After successfully debuting an interactive virtual reality journey to Ancient Egypt with Horizon of Khufu, Eclipso is adding a second immersive virtual reality experience at their New York City Flagship: Tonight with the Impressionists. Created by Excurio in collaboration with the renowned Musée d’Orsay in Paris and in honor of the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Impressionist exhibition, Tonight with the Impressionists, takes visitors back to 1874 to experience this historical event firsthand and meet the painters, including Monet, Renoir, Morisot, and Degas. Tonight with the Impressionists will open to the public on December 13, 2024, at the Eclipso Center in New York.
This 45-minute journey transports guests back to April 15, 1874, when a group of artists broke away from traditional academic painting, focusing instead on capturing light, color, and atmosphere in new ways. Known as the Impressionists—Monet, Renoir, Morisot, Degas, and others—they depicted everyday life and outdoor scenes with spontaneous brushstrokes and vibrant colors.
“Building on the well-received opening of Horizon of Khufu in New York, the newest expedition allows visitors to experience one of the most pivotal moments in art history,” said Antoine Lieutaud, CEO of Eclipso. “It’s more than just a glimpse into the past; it's an invitation to experience the passion, vision, and spirit of the artists who forever changed the art world, all through virtual reality.”
Following its success in France and Atlanta, Tonight with the Impressionists is set to captivate a broad audience of art and history enthusiasts. Inside the 11,000-square-foot space, guests will be virtually transported to the streets of 19th-century Paris to meet the artists behind the paintings and experience key moments that defined the Impressionist movement. These include Bazille’s studio, Monet and Renoir’s Grenouillère, and Monet’s Le Havre, where Impression, Sunrise was created.
This experience is the result of over two years of research and collaboration with Excurio, GEDEON Experiences, and the Musée d’Orsay, based on an original idea and original historical reconstructions by GEDEON Experiences. With historically accurate recreations curated by Sylvie Patry (General Curator of Heritage / Artistic Director, Mennour Gallery) and Anne Robbins (Curator of Paintings, Musée d’Orsay), it brings to life the era where these iconic works were born.
The Tonight With The Impressionists, Paris 1874, Immersive Experience’s debut in NYC comes alongside the National Gallery of Art’s current exhibition, “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment,” open until January 19, 2025, in Washington D.C.
“Our partnership with the Musée d’Orsay and GEDEON Experiences allowed us to authentically recreate this defining moment in art history,” said Fabien Barati, CEO of Excurio, the production company behind virtual reality experiences proposed in the Eclipso Centres. “Tonight with the Impressionist offers a unique opportunity to step into the world where these iconic works were created, bringing an extraordinary moment to life, in a way that resonates with audiences today.”
“This experience offers a journey through time and invites visitors from all over the world to experience the emotions that inspired the painters, particularly in two well-known regions of France, Normandy, and the Paris region,” says Stéphane Millière, CEO of GEDEON Experiences.
After its NYC debut with Horizon of Khufu in October 2024, Eclipso has quickly gained recognition for delivering unique cultural experiences through advanced technology.
Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 opens on December 13, 2024, at 555 W 57th Street, New York, NY, and will be open Tuesday – Friday 12pm – 8pm, Saturday 10am – 9pm, and Sunday 10am – 8pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at https://theimpressionists-experience.com/nyc/