Melbourne on the Monet as city gets first look at French Impressionism masterpieces at NGV International opening night

A delicate dance to retrieve a world-class exhibition of French Impressionism has launched with a triumphant twirl at the NGV. See which prominent Melburnians were in attendance.

A delicate dance to retrieve a world-class exhibition of masterpieces has launched with a triumphant twirl at the NGV International.

The exhibition, French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, had a three-week run in Melbourne in 2021 before Covid struck.

“The exhibition was fully installed, then Covid stopped us in our tracks,” curator from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Dr Katie Hanson said.

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Art lovers Liliana Di Palma and Evan Hocking replicated the moves in the fabulous and famous 1883 Renoir painting, Dance at Bougival. Picture: Wayne Taylor

“It was such a disappointment. But it’s wonderful to have these works back here.”

After many conversations and scheduling to-and-fros, the show featuring 100 paintings from icons including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Mary Cassatt, Berthe Morisot, returned to St Kilda Rd, and officially opened on Thursday night.

One of the highlights of the exhibit is the circle-shaped room that features 16 Monet masterpieces.

Abbey Gelmi and Gemma Dimond attend the opening night at NGV. Picture: NGVMelbourne/Instagram

Baker Boy and Aurie Indianna were also in attendance.

In a world-first, and with typical NGV flair, the exhibition is also presented amid immersive 19th century interior designs inspired by the homes of Bostonian and Parisian collectors.

“These settings create a wonderful ambience for the works of art that take us to a different place and time,” Dr Hanson said.

“It’s really transportative to be here ... and be surrounded by the kinds of interiors where these paintings may have hung while the paint was still wet.”

Dr Hanson said it was “a gift” to have the exhibition back in Melbourne after its false start four years ago.

NGV art handlers Phoebe and Tom installing Claude Monet’s Camille Monet and child in the artist’s garden in Argenteuil 1876 last week. Photo: Eugene Hyland

“It’s moving to see Melbourne audiences connect with these art works of beautiful landscapes, faces with inscrutable expressions, and colourful brushstrokes of paint on canvas.”

“It’s an exhibition in itself,” Dr Ted Gott, an NGV curator, said. “This is the icing on the cake.”

Asked to put a price on the immersive room of Monets he replied: “I couldn’t possibly estimate the value. It’s far more than you or I could ever imagine.”

Actor Kat Stewart at NGV French Impressionism’s opening night. Picture: NGVMelbourne/Instagram

Ankur and Sharon Johal, who appeared together on The Block 2022 grace the red carpet. NGV. Picture: NGVMelbourne/Instagram

Hundreds of Melburnians gathered Thursday night for the launch and first public walk through to see the 100+ paintings.

The exhibition officially opens to the public Friday June 6, and will run until October 5.