Imagine stepping into a time machine and finding yourself amidst the gaslit streets of 19th-century Paris, transported to the night that forever altered the course of art history. Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 is not just a VR experience — it’s an impressively entertaining lesson of art history, made possible with cutting-edge virtual reality technology. It reinvents the way we connect with the cultural milestones of the past, offering an immersive story that’s as educational as it is awe-inspiring.

For those who have ever felt overwhelmed wandering the hallowed halls of a museum, unsure of the significance of each painting, this VR experience offers a refreshing alternative. The concept is brilliant: a high-tech yet deeply human way to present Impressionism — a movement once misunderstood and mocked but now celebrated as revolutionary. Through the VR headset, you don’t just see the paintings; you live the moments that shaped them. You hear the inspirations, frustrations, and triumphs of Monet, Renoir, Morisot, and their contemporaries, all narrated with rich historical context.

It’s a modern solution to an age-old challenge: how do we make art history accessible and engaging for everyone? By using VR to recreate the very first Impressionist exhibition, this experience bridges the gap between past and present, offering audiences a chance to appreciate these masterpieces as their creators intended — with curiosity, wonder, and unfiltered emotion.

The journey begins on a cobblestone square in late 19th-century Paris. Our guide, Rose, a spirited young Parisian with dreams of becoming a writer, finds us mesmerized by the views of the Opera House and leads us through the streets to uncover the significance of the historical night. She shares her insights and stories, giving the experience an emotional resonance. Her ability to "cross time and space with her words" makes her the perfect companion for this adventure, blending historical fidelity with a touch of whimsy.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the city comes alive with the sights and sounds of another era. The attention to detail is extraordinary — from the architecture to the ambient chatter of Parisians. It feels as though you’ve truly stepped back in time.

As you follow Rose, you’re transported to iconic locations central to the Impressionist movement: the famed Salon de Peinture et de Sculpture, the serene banks of Grenouillère Island, and Monet’s studio in Le Havre. Each setting is meticulously reconstructed, down to the smallest detail, under the guidance of the Musée d’Orsay’s expert curators, Anne Robbins and Sylvie Patry. These interludes are more than just scenic — they’re truly educational, providing context about the bonds, rivalries, and shared visions that defined the Impressionists.

Faced with a sharp decline in visitors during the pandemic’s upheaval in 2020, The Musée d’Orsay decided to gain back its popularity by embracing digital technologies and redefining how audiences experience art. The VR experience is only one of the initiatives that are drawing in a new generation of art enthusiasts while re-engaging loyal visitors, proving that the Musée d’Orsay is as forward-thinking as the artists it celebrates.

The highlight of the experience, of course, is the recreation of the April 15, 1874, exhibition in photographer Nadar’s studio. Here, you encounter 165 works by Monet, Pissarro, Cézanne, and others, displayed as they were on that historic night. But unlike a traditional museum visit, this VR gallery breathes life into the paintings. You learn how these now-revered masterpieces were once derided as unfinished, rebellious, and even laughable. The narration is rich with anecdotes that deepen your appreciation for the art and its creators.

Seeing Monet’s Impression, Sunrise in this setting is especially poignant. The painting that inadvertently gave Impressionism its name is presented as more than just an iconic image — it’s a testament to the artists’ shared defiance against convention and their commitment to capturing fleeting beauty.

Technically, the experience is flawless. The visuals are stunningly detailed, the sound design immersive, and the VR equipment seamless to use. It’s clear that years of research and development have gone into making this experience as historically accurate and engaging as possible. The collaboration with the Musée d’Orsay ensures the authenticity of every element, while the technical expertise of GEDEON Media Group and Excurio brings it all to life.

The use of VR isn’t just a fun way to tell a story, though it genuinely is, it’s more than that. The experience democratizes access to cultural heritage – we no longer need to travel to Paris to learn about the origins of Impressionism.

While virtual paintings can’t fully replicate the same impression (pun intended) as seeing these oil masterpieces in person, the storytelling approach makes the experience far more engaging and memorable — especially for those who struggle to focus on the tiny plaques at sprawling museums or recall the details after an afternoon cappuccino by the museum square.

This immersive experience captures the magic of a pivotal moment in art history, bringing it directly to your city. It offers a more sustainable, accessible, and unforgettable way to connect with the world of art.

Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 isn’t just a cozy indoor escape for a cold New York City day — it’s an educational and emotional journey that deepens your connection to art and history. It’s a reminder that art isn’t static; it’s a living, breathing dialogue between the past and the present. By stepping into the shoes of the Impressionists and immersing yourself in their world, you leave with a newfound appreciation for their audacity and vision.

Makes you wonder — will future generations have immersive experiences about AI artists? Will they chuckle at old debates over whether digital art is “real” art, the same way we roll our eyes at critics who once dismissed the Impressionists? And let’s be honest, VR will probably seem as quaint to them as fax machines do to us. Whatever they’re using, it’ll likely blow our 21st-century minds.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious, Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 is a must-see. It’s a masterclass in how technology can transform the way we experience culture, making it more accessible, engaging, and relevant. With its impeccable storytelling, stunning visuals, and thoughtful execution, this VR experience sets a new standard for immersive cultural events.

Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 is limited to those age 8 and up with ticket prices starting at around $30. Plus, if you experience the journey with friends or family, your tickets are connected, so you see each other as avatars in the virtual world. How cool is that?

So, if you’re in the US, you can experience it in New York and Atlanta, and for those in France the experience is available in Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Don’t miss this opportunity to step back in time and relive one of the most pivotal moments in art history – book your tickets now and you won’t regret it.

About Excurio

Excurio specializes in immersive virtual reality experiences, blending history, art, and science with thrilling storytelling. Their free-roaming VR productions, such as Horizon of Khufu and Tonight with the Impressionists, have drawn over a million visitors globally to prestigious venues. Developed with renowned experts, these experiences make culture accessible and engaging. Originally part of Emissive, Excurio became its own brand in 2024, building on a legacy of award-winning VR works like The Enemy and Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass.

About GEDEON Experiences

GEDEON Experiences, an innovative branch of GEDEON Media Group, creates immersive cultural narratives using advanced technologies. With expertise in storytelling, 3D reconstructions, and large-scale international projects, they produce experiences that merge emotion and knowledge. Focused on culture, history, science, and the arts, their goal is to push technological boundaries and inspire audiences with innovative sensory storytelling.

About Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former Paris railway station, boasts the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. Featuring works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Rodin, the museum reflects Western artistic achievements from 1848 to 1914. The historic building, originally constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair, became a museum in 1977 and now welcomes nearly 4 million visitors annually.