The Lighthouse Lounge illuminates at Immersive van Gogh

The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh would definitely be pleased with his success today if he were only alive to see it. He passed away at age 37 after committing suicide and if he had only waited, things would have certainly gotten better. Like many artists suffering from mental health issues, his depression fueled his brilliant work in the last two years of life where the majority of his art was created.

The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit has been a huge hit in Chicago after debuting at 108 W. Germania Place in February of 2021. Art fans were able to step inside his paintings as they were projected on the walls of the 500,000 cubic feet gallery.

The exhibition had perfect timing after already kicking things off in Paris and Canada before arriving in Chicago. It was a time where people craved more space and wanted to still find excursions to explore safely during a pandemic. Temperature checks upon entering and circles shined on the floors to encourage social distancing had made ticket holders feel comfortable under uncertain times.

The show is now extended until February 6 and may possibly continue for longer in 2022 if tickets continue to sell. The success of this endeavor has left promoters looking for new ways to market the project. Immersive yoga classes continue and now a nightlife component has been added.

The Lighthouse Bar was recently renovated and now expanded to be open to the public, even if a ticket to the exhibit is not purchased. This allows visitors to check out the merchandise in the gift shop and have drinks to unwind after a hectic day. The large windows allow some stellar views of the surrounding Old Town area and the spaced-out tables give privacy for intimate conversations.

Themed cocktails include the Starry Night, made with Tito's Vodka, Chambord and peach nectar, among several others in the full-service bar. Live jazz music and passed appetizers are all part of the new nightlife features in this historic space.

More events are planned for the future such as an upcoming wine tasting called Taste of Italy currently set for October 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit vanGoghChicago.com for more on that.

The lounge space is accessible to the public on the second floor of the Germania Club Building every day except Tuesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with extended hours on Friday and Saturdays. Please bring a photo ID and masks are required in all spaces when visiting.

If you haven't had a chance to see this moving and historic art installation time could be running out. Pick a date and plan a trip to go see van Gogh today!