Van Gogh to Kandinsky: Symbolist Landscape in Europe covers a period of art, from 1890 to 1910, that, following the Chinese curse, was made in "interesting times".

Indeed, times rather like our own. From the dark, bluey-green walls decorated with the silhouettes of trees, to the overall sombre and introspective feel of this fascinating show, the exhibition seems made for our own times of constant rain, economic slump and uncertain futures.

This is an exhibition to dive into, mentally, and ponder. It helps that the paintings themselves are so easy to digest: gorgeous and lambent landscapes that can be enjoyed at an aesthetic level without needed to know, necessarily, about Symbolist doctrines and ideas.

Certainly, these Symbolists make you think: unlike the Impressionists, they didn't just paint what was right in front of them, they painted ideas, dreams, and their imagination.

And, although Symbolism is a broad term in culture – it encompasses writing and music too, both of which are also featured, via iPad technology, in this show – these paintings distil it to these haunting landscapes.

It is not a show full of razzle-dazzle, although there are great pieces from well-known names such as Whistler, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Munch, but one that is beautiful, accessible and, perhaps, a rewarding slow-burner.