Despite my affectionate recollections of previous attempts to blend virtual reality (VR) content with physical locations, I believed the pandemic had curtailed such ventures. I anticipated that by 2024, VR would require a personal headset and would be primarily a solitary experience confined to home or office, rather than a communal experience in a repurposed retail space.
However, a newly launched immersive experience has proved me wrong.
Developed by French startup Excurio, in partnership with Musée d’Orsay and another startup, Eclipso, the experience titled “An Evening with The Impressionists, Paris 1874,” celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist art exhibition. It transports visitors back to 19th-century Paris—immersing them in the city’s streets, the exhibition, and other significant Impressionist landmarks.
After debuting in France and Atlanta, “An Evening with The Impressionists” was unveiled at the Eclipso Center in New York. The VR content was created by Excurio, while Eclipso provided the venue for these VR experiences. Like other Excurio experiences, it utilizes VR to make history and culture more accessible, showcasing the company’s innovative tech in the process.
At a media event earlier in the week, my companion and I joined a queue of individuals gearing up with VR headsets before entering an expansive white room. This 11,000 square foot blank canvas was transformed into apartments, galleries, lakeside retreats, and more, right before our eyes.
Unlike other VR experiences, Excurio and Eclipso don’t attempt to build a physical space or provide props that correspond to the virtual experience. This allows the Eclipso Center to host multiple experiences simultaneously, although it can lead to some odd moments.
Despite some awkwardness, it felt as if we were truly in Paris, admiring classic art and interacting with their creators. One of the most striking moments was sharing a balcony with Claude Monet as he painted “Impression, Sunrise,” his work extending beyond the canvas to fill our view.
Excurio emphasizes that its experiences require only headsets, not bulky VR backpacks, and can accommodate many participants simultaneously. The company recently broke records by supporting over 100 free-roaming participants in the same space.
Although we encountered some minor discomfort from the equipment, the 45-minute “An Evening with The Impressionists” was like nothing else I’ve experienced. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Impressionist art or the creative and educational potential of VR.
