The National Gallery in London will extend its Vincent van Gogh exhibition, running all night on Friday, 17 January, just before the show concludes. This event showcases the widespread admiration for Van Gogh, attracting over 280,000 visitors in four months, making it the gallery’s third-most attended paid exhibition ever. Timed tickets for overnight access are available now, and guests can also enjoy the espresso bar and shop throughout the night.

This late-night event marks the gallery’s second foray into all-night openings, following their Leonardo da Vinci exhibition. The initiative aligns with similar efforts from other institutions, like the V&A’s 24-hour opening for the Alexander McQueen show in 2015. Gabriele Finaldi, Henry Director of the National Gallery, noted this opportunity allows visitors to engage with Van Gogh’s works during the nocturnal hours preferred by past artists such as Francis Bacon and David Hockney.

The exhibition, entitled “Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers,” highlights pivotal moments in Van Gogh’s career, notably his time in Arles and an asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence from 1888 to 1890, revealing his artistic thought processes. The display features iconic works including “Starry Night over the Rhône.” Finaldi remarked on Van Gogh’s significance as a symbol of dedication and passion in art, asserting the paintings convey an infectious joy for life.

The exhibition closes as the National Gallery celebrates its 200th anniversary with plans for a reimagined Sainsbury Wing and a major rehang of the permanent collection, set to unveil on 10 May.

The National Gallery is a prominent art institution in London, known for hosting acclaimed exhibitions of significant artists. The gallery’s event focusing on Vincent van Gogh has attracted substantial attendance, underscoring his continued relevance and popularity in the art world. The all-night access during the exhibition’s final days reflects a growing trend of extending museum hours to accommodate diverse visitor schedules and promote engagement with art at unconventional times.

The National Gallery’s decision to open its Van Gogh exhibition all night highlights the artist’s immense popularity and the gallery’s commitment to enhancing visitor experiences. With notable attendance figures and an array of beloved artworks on display, the late-night event will provide art enthusiasts a unique chance to appreciate Van Gogh’s masterpieces while commemorating the gallery’s bicentennial.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

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