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Van Gogh's Intimate Life Exposed in Bedroom Exhibit Now Open to Public

By Linze Rice | February 15, 2016 1:27pm | Updated on February 16, 2016 10:53am
 The Art Institute takes a dive into the life and work of artist Vincent Van Gogh, particularly a look at the bedroom that inspired not one, but three, famous paintings.
Van Gogh Art Exhibit
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CHICAGO — The intimate details of artist Vincent Van Gogh's life and work in late-1880s France are now on display for the public at the Art Institute, 111 S. Michigan Ave.

A special member preview allowed some to get a sneak peek before the exhibit publicly opened on Valentine's Day, though it didn't stop long lines and wait times from jamming up areas of the art museum near the Van Gogh display.

For the first time, all three famous "bedroom" paintings are shown side-by-side, all with unique and fascinating nuances that give a glimpse into Van Gogh's state of mind and current affairs.

"Van Gogh's Bedrooms" includes paintings, drawings, letters and other possessions of the legendarily gifted and tortured artist while he was staying at his "Yellow House" in Arles, France.

The Art Institute is also renting out a replica of the bedroom at a secret location through Airbnb.

The exhibit also includes a reconstruction of his bedroom to give "viewers the chance to experience his state of mind and the physical reality of the space that so inspired him, while other enriching digital components bring to light significant recent scientific research on the three bedroom paintings," the Art Institute said.

Quotes line the walls alongside well-known self-portraits and portraits of others, paintings from his time at Saint-Paul’s asylum (and one photograph of a view from his hospital room), as well as a range of multimedia installations that explain the differences between the three paintings and more. Attendees can also choose to follow along on a self-guided tour using a headset.

The exhibit runs through May 30, and the art exhibit is open from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

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