If you’re a fan of Van Gogh or just curious about his life and work, the National Gallery’s latest exhibition is well worth a visit. It’s packed with beautiful paintings, fascinating insights, and a few surprises—even for seasoned art lovers.

Content Quality: 5/5

The content here is genuinely top-notch. Every room is like stepping into a new chapter of Van Gogh’s life story. The paintings are accompanied by thoughtfully written narratives that don’t just explain what you’re looking at but help you feel it, too. The booklet you’re handed at the start is a brilliant addition—it’s packed with detailed information and means you don’t have to jostle with a crowd to read text panels.

What I particularly loved was how the exhibition balanced depth with accessibility. It’s engaging for anyone with a general interest in art, yet there’s enough substance to satisfy even the most well-read Van Gogh enthusiasts. For example, I knew a fair bit about his influences and struggles, but I still found myself learning entirely new things, like how specific friendships and locations shaped his work. I will also note that the three paintings shown in the video below are believed to have not been within the same room since they were created, which gives a whole new depth to the exhibition.

In short - this was not an exhibition to just look at—it’s one you need to immerse yourself in.

That said, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a space designed for kids. There aren’t any interactive exhibits or playful activities. But honestly, I think that’s okay. The themes of the exhibition—mental health, personal turmoil, and artistic obsession—aren’t exactly child-friendly. Removing those elements would strip away much of the exhibition’s power and depth.

Ambience: 3/5

The design of the exhibition is simply stunning. Each room’s color scheme is carefully chosen to reflect the mood and tone of the paintings on display. For instance, stepping into the room dedicated to his Sunflowers, with its vibrant yellow walls, felt like stepping into the heart of the artwork itself. It’s a brilliant way to complement the pieces and make the space feel cohesive and immersive.
Unfortunately, the ambience takes a hit because of the crowds. It was incredibly busy, to the point where it was hard to see some of the paintings properly. Unless you’re willing to wait several minutes for a spot near the front, you’ll often find yourself craning your neck or catching glimpses through gaps in the crowd.
It’s a shame because the exhibition is so well-organized otherwise. The layout flows naturally from one room to the next, and everything is impeccably clean and well-maintained. If the visitor numbers could be better managed—perhaps with stricter time slots—it would make a world of difference.

Accessibility: 3/5

On paper, the exhibition ticks many of the boxes for accessibility. The open-plan layout and wide pathways make it physically accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. But in practice, the sheer volume of people makes navigating the space tricky. Even as an able-bodied visitor, I found myself struggling to focus at times, so I can only imagine how difficult it might be for others.

One of the biggest drawbacks was the lack of quiet spaces. While the general atmosphere wasn’t loud or chaotic, the constant hum of conversation and movement could be overwhelming, especially for people with sensory sensitivities. Having a dedicated quiet area or even just reducing visitor numbers at peak times would go a long way.

Another issue is inclusivity. The booklet is excellent, but as far as I could tell, it was only available in English, and there didn’t seem to be any braille or audio guide options. For an institution as renowned as the National Gallery, I would have expected more effort to cater to a wider range of needs.

Visitor Engagement: 3/5

This isn’t an exhibition where you’ll find touchscreens or interactive displays, and while that might disappoint some visitors, it fits the tone of the event. The focus is on the art itself and the accompanying stories, which are beautifully presented. The booklet is a great tool for engagement, allowing you to explore the paintings and their contexts at your own pace without feeling rushed.

That said, the lack of interactive elements does make the exhibition feel a bit static at times. A few hands-on activities or even digital enhancements could have added an extra layer of engagement, especially for younger or more casual visitors.

As for the staff, they were polite and helpful but mostly focused on managing the crowds and ensuring everything ran smoothly. I didn’t get the sense that they were there to share insights or spark conversations about Van Gogh’s work, which was a bit of a missed opportunity. However, the gallery makes up for this with a range of additional programming, including workshops, tours, and online events. There’s definitely a lot to explore if you’re willing to dig deeper.

Gift Shop and Cafe: 5/5

The gift shop is, hands down, one of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s the perfect mix of academic resources, beautiful keepsakes, and fun, quirky items. Whether you’re looking for a serious art book or just a sunflower-themed magnet, you’ll find something to take home. What’s even better is that there’s a wide range of price points, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to pick up a nice souvenir.

I have included a couple of examples below of christmas tree decorations, I had such a hard time trying to choose between these two!

The cafe is equally impressive. The food is consistently delicious, with a good mix of hot and cold options, but it’s definitely on the pricey side. That said, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff are quick to clear tables and keep things running smoothly. Despite how busy it gets, I’ve never struggled to find a seat, which is a testament to how well it’s managed.

Overall Value: 4/5

I absolutely loved this exhibition. The chance to see paintings that haven’t been displayed together in decades is something truly special. The curation is excellent, the content is deeply engaging, and you could easily spend hours exploring everything on offer.

But—and it’s a big “but”—the crowds are a serious issue. They detract from the experience, making it harder to fully appreciate the art. Thankfully, the gallery has introduced late-night openings, which are likely to be quieter and more enjoyable. If you can plan your visit for one of these times, you’re in for a treat.

Final Rating: 4/5

This Van Gogh exhibition is a unique and rewarding experience, perfect for anyone who wants to dive into the life and work of one of history’s most iconic artists. It’s not without its flaws, but the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. Plan your visit carefully, and you’re bound to walk away inspired.

Exhibition Title: Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers

Location/Venue: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Dates of Exhibition: 14 September 2024 – 19 January 2025

Type of Exhibit: Art exhibition featuring over 50 of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and drawings, focusing on his time in Arles and Saint-Rémy, and exploring themes of poetic imagination and romantic love.

Cost of Entry:

Standard Admission: Tickets are now sold out.
Members: Free admission; members can access sold-out dates.

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers - Exhibition Review