, and more.
Unlike The Void (my main reference point for this type of experience), Excurio and Eclipso don't construct a physical space or provide props to accommodate a virtual experience. This means that while Eclipso Center can host multiple experiences at the same time, some experiences, such as when the virtual environment slopes upwards while the real floor remains flat, or when a couch in Paris is blocked by a floating red X, Awkward moments can also occur. , reminding you that if you try to sit down, you'll end up sitting on the floor.
Although it was a little awkward, looking at the classic paintings and talking with their creators really made me feel like I was in Paris. Perhaps the most breathtaking moment was when Claude Monet shared a balcony with us while painting “Impression, Sunrise,” and the work extended beyond the canvas to fill the horizon.
Excurio highlights the fact that its experiences don't require you to wear a bulky VR backpack, just a headset, and many participants can participate at once. In fact, the company says it recently broke its record for more than 100 simultaneous supports. Participants can roam freely in the same space. Manage those crowds by providing a specific narrative that guides you through the space. Due to staggered start times, there is little risk of bumping into others.
Image: Excurio
In fact, our crowd was so dense that we often saw white silhouettes indicating that actual humans were nearby. We didn't have any crashes, but it did add a little stress of trying to avoid traffic. And in the end, Tonight With The Impressionists' 45 minutes felt a bit long for relative VR newbies like us. That's enough time to experience eye strain and discomfort from the equipment.
Still, I've never actually experienced anything like that. It's worth checking out for anyone interested in Impressionist art, or even the creative and educational possibilities of VR.