Beyond Van Gogh Comes to Nanaimo
- Mar 2
- 4 min read
For Immediate Release
March 2, 2026
Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience Comes to Nanaimo This Summer
Custom-installed for the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, the exhibition runs July 18 to August 29, 2026, with early-bird tickets on sale now
Credit Mike Sudoma
Snuneymuxw First Nation Territory, Nanaimo, B.C. - A world-renowned art experience is coming to downtown Nanaimo this summer. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will run July 18 to August 29, 2026 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, inviting guests to step inside a cinematic, projection-based exhibition that surrounds visitors with art, sound, and storytelling inspired by the life and work of one of history’s most enduring and influential artists, Vincent van Gogh. Early-bird tickets are on sale now at IslandEvents.ca.
Produced by Paquin Entertainment Group, Beyond Van Gogh is being brought to Nanaimo through a unique partnership between the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, the Port Theatre, the Nanaimo Museum, and Tourism Nanaimo, with a shared goal of strengthening Nanaimo’s summer arts and culture calendar and welcoming more visitors to the downtown core. Event partners estimate the exhibition could draw up to 25,000 visitors and generate up to $6 million in economic impact for Nanaimo.
This stop required a tailored approach. Event partners say the exhibition has been reconfigured into a newly scaled 10,000 sq. ft. installation, custom-built for the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, with changes to the touring set-up and technical structure designed to bring Beyond Van Gogh to smaller markets. It is also being delivered through a rare local consortium, with the four partners collaborating on hosting, ticketing, and destination support.
“Getting Beyond Van Gogh to Nanaimo took more than booking dates. It meant adapting the tour to a completely new hosting model and redesigning it for smaller centres, while aligning local partners behind a shared plan,” said David Warburton, Artistic Executive Director, Port Theatre. “We pursued it because this kind of cultural experience should not be limited to major cities, and we strive to position Nanaimo as a vibrant community.”
“This is the kind of partnership that strengthens Nanaimo’s cultural calendar and brings real energy to the downtown core. We are proud to work with the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, the Port Theatre, and the Nanaimo Museum to deliver a marquee summer arts experience for locals, Vancouver Islanders, and visitors,” says Carly Pereboom, CEO, Tourism Nanaimo.
For Nanaimo locals and Vancouver Islanders, Beyond Van Gogh is an easy summer plan in the downtown core. Partners also expect strong interest from visitors travelling from the Lower Mainland, elsewhere in British Columbia and Alberta, and the United States, with Nanaimo accessible by passenger ferry and air for a day trip or overnight stay. The exhibition also offers a natural reason to include the Harbour City in a broader Vancouver Island itinerary. Trip planning information is available at tourismnanaimo.com.
About the Experience
Beyond Van Gogh brings together more than 300 works in a 360-degree projection environment that visitors can move through at their own pace. Guided by Van Gogh’s own words and writings, the experience unfolds as walls of light and colour shift into the flowers, cafés, and landscapes that define his work, set to a curated musical score. The result is an immersive, narrative journey that offers an accessible entry point for both dedicated art lovers and first-time Van Gogh fans.
A limited number of add-on Immersive Yoga sessions will be offered on Saturday mornings at 8:45am.
Ticketing and Details
Venue: Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, B.C.
Price: Adults $50 | Seniors $45 | Child $35 | Family 4-pack $140 | Yoga $80
Hours: Open Tuesdays through Sundays. View the schedule.
Early-bird pricing available while quantities last.
Media image bank can be found here.
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About Tourism Nanaimo
Tourism Nanaimo is the official destination management organization for Nanaimo, British Columbia, playing a central role in how the city plans for and benefits from visitation. Rather than focusing solely on promotion, Tourism Nanaimo works across destination planning, experience and product development, business and event attraction, and strategic investment to ensure the visitor economy supports broader community outcomes. Learn more at tourismnanaimo.com.
About the Vancouver Island Conference Centre
Vancouver Island Conference Centre (VICC) is an award-winning convention centre and event venue in downtown Nanaimo, trusted by planners across North America for outstanding facilities, dedicated staff, and complimentary services that help create seamless, memorable events. Since 2008, VICC has hosted more than 7,500 events and 300,000 delegates, generating over $125 million in positive economic impact for Nanaimo. Discover more at viconference.com.
About the Port Theatre
The Port Theatre is a beautiful, world-renowned 800-seat community performing arts centre in downtown Nanaimo. The Port Theatre is one of British Columbia’s busiest venues, hosting more than 250 events and welcoming over 110,000 guests annually, while also serving as a key stop on the national touring circuit. The Port Theatre Society is a charitable not-for-profit organization that co-manages the Port Theatre with the City of Nanaimo and presents the acclaimed Spotlight Series featuring Canadian and international artists each season. Additionally, the Port Theatre Ticket Centre provides ticketing services and support to off-site community events, selling over 100,000 tickets per year. Learn more at porttheatre.com.
About the Nanaimo Museum
The Nanaimo Museum offers dynamic, interpretive programming that invites visitors to “Make a Discovery” while exploring the region’s history and heritage. Housed within the Vancouver Island Conference Centre since 2008, the museum features award-winning exhibits, meeting and reception spaces, and a destination gift shop, and has welcomed top-ranked travelling exhibitions from leading institutions. Operated by the Nanaimo & District Museum Society, the museum is committed to creating meaningful, accessible experiences for residents and visitors alike. Find out more at nanaimomuseum.ca.
About Paquin Entertainment Group
Paquin Entertainment Group is a full-service arts and entertainment company. Established in 1985, it has evolved into a multi-faceted powerhouse representing world renowned artists, one of a kind immersive experiences, exciting theatrical productions, and global brands. Paquin Entertainment Group’s diverse portfolio includes Paquin Artists Agency, Paquin Exhibitions & Theatrical, and Paquin Strategic Partnerships. With offices throughout North America, Paquin Entertainment Group continues to expand globally, serving as a catalyst for connection, innovation and inspiration through music, arts, and culture. paquinentertainment.com.
Media Contacts:
Krista Lochhead
Archer Public Relations
778.227.2396
Karly Upshall
Tourism Nanaimo
250.802.6902
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