In Normandy and Paris Region, experience the emotions that inspired the Impressionist painters.
1874, a pivotal year in the history of art
On April 15, 1874, a group of around thirty young painters held their first group exhibition at 35 Boulevard des Capucines in Paris. Denied entry to the official art salon, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, and Paul Cézanne unveiled artworks that would profoundly alter the course of art history. This moment marked the birth of Impressionism, a movement that would redefine artistic expression.
This globally renowned artistic movement is inseparable from the landscapes that witnessed its birth and growth: the Paris Region and Normandy.
It was upon these landscapes that this group of freedom-seeking artists chose to set their easels “en plein air”—along the Seine’s banks, amidst the vibrant heart of Paris, and along the Normandy coast. Since 1874, Impressionism has captivated the world. As the most celebrated artistic movement, it continues to attract millions of visitors annually with masterpieces, which were mainly painted in these two regions. Welcome to the hearth of Impressionism!
Marking the 150th anniversary of Impressionism, the entire destination celebrates this cultural legacy with no less than 200 exhibitions, extraordinary events, and unforgettable experiences, tracing the footsteps of the painters. Like a great open book dedicated to Impressionism, this destination invite you to discover the world of this major artistic movement.
Invite yourself to the exhibition of the century
In Paris, from 26 March to 14 July 2024, the Musée d’Orsay stages an exceptional exhibition: Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism , bringing together for the first time in 150 years 130 works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Morisot, Pissarro, Sisley, and Cézanne, including a collection of masterpieces from the early days of Impressionism showcased at the first exhibition at Nadar’s studio in 1874. Additionally, it will include significant paintings and sculptures by artists who dominated the art scene and were exhibited and celebrated at the Salon in the same year.
From 26 March to 11 August 2024, in the Amont Gallery of the Musée d’Orsay, an unprecedented immersive experience offers a journey back in time. Transported 150 years ago to Paris, you will attend the inauguration of the first Impressionist exhibition. Be prepared to meet the artists and discover their paintings in a way that has never been possible before. Recreated for the first time and keeping as close as possible to historical reality, the experience Tonight with the Impressionists was developed and produced in collaboration with EXCURIO, GEDEON Experiences, and the Musée d’Orsay.
Celebrating the 150 years of Impressionism’s spirit of artistic innovation and its contemporary resonance
For its fifth edition, Normandy Impressionist Festival is set to make waves throughout Normandy in celebration of the 150 years of Impressionism from March 22 to September 22, 2024, with an exciting program. 150 cultural events (50% contemporary and 50% classical) featuring over 100 internationally acclaimed artists and companies will celebrate the spirit of artistic innovation through multidisciplinary projects.
Experiencing the emotions that inspired the painters
Moreover, in Auvers-sur-Oise, Chatou, Argenteuil, Yerres, Giverny, Rouen, Le Havre, Dieppe, Honfleur, Caen and Cherbourg, exhibitions, extraordinary events and unforgettable experiences will be held in all the places where the Impressionist painters lived or found their inspiration.
