‍

Blake, Wm. Enoch. 1806.

‍

At a museum in Paris, visitors were able to ask an AI-powered Vincent van Gogh anything they wanted. A digital version of the Dutch painter, appearing in a dapper blue jacket, was the centerpiece of an exhibit that ran from October until February 4 and drew a record number of tourists.

The most often-asked question was why the painter killed himself. “I would implore this: Cling to life, for even in the bleakest of moments, there is always beauty and hope,” van Gogh gave as one response. Other common questions included why the artist cut off his ear and which of his paintings he liked best.

An executive at Jumbo Mana, the French AI startup behind the display, said the “overarching goal is to revive van Gogh through an AI that authentically echoes his unique expression, faithfully imitating his style while upholding the established truths of his life and work.”

The Musée d’Orsay’s exhibition set an attendance record with 793,556 visitors in just 108 days since its opening on October 3. Encouraged by the success, the museum plans to create another immersive experience for the upcoming “Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism” show, opening on March 26.