VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Starting Friday, July 5 visitors can step inside the paintings from renowned artist Claude Monet at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

After the success of Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, the series returns with a new focus. Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience will take guests into the world of impressionism.

The exhibit is split into two spaces. Before entering in the immersive gallery room, guests walk through the introduction hall, where they have an opportunity to learn about Monet. The room is inspired by Monet’s garden, a focus of many of his paintings.

“He created and curated the world he wanted to be in, the colors he wanted to paint, the light effects, this water lily pond that he painted for over 30 years, and moreover, 300 paintings of that same pond with the bridge behind me right now,” said Art Historian Fanny Curtat.

The immersive part begins in the second room. Curtat said they call it the infinity room due to the seamless design.

“It combines cutting edge projection technology along with Monet’s paintings,” Curtat said. “This blend allows the audience to be part of the paintings themselves.”

The projections surround the guests, appearing on the walls, pillars and the floor.

“You really are walking, quite literally, into the paintings themselves as they move slightly around you,” Curtat said. “So, you really breathe life into these paintings that we know and love.”

The paintings run on a loop lasting about 35 minutes. Some visitors stay for hours, watching the cycle repeatedly to catch different views of Monet’s works.

Out of the 2,000 paintings Monet created throughout his life, only 400 were selected. Curtat said a number of his most-famous works had to be included, such as the water lilies, the poppies, the luncheons and scenes with family.

“The last cycle he did for the [Musée de] l’Orangerie in Paris, of course we had to dedicate a whole scene to them,” Curtat said.

Each person has a different reaction to the immersive experience. The paintings and the accompanying music has the ability to move people.

“I’ve seen people twirling, kids twirling, but adults twirling as well,” Curtat said. “I’ve seen people sitting down taking it all in. I’ve seen people moved, teary-eyed, other people contemplating.”

It is not the same as being in front of an original Monet and the magic that brings. It’s entirely different, not to be compared or compete. It’s a unique experience of its own kind.

“To be part of the work themselves, to be part of the world of 400 of these paintings put into one dreamlike journey, that’s phenomenal,” Curtat said.

Throughout the summer, there will be a few opportunities to see Beyond Van Gogh. The international show has sold over seven million tickets. Click here to find showings at select dates and times.

The experience will be open through the summer until Sept. 5. Tickets are required to visit. For more information, visit monetvirginiabeach.com.