Melbourne is set to welcome a new sensory art gallery and event space, when The Lume opens in autumn 2020.

Led by Melbourne-based Grande Exhibitions, the $15 million development aims to reimagine the gallery experience with an immersive take on art. The first exhibition will feature paintings and sketches by Vincent van Gogh.

Rather than hanging the art pieces on the walls, The Lume will use 150 digital projectors to bring the pieces to life across the space’s curved walls and floor.

The 90-minute experience is choreographed to music and layered with aromas, and can even involve themed food and beverages for the ultimate sensory encounter.

The Lume is Grande Exhibitions founder Bruce Peterson’s answer to a demand for new, shared experiences.

“We have been at the forefront of this movement globally as our popular exhibitions have quickly moved from artefact based, to multimedia, to multi-sensory and now to very experiential,” he said.

“Today, we engage many more new audiences through this style of exhibition and experience.”

Event space after dark

After dark, the 2000-square-metre gallery will become a dedicated event space in partnership with catering company Food & Desire.

Peterson said he has been on the hunt for the ideal space for The Lume for quite a few years.

“This development will be a jewel in the crown of Victoria’s tourism icons and we’re thrilled to be contributing to tourism growth, with great numbers of international and interstate visitors expected to flock to the newest gallery in Australia,” he said.

The Lume forecasts annual sales of more than 400,000 tickets and earnings projections of more than $15 million, with lower operating costs than others in the sector due to its high-tech efficiencies.

Watch a preview of the gallery here:

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