Van Gogh, Starry Night at the Atelier des Lumières in Paris

Yes, absolutely worth it! My two friends have just seen it and they raved about it. They bought their tickets online before they left the states.

One of my friends is also noise sensitive and she didn't have a problem at all.

Kent,
My friend who is noise sensitive did not have any problems.

What about the noise issue that the OP asks about?
As someone who is noise sensitive because of persistent tinnitus, I can identify with the original poster's concern over the music loudness issue. Is there music with amplifiers and a driving beat, especially if inside--can anyone help the OP with that issue?

We were there 3 weeks ago and loved it. In my opinion, the music is meant as a background inhancement rather than the focus of the exhibit. We did not find it especially loud - although I know that can be subjective. My husband and I found it breathtaking, as it seemed everyone around us did as well, from toddlers to seniors. We bought our tickets ahead for a 10:30 time slot, but arrived at 10:15 so as not to be late. Those with advanced reservation enter to the left of the entrance and they let us in right away. The shows run on a loop - there is the Van Gogh segment, a Japanese segment that is shorter and wonderful and another segment even shorter that we didn’t stay for.

I saw (what I understand to be) the same display in Les Baux at carrieres de lumieres and DEFINITELY GO. It is incredible, especially if you like Van Gogh. The Japanese display is equally as good. I remember it being pretty loud but maybe it's different in the quarry. Maybe bring ear plugs just in case to muffle the noise?

We went today and there were a couple of times I would have liked to have had ear plugs. I recommend that you bring some if you are noise sensitive. We had a 10:30 entry and arrived at 10:15. We were allowed to enter as soon as we arrived. The earlier you can arrive the better as the space definitely was more crowded by the time we left. There is some seating available but as more people enter, it is harder to find a seat. Be sure to move around and see the projections in all of the different spaces. Go inside the round chamber to see projections of actual Van Gogh paintings and information about where they are on display. Go up on the mezzanine to view most of the space from above. It is delightful! Don't miss it!

I went a few weeks ago and would definitely recommend it! I know there was music, but I don't remember it being overwhelmingly loud. I took my parents and my dad doesn't care for loud music and didn't seem bothered by the volume, but maybe have ear plugs with you just in case. I second the poster who recommended waking around to view the show from different angles and on the different surfaces. Also, I believe that once you are in the doors, you are allowed to stay for more than one showing. We watched it from a stationary position and than wandered around during the next presentation in order to see it on the different surfaces and angles. Such a neat experience! Enjoy!!!

We did Klimt and Hundertwasser last year and Van Gogh this year. Definitely go. It is a unique experience. IMHO the Klimt was superior and we thought the Japanese bit this year was very mediocre. We sat through the two lesser presentations twice last year and only once this year. But the Van Gogh is familiar and fun. I don't like loud music and found the music for this presentation 'background music' and not overwhelming but it is hard to judge for someone else with an issue. I would take ear plugs everywhere with this sensitivity and then you could use them if it bothers you. It was 'movie loud' not rock concert loud. We had friends who could not buy tickets for this in Paris and it was sold out the first week we were here, although we had booked tickets well in advance and so it wasn't an issue for us. we went on a Monday morning and I highly recommend this as it was not at all crowded; last year it was VERY crowded. There are a few benches and other spots to sit besides the floor this year and coming on a Monday morning we had no trouble getting a perch. Most of it is standing room and some people like to move from room to room although the same material is broadcast everywhere so that is not necessary.

Just today I was rethinking our plans to visit this, as I was wondering whether it was better to see projections as opposed to a museum to see originals. But the video I have seen and the comments from here make it worthwhile and interesting. And we are going to other museums, anyway.

Well of course it is better to see originals; this is an entirely different experience -- but also an interesting and enjoyable one. And most of the VanGoghs are not available in one place or in Paris.

Get there early so you can find a place to park. It was not loud. Expensive but worth it. Stay and see it a couple or more times.

Does anyone know if the Rick Steves Paris tour museum pass includes this show, or should we purchase separately? When during the tour week would we have time to see this?

Paris Museum Pass does not include commercial performances like this or special exhibits in museums (or the gardens of Versailles on fountain days) etc etc i.e. it gives basic admission to the listed museums --any tour or special paid exhibit or other event is not covered. This thing does sell out; good friends of ours were not able to get tickets the week they were in Paris, so if you want to do it, you should reserve. The same is true of exhibits at the Grand Palais or other similar events.

We had 10 am tickets today but could not go, sick and stayed at our hotel. Needless to say I was bummed!

How many days in advance to you suggest I buy tickets? Visiting Nice June 15-June 19 for World Cup and not sure exactly which day I will go.

And is 30 minutes for the show long enough?

The shows last over an hour so no 30 minutes is not close to enough. You can sit through twice if you want. we did last year but this year's two lesser shows were not worth another round IMHO. You enter randomly and so may be in the middle of Van Gogh or in one of the other shows. If so you just sit through a second round to see the whole thing. And when I say 'sit through', I mean stand through. There are very few places to sit and many sit on the floor at the edges if they don't snag a seat on a bench.

I would get tickets asap as it was sold out the whole first week in May we were here (we had tickets but when I went on line to check information I saw it was sold out). Friends visiting were unable to get tickets the week they were here.

This sounds really neat, but I wish it was offered as an evening activity so it wouldn't take the place of regular museum hours.
Edit: here is the website: https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en/events

My friend and I went a few weeks ago. I don't like loud music and I found the music to be at a very comfortable level. The show is amazing! We both loved it. And do get your tickets in advance. It was sold out while we were there, so walk-ups were turned away.

I just ordered tickets for Saturday, June 8 and the first times in the morning were sold out, but not the afternoon.

I just bought tickets for it in Les Baux and am excited that people are giving it rave reviews. I love Van Gogh and it seems like it will be very special to see it in the caves in Les Baux. Thanks for endorsing it! I had just a few minutes ago bought the ticktes and then read this post! Timely!

Does anyone have any recommendations of things to do near the Atelier des Lumieres? Or restaurants in that area to recommend?

Thanks to all who posted. I did see one reply about asking it to be an evening event, the facility is adding evening shows of the Klimt version soon. Different art but guessing it has a similar vibe, maybe louder due to the evening audience?

I don't have a dinner idea but we had lunch after our morning show at a little coffee shop on the other side of the little park across from the theater/warehouse. It was called The Fiery Bean and I had their lunch special which was a potato, zucchini, chicken, cheese sort of lasagna like dish with salad and my husband had a really good soup with toasts with a spread of carrot puree with spices and salad. It was inexpensive and very good for lunch.

We went today. We had tickets for noon. It was posted that today was sold out. The Van Gogh portion was first and lasted about forty minutes, I think. There was a two minute interval, during which there was a mass exodus (maybe a tour group?). Then the Japanese portion started. Another two minute interval, followed by the very brief Verse segment. Then came another two minute interval, after which Van Gogh would begin again. I looked at my watch in the ladies room, I'm guessing the program must always start on the hour. So if that helps anyone with their reservation time.......

I too am very noise sensitive. My ear plugs were in my pocket. The only segment that might bother someone is Verse, which is heavy on the bass notes. But I never even stuck my fingers in my ears, save to shut out the Americans who couldn't be polite enough to respect the silence requests posted. I did, however, keep expecting to hear the voice of Carl Sagan during that part, curious.

Another observation....... Lots of people, including us were sitting on the floor. So be mindful of what you're wearing, as sitting on that cold floor for an hour in a skirt, for example, wouldn't be particularly comfortable. Yikes, it's been ages since I sat on a floor that long!

For those who take issue with the price, we saw information that the proceeds benefit disadvantaged and needy children.

With respect to lunch or dinner, at the entry desk, where brochures are kept, there are tri-fold accordion pleated maps of the local area, with restaurant and cafe options. I assume these are those who pay for the privilege of being listed, but it's better than nothing and is bilingual. As we are vegans, we did try for a tiny place attached to a naturopathic practice, but by the time we got there they were already out of one of the day's offerings, so we found a Lebanese place. Hope this helps.

I do believe this was the most unique theater presentation we've ever experienced.

Donna

Was just on the RSE tour of France and we saw the Van Gogh Atelier in Les Baux. It was totally amazing. An immersive experience into Van Gogh’s masterpieces if there ever was one.

I highly recommend it.

I just would like to add that this DOES NOT replace seeing Vincent’s original works. It is a different experience but not the only viewing a person should have of his art. It is a must to see the real deal, wherever and whenever you can.

We’re going to be in Paris the second week of August. I see from their website that they will be offering evening hours for the Klimt/Hundertwasser show beginning August 2. I think we’ll still do the Van Gogh daytime show but now I’m torn...

Mona -- do both ??
Loved seeing Picasso and Friends at Les Baux a few years ago -- and Van Gogh is on my list for December in Paris.

I bought my ticket today for September in Paris. I have friends who were recommended to see it in Le Baux. Is there a difference? My assumption is that it would be the same.

Bookmarking this post!

For Ruth: I saw this some years ago in Les Baux while on the Southern France tour. It was awesome and certainly unlike anything we had ever seen before! Accompanied by lovely music, the art was projected on gigantic limestone slabs, and yes, this was in an actual abandoned quarry. I have reservations for my granddaughters and myself to see it in Paris while we are there in July and am interested to see if it 'feels' different from the quarry experience. I am looking forward to seeing it again.

We saw a different, but similar show in Les Baux a few years ago. It was breath-taking in the amazing caves. I plan to see this Van Gogh version in Paris next month. I think the venue will be quite different from the amazing "natural" caves, but not to a distraction. I also have some hearing sensitivity and had absolutely NO issues in Les Baux. I am hoping for a similar experience in Paris.