UK gallery to stay open for 24 hours to celebrate Van Gogh exhibit

In the United Kingdom, specifically at the National Gallery in London, a notable event is set to take place as part of the final weekend of an acclaimed exhibition dedicated to the works of Vincent Van Gogh. Running from January 17 to January 18, this event marks only the second time in the gallery's history that it will remain open for a continuous 24-hour period. This unique night opening is a part of the Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers exhibition, which has become extremely popular, attracting over 283,499 visitors since it opened on September 14, 2024. The Van Gogh exhibition is particularly special as it is the gallery's first show solely focused on the artist, showcasing more than 60 selected works borrowed from various museums and private collections across the globe. These pieces delve into Van Gogh's imaginative transformations, a theme that resonates with many art lovers and influential contemporary artists. Director Sir Gabriele Finaldi expressed delight in the exhibition's success, noting that its popularity and significance in the art world have made it the third most popular paid exhibition in the history of the National Gallery. Moreover, the initiative to have overnight access for art enthusiasts is designed to offer visitors the rare opportunity to experience the paintings in a tranquil environment during the late hours. Finaldi encouraged the public to take advantage of this experience and seek inspiration, as noted artists such as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and David Hockney often visited galleries at night for creative stimulation. The event ties into a broader trend of making art accessible to diverse audiences and encouraging unique interactions with art collections. The exhibition is set to conclude on January 19, marking the end of an important cultural moment for the National Gallery. Tickets for the extra night-time viewing slots will be available on the Thursday before the event, giving visitors just a short window to secure their opportunity to join this celebratory marathon before the exhibition closes. In addition to the gallery experience, a documentary titled Exhibition On Screen: Van Gogh Poets And Lovers will be available in UK cinemas, further enhancing the visibility of this significant collection and its themes.