More than 100 masterpieces from some of the most celebrated names in art history are set to take centre stage at the NGV, as Melbourne prepares to welcome the world-class exhibition - French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM to preview the exhibition which features masterworks by some of the most influential artists in history - including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro and Mary Cassatt.
Direct from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the exhibition traces the evolution of Impressionism, highlighting the movement's revolutionary approach to capturing everyday life, fleeting moments and the beauty of the natural world.
Presented exclusively in Melbourne, French Impressionism is one of the largest and most significant Impressionism exhibitions ever staged at the NGV - and a major coup for Australia's cultural calendar.
Following the NGV's record-breaking Yayoi Kusama exhibition, which welcomed more than 570,000 visitors including 24 per cent from interstate and overseas, French Impressionism is set to attract thousands of visitors to the state in another celebration of world-class art and culture.
Over the past 20 years, the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® series has drawn almost eight million visitors to the NGV, with last year's Pharaoh exhibition alone attracting more than 336,000.
Backed by the Labor Government, French Impressionism forms part of a blockbuster line-up of events across the state this winter - including Beetlejuice The Musical, Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image at Bendigo Art Gallery, and the British & Irish Lions rugby tour.
French Impressionism will run from 6 June to 5 October 2025. Details and ticketing information are available at ngv.melbourne.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"These are paintings rarely seen outside the US and are part of a movement that transformed the art world - so we're extremely proud to be supporting this globally exclusive exhibition, which Victorians can experience with a train ticket, not a plane ticket."
"The Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® series has had an impressive effect on the state's economy over the past two decades, with millions of people not just visiting the NGV but flooding our restaurants, bars and cafes as well."
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
"This exhibition cements Melbourne's reputation as Australia's cultural and creative capital, drawing global masterpieces and art lovers from around the world to experience everything our city has to offer."
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
"French Impressionismis an amazing opportunity for Albert Park residents to experience globally exclusive, world-class art right on their doorstep, showcasing the south of Melbourne as a vibrant cultural hub that is home to one of the highest concentrations of arts and cultural organisations anywhere in the world."
As stated by Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
"This is further evidence that Victoria's cultural power is just as strong as our sporting calendar, with this exhibition and events like Beetlejuice The Musical, Lego Star Wars and Frida Kahlo: In her own image sitting alongside sporting drawcards like the NFL, NBAxNBL and the Australian Open Golf featuring Rory McIlroy."
As stated by NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM
"More than 150 years after the first exhibition of French Impressionist paintings were radically presented in Paris the movement remains a beloved and powerful drawcard for audiences worldwide."
"French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston offers Australians a rare opportunity to view 100 timeless masterpieces in person and experience the freedom of the bold brushwork and vivid colours synonymous with these artists."
