Former Corn Exchange director Grant Briseland has been in touch with some great news. After an Australian sabbatical, followed by a period at Aylesbury Waterside, he’s back in Newbury with an exciting new project ahead.
He’s moved from the world of theatre to Wonderseekers, the charity that delivers Winchester Science Centre and he’s got the brilliant mandate to broaden the programme at the centre, which inevitably involves putting arts and culture at the heart of its growth.
The first major partnership is with Grande Experiences, the producers behind the globally successful Van Gogh Alive.
“It’s being completely reimagined for a dome, which has completely transformed the experience,” says Grant. “The score, visuals and quotes really pack a punch and it’s sure to be a really special event.”
It’s starting in January
At A Starry Night in Winchester: Experience the UK Dome Premiere of Van Gogh Alive
The world’s most visited immersive art experience makes its UK dome premiere under the stars of the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve.
One of the world’s most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming 30 minutes down the road in Hampshire.
From January 22 to March 22, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step inside the life and works of one of history’s most iconic artists.
Created by Grande Experiences, Van Gogh Alive has already captivated more than 10 million visitors across 110 cities worldwide. Following acclaimed UK exhibitions in Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton, Edinburgh and London, this marks the first time the experience will be hosted in the region and the UK premiere inside a planetarium dome, delivering a breathtaking 360-degree immersive experience.
Visitors will be transported through Vincent Van Gogh’s world, from the Netherlands to Arles, Saint Rémy and Auvers sur Oise, surrounded by more than 3,000 stunning images of his most famous works, including Starry Night, Sunflowers and The Bedroom.
Set to a powerful classical score, the 45-minute show will run Thursday to Sunday each week.
More than an art exhibition, Van Gogh Alive offers an intimate glimpse into the artist’s mind. Featuring extracts from his letters and journals, the experience weaves together his art, words and emotional journey, revealing the passion, struggle and hope that shaped his extraordinary creativity.
Through this powerful synthesis of image, sound and story, the audience is invited to connect with Van Gogh who sought beauty and meaning amid mental turmoil.
“We are delighted to unveil this exceptional experience in a whole new light. This exclusive presentation of Van Gogh Alive at the Winchester Science Centre dome will offer visitors of all ages and backgrounds an entertaining, educational and enlightening experience, whether they are art and history aficionados or exploring Vincent’s work for the first time,” says Bruce Peterson, Founder & CEO of Grande Experiences.
In addition to the dome screening, Wonderseekers will transform part of the Science Centre into an interactive, immersive environment. Guests can step into Van Gogh’s masterpiece and wander through a field of sunflowers to experience the beauty of his art like never before.
“This is a bold step in reimagining how the intersection of science, art and technology can shape the future of Winchester Science Centre for our region and beyond” said Wonderseekers CEO Ben Ward.
“Van Gogh Alive is not just an immersive digital exhibition; it is a powerful fusion of art, science and emotion. Beneath the skies of the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve, audiences will explore the same stars that inspired Van Gogh and discover how art and science blend together to spark wonder and curiosity.”
The timing of the exhibition is especially poignant. February 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the South Downs National Park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Van Gogh’s Starry Night resonates deeply with this milestone, highlighting the powerful intersection of art, nature and astronomy.
Founded in 1986, Wonderseekers has long been committed to sparking children’s curiosity in science through hands-on experiences. With a renewed focus on equity, accessibility, and environmental advocacy, the charity’s Strategy 2030: For People and Planet aims to connect children with nature and empower them to act for a sustainable future.
Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre is a bold expression of this mission, bringing together art, science and technology to inspire wonder in audiences of all ages.
Tickets are now on sale. Van Gogh Alive runs from 22 Jan – 22 March 2026 at Winchester Science Centre, Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ.
To book: vangoghalive.co.uk
