Bonjour Vincent: AI van Gogh Talks to Visitors at Musée d'Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay in Paris has launched "Bonjour Vincent," an AI-powered interactive installation that allows visitors to converse with a digital replica of Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890). Developed by startup Jumbo Mana, the project uses a custom algorithm trained on the artist's letters and biography to generate responses in real time. Visitors speak into a microphone and see van Gogh's face on screen, animated to lip-sync and gesture. The most popular question so far has been about his suicide, to which the AI replies with a pre-scripted but emotionally resonant answer. Agnès Abastado, head of digital development at the museum, stated that the year-long development process focused on balancing authenticity with cultural education, emphasizing that the technology is not merely commercial but aims to deepen understanding of the artist. Jumbo Mana CEO Christophe Renaudineau confirmed plans to release the van Gogh AI on Amazon Alexa and Echo devices within the next year. The company is also developing a similar AI based on the life of French poet Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891). The installation is part of a broader trend of museums using AI to create immersive, interactive experiences with historical figures.