The opening of an immersive exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh’s artwork which has sold out across the world has been delayed due to building safety concerns.

Van Gogh Alive, which has previously featured in 80 cities globally including London and Rome, was due to open at the newly refurbished Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre at Brighton Dome on May 12 for a three-month run.

However, Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival, has now said the exhibition has had to be delayed due to “further work” being required to ensure “critical safety systems” work correctly.

A new date for the opening of the exhibition has not yet been announced.

“I am very sorry to announce a delay to the opening of Van Gogh Alive which was planned for Friday, May 12, at Brighton Dome,” he said.

“This is due to further work being required to the building to ensure critical safety systems in our Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre are functioning correctly.

“We are working hard to revise plans and will share a further update as soon as possible. Any impacted Van Gogh Alive ticket holders will be contacted via email as soon as possible and invited to select an alternative date.

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“These building system issues have only revealed themselves at a very late stage which is enormously disappointing for everyone involved in the refurbishment of Brighton Dome. We sincerely apologise to all affected customers for any inconvenience caused.

“We also appreciate the enormous effort being made by our project team, contractors and consultants in order to rectify any issues as soon as possible.”

Van Gogh Alive was supposed to be the first event to welcome back audiences to the fully restored venues ahead of a packed schedule of live performances.

The restoration of the buildings is the result of a long-term undertaking between Brighton and Hove City Council, Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival and Brighton and Hove Museums.

Van Gogh's work is said to be displayed in a "kaleidoscope of colour" at the exhibition, as crowds make their way through the display to an "evocative classical score."