Monet: The Immersive Experience

A Trip To DC

Last week, I was able to do something that I had wanted to do for a while. I went to DC with my cousin, Jeanne Byrnes, her husband Jim (a big thank you to Jim for driving), and our Uncle Albert Behnke to see Monet: The Immersive Experience at the Rhode Island Center in DC.

It was a fantastic experience. When we first walked into the large, plain white building, I was unsure what to expect. First, many large posters told us about Monet and his life, and they wrote about his paintings and so much more. But then, it was like, what is next? Jim pushed open the black curtain under the exit sign, and we were now in a large room surrounded by Monet paintings. While they were not the original paintings, I could not tell.

Monet and His Paintings

All around the room was furniture from Monet’s life, with handwritten notes from him. Things like, “Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand as if it were necessary to understand when it is necessary to love,” or “Every day I discover even more beautiful things. It intoxicates me, and I want to paint it all ~ my head is bursting.”

As we looked at all the paintings and chatted about which ones we liked the most (sailboats for me), we could see through a window what looked like a beautiful garden lit up with colored lights. So, through another black curtain, we went. There, lights, bridges, and lily ponds surrounded us. Many of Monet’s paintings were made life-size as we walked about. At this point, I thought, wow, this was pretty cool, and figured we were done.

Monet: The Immersive Experience

Out through the next curtain and into the largest room yet. All four sides were covered in Monet’s paintings once again. But also, there were chairs, benches, and even some bean bags to sit on. As I looked around, the walls suddenly faded away, and a train was heading right for me. The floor I was standing on became train tracks!! What was going on?

Thus, about a 30-minute or more show of Monet’s life and works started. Total immersion! I took so many photos, but they did not do this experience justice. Although, my little grandson Robert loved the one with the train heading right for me. “Oma,” he said, “I think you and I should have a Robert Day and see this.” I only wish we could, but I don’t drive in DC. Maybe when he is older and can drive me!!

Being With Family Is The Best

My takeaway from this experience? I loved it. But even better, I left my comfort zone and spent the day with my family. That is what made it wonderful. My cousin Jeanne has a hectic year ahead of her with travel and weddings, but I hope we can squeeze one or two more events into our lives together.

If you have time, go check out this experience!! And have fun!! Jeanne and I even tried creating our art picture in the gift shop. We both agreed we have potential.