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150 Years of Impressionism in France
In 2024, we will mark the 150th anniversary of Impressionism, an influential art movement that transformed our perception of the world.
France is celebrating this milestone with a plethora of unique events, engaging activities, and major art exhibitions.
The Paris Region and Normandy will be two key areas of focus, so why not immerse yourself in this visual extravaganza?
Ready to Celebrate
As an ardent admirer of Impressionism and holder of a Master’s in Visual Arts, I was thrilled to preview the upcoming celebrations.
There’s never a bad time to appreciate Impressionism since France is rich in artistic treasures, but this anniversary adds an extra layer of excitement.
An Anniversary to Remember
With so many events taking place, it can feel overwhelming—almost like being swept into a whirl of dancers from a Renoir painting at Moulin de la Galette. To help you get started, here’s a guide.
1. Start at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris
If you can see only one exhibition, let it be Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism, a captivating showcase at the historic Musée d’Orsay.
This exhibition runs until July 14, 2024, before moving on to the National Gallery of Art in Washington. It evokes the atmosphere of the inaugural Impressionist exhibition.
The original exhibition opened in 1874 in a former photography studio at 35 Boulevard des Capucines.
The First Impressionist Exhibition
This groundbreaking show was organized by the artists themselves, who had formed a loose collective, showcasing 31 artists and 165 works.
Although the term “Impressionism” hadn’t been coined yet, this was a new way of creating art.
It represented a rebellion against the grand themes and polished techniques favored by the prestigious Royal Academy, which hosted its Salon exhibition annually.
Artists like Monet, Renoir, Degas, Sisley, Morisot, Pissarro, and Cézanne would become future stars, while others fell into obscurity.
Read more about the Top 5 Impressionist Museums in Paris
The Musée d’Orsay – A Revelatory Experience
What I learned at the Orsay exhibition is that Impressionism was not a cohesive movement that appeared full-grown from the cliffs of Etretat.
The first exhibition was eclectic, featuring Cézanne (who was only included due to Pissarro’s insistence), while Manet refused to take part, hoping to achieve success at the Salon.
Ultimately, the Salon accepted just one of Manet’s works that year, and critics derided it anyway.
(I acknowledge that Manet is often labeled as more of a Pre-Impressionist, yet he was connected with the Impressionists. Like Gustave Caillebotte, another artist who crossed boundaries in his time, he bridged different styles.)
Art Tip: Be careful not to confuse Édouard Manet with Claude Monet.
Manet is regarded as the father of modern art, existing between Realism and Impressionism. Eight years older than Monet, he significantly influenced the Impressionist movement.
The Original Impressionist Exhibition – A Disastrous Reception
When the Impressionist exhibition opened on April 15, 1874, critics were appalled.
Upon viewing Claude Monet’s painting Impression, Sunrise—a soft depiction of the harbor at Le Havre with a vibrant orange sun cutting through the haze—art critic Louis Leroy scornfully remarked, “Impression… Wallpaper in its embryonic state is more finished than that seascape!”
And thus, the term “Impressionism” was born.
(Thank goodness, because the artists’ initial name was the Cooperative and Anonymous Association of Painters, Sculptors, and Engravers, which lacks a certain flair.)
Why Was Impressionist Art Controversial?
This new artistic direction was unsettling to many. The artists focused on capturing fleeting light, everyday moments, and transient scenes.
They rejected the grand, mythological, or historical themes favored by the dominant Academy.
The Impressionists painted en plein air, wielding quick brush strokes while using pure pigment straight from the tube (an innovation of the time). To many, their works appeared incomplete.
The Salon versus the Impressionists
You can experience the divide between Salon works and Impressionist paintings at the Musée d’Orsay exhibition, which features both styles.
If you seek a deeper experience, purchase a ticket for the Musée d’Orsay’s immersive virtual reality event, Tonight with the Impressionists.
2. Secure Tickets for Tonight with the Impressionists
The virtual reality (VR) experience at the Musée d’Orsay offers a thrilling journey into the world of 1874.
You’ll find yourself enveloped in the artists’ environment, whirling through their studios, Paris street scenes, and sunlit Impressionist settings like La Grenouillère along the Seine.
For naysayers who think merging virtual reality with art history is a blend of “Disney meets Degas,” I assure you it adds an educational layer, contextualizing the artistic era.
Superbly executed and two years in the making, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my visit to the 150th Anniversary celebrations.
Tonight with the Impressionists runs until August 11th, 2024.
3. Attend the Normandy Impressionist Festival
To fully immerse yourself in the 150th Anniversary festivities, head to Normandy.
This picturesque region, located northwest of Paris, features 350 miles of stunning coastline and is celebrated as the birthplace of Impressionism.
In Le Havre, Monet famously painted Impression, Sunrise, and the dramatic white cliffs along the Alabaster Coast attracted artists like Eugène Boudin (Monet’s mentor), Monet, Pissarro, and Sisley.
150 Festival Events
In honor of the anniversary, the not-so-annual Normandy Impressionist Festival will be offing an astonishing 150 events over six months, merging the innovative spirit of impressionism from the past with contemporary artistic expressions.
You can experience art, music, and festival activities throughout the region—don’t miss the chance to join an afternoon painting workshop along the Alabaster Coast!
Rouen is an excellent place to kick off your adventures.
4. Experience the Cathedral in Light at Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen
This Gothic masterpiece captivated Monet, who painted it 30 times to capture the ever-changing light on its façade. If you find yourself in Rouen, a visit to the cathedral is essential.
Imagine what Monet would think of a dazzling light show cast upon its ancient stonework!
The Cathedral in Light is a centerpiece of the Normandy Impressionism Festival—a nightly audio-visual spectacle brought to life by avant-garde artist Robert Wilson.
From May 22 to September 22, the cathedral will glow with vibrant lights set to the music of Philip Glass and poetry by Maya Angelou.
Don’t miss it if you can stay up after dark!
5. Visit the DAVID HOCKNEY, NORMANDISM EXHIBITION
If you’re in Rouen, be sure to visit the Rouen Museum of Fine Arts. Home to the second-largest collection of Impressionist art in France, it’s a notable destination.
While masterpieces like Monet’s Rouen Cathedral: The Portal and the Albane Tower: Bad Weather are mesmerizing, the David Hockney showcase is a delightful surprise.
A major figure in the pop art movement of the 1960s, Hockney, now 86, has called Normandy home since 2019. His landscapes reflect a connection to Impressionism through their light, color, and local essence.
Don’t miss the Moon Room, showcasing Hockney’s iPad drawings, seamlessly linking Impressionism with modern technology.
DAVID HOCKNEY NORMANDISM is open until September 22, 2024.
Explore More Events
There are countless other events celebrating the 150th anniversary. Here are three noteworthy highlights.
Resonance Paintings – Nymphéas by Oliver Beer
In Rouen, British artist Oliver Beer presents a series of abstract paintings inspired by the vibrations of the waterlily pond in Monet’s Garden at Giverny, running from May 23 to July 21 at Hangar 107.
Photography in Normandy (1840-1890) at Le Havre
The Museum of Modern Art André Malraux (MuMa), boasting a leading collection of Impressionist art, is definitely worth a visit for its permanent exhibits alone.
From May 25 to September 22, it will feature Photography in Normandy (1840-1890): A Pioneer Dialogue between the Arts, showcasing the region’s charm and transformation during the Impressionistic period and its influence on the emerging art of photography.
Impressionism and the Sea at Giverny
Just a 50-minute drive from Paris, the Impressionism Museum in Giverny is showcasing Impressionism and the Sea until June 30th, perfectly complementing Claude Monet’s House and Gardens nearby.
Impressionism and Its Global Impact
The bottom line is that the 150th anniversary of Impressionism is an ideal opportunity to explore some of France’s finest art.
For those who favor contemporary art or think Impressionism is simply pretty but outdated, this monumental celebration rekindles its vibrant legacy and illustrates how radical it was at the time, as well as how it continues to influence today’s creators.
For more exciting things to do in France, visit my France Travel page. Or check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Paris.
