Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, Van Gogh Alive, will be hosted in Dubai Design District (d3) until April 23. The multi-sensory experience, created by Grande Exhibitions, will be one of the highlights of the Dubai Art Season with a unique sensory display of the masterpieces by the Dutch post-modernist painter.

Make no mistake – this is no ordinary art exhibition and no ordinary activity in the UAE. Traditions of tiptoeing through unnervingly silent galleries and viewing paintings from afar in quiet contemplation are forgotten as visitors find themselves interacting with art in ways they never imagined. Van Gogh Alive – The Experience is one of the best places to visit in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and one of the best UAE attractions. It stretches the definition of the word ‘exhibition’ as it stimulates the senses and opens the mind. And there’s no need to worry about the kids getting bored, Van Gogh Alive will entertain the kids as it caters perfectly to both young and old, and will rival the UAE’s oldest attractions.

From start to finish, visitors are surrounded by a powerful and vibrant symphony of light, colour and sound that compels them to leave the world behind and immerse themselves in what has been called an ‘unforgettable’ multi-sensory experience. Van Gogh’s masterpieces come to life as visitors experience the sensation of walking right into his paintings - a feeling that is simultaneously enchanting, entertaining and educational. This is an experience you won’t find at any other of the UAE’s popular attractions.

Adults and children alike will forge their own paths and find their own meaning as they wander through the galleries, exploring hidden nooks, viewing artworks from new angles and discovering unique perspectives. Visitors have the chance to examine Van Gogh’s sources of inspiration via photographs and video displayed alongside his works. But for many, the greatest pleasure lies in simply standing still, indulging the senses as waves of sights and sounds, intense and beautiful, wash over them.

On this occasion, Samovar Carpets has teamed up with its organizer, 6IX Degree Entertainment, to present an exceptional creation in support of Dubai Cares, the UAE-based global philanthropic organization.

Samovar Carpets will unveil the translation of Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’ as a carpet. The original masterpiece was produced in June 1889 from the painter’s asylum room in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (France).

This will be the unique reproduction of the painting as a carpet (2.44 x 2.14m). The production took 13 weeks and skilful Nepalese and Tibetan weavers worked under the supervision of Erbil Tezcan, founder of Wool & Silk Rugs. More than 40 colours were used to translate Van Gogh’s masterpiece into a hand-knotted Tibetan carpet (150 knot/inch). Using this many colours in such an intricate design required skilful staff due to the frequent changes in colour. Once the weaving was complete, the rug was washed, stretched and dried on one of Kathmandu’s rooftops before its world premiere unveiling in Dubai.

Samovar Carpets has teamed up with Dubai Cares to set up the silent auction of this unique reproduction of the Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. All proceeds from the auction and sale of the carpet will go towards Dubai Cares’ education programs in developing countries.

“We are honoured to contribute to a world-class exhibition of the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh with the reproduction of one of the most famous artworks in the world. The Starry Night also gives Samovar Carpets the chance to display our core expertise in fine handmade carpets and to support Dubai Cares with a silent auction during the exhibition” says Yousef Hindi, Owner & Managing Director of Samovar Carpets, in City Walk, Dubai.

Speaking about this partnership, Amal Al Redha, Director of Fundraising at Dubai Cares said: “We are happy to partner with Samovar Carpets for the first time as part of the acclaimed multi-media art exhibition, Van Gogh Alive. Through this partnership, we hope to raise vital funds that will enable us to maintain momentum for our global philanthropic efforts and continue to create a positive impact in the lives of underprivileged children and young people in developing countries.”

The online bidding system will be available on www.onlineauction.ae and interested art enthusiasts can register during the exhibition to bid on the piece.