Monet’s Masterpiece Embarks on a National Tour across England
A rare opportunity to witness one of Claude Monet’s most celebrated works is coming to England. The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil, painted in 1872, will be showcased in four galleries across the country as part of the national Gallery’s prestigious Masterpiece Tour. This marks only the second time the artwork has left the London collection in two decades, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts.
The tour kicks off in September 2025 at the Sainsbury Center in Norwich, followed by the Ferens art Gallery in Hull from June 19, 2026. The painting will then travel to the South Shields Museum and Art Gallery in january 2026 and conclude at the grundy Art Gallery in blackpool in March 2026.
monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil captures a serene winter’s day on the banks of a river just outside Paris. The painting is a quintessential example of Monet’s impressionist style, which revolutionized the art world in the late 19th century.
The Ferens Art Gallery is taking the exhibition a step further by creating a “multi-sensory immersive space” designed to engage disabled and neurodivergent visitors.This innovative approach will feature smells, sounds, and touchable works, ensuring the exhibition is accessible to all.
Councillor Rob Pritchard expressed his pride in Hull’s inclusion in the tour, stating, “It is a great honor to be part of this prestigious partnership with the National Gallery, offering residents and visitors to Hull a chance to see such a important piece of artwork up close.”
Claude Monet, who passed away in 1926, is widely regarded as a pioneer of impressionism. His Water Lilies and Haystacks series remain some of the most iconic works in art history. In 2019, one of Monet’s Haystacks paintings from 1890 sold at Sotheby’s for a staggering $110.7 million (£85.7 million), underscoring the enduring appeal of his work.
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, emphasized the importance of bringing art to the public. “The National Gallery’s collection belongs to all of us,” he said. “It is part of our duty and our honour to look after these paintings and to bring them to where people are, not just expect them to come to us.”
With over a million visitors attending previous Masterpiece Tour exhibitions, this tour is expected to draw significant crowds. Art lovers can also listen to highlights from Hull and East yorkshire on BBC Sounds or watch the latest episode of Look North for more insights.| exhibition Details |
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| Artwork | The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil by Claude Monet |
| Tour Dates | September 2025 – March 2026 |
| Locations | Sainsbury Centre (Norwich), Ferens Art Gallery (Hull), South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, Grundy Art Gallery (Blackpool) |
| Special Feature | Multi-sensory immersive space at Ferens Art Gallery |
Don’t miss this chance to experience Monet’s genius up close. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the beauty of one of the most influential artists of all time.
monet’s Masterpiece Embarks on a National Tour across England
Table of Contents
A rare opportunity to witness one of Claude Monet’s most celebrated works, The petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil, is coming to England as part of the National Gallery’s prestigious Masterpiece Tour. We sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, an art historian specializing in Impressionism, to discuss the significance of this tour, Monet’s enduring legacy, and the innovative features of the exhibition.
The significance of Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, this painting is a highlight of Monet’s early career. Can you tell us why it’s such an critically important piece?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil, painted in 1872, is a quintessential example of Monet’s Impressionist style.It captures a serene winter’s day on the banks of the Seine, just outside Paris. This period was pivotal for Monet—it was when he began experimenting with light, color, and brushwork to depict the fleeting effects of nature. The painting not only showcases his technical mastery but also marks a turning point in art history, as Impressionism challenged conventional artistic conventions.
The National Gallery’s Masterpiece Tour: Bringing Art to the People
Senior Editor: This tour is taking Monet’s work to four galleries across England, including Hull’s Ferens Art Gallery. Why is this initiative so important?
Dr. emily Carter: This tour is a brilliant example of the National Gallery’s commitment to making art accessible to everyone. Sir gabriele Finaldi, the gallery’s director, has emphasized that the collection belongs to the public. By bringing the Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil to regional galleries, the National Gallery ensures that people who might not have the opportunity to visit London can experience Monet’s genius up close. It’s about democratizing access to art and fostering a deeper recognition for cultural heritage.
Innovative Features at the Ferens Art Gallery
Senior Editor: The Ferens Art Gallery is creating a multi-sensory immersive space for this exhibition. Can you elaborate on this initiative?
Dr.Emily Carter: This is an incredibly exciting aspect of the tour. The Ferens Art Gallery is going beyond the traditional exhibition format by designing a multi-sensory experience that engages all the senses. visitors will be able to smell the crisp winter air, hear calming sounds of nature, and even touch tactile elements inspired by Monet’s work. This approach not only enhances the experience for all visitors but also makes the exhibition more inclusive for disabled and neurodivergent audiences. It’s a forward-thinking way to ensure everyone can connect with monet’s art.
Monet’s Enduring Legacy in Art History
Senior Editor: Monet is often hailed as a pioneer of Impressionism. How has his work influenced modern art?
Dr. Emily Carter: Monet’s impact on the art world is profound.His innovative use of light, color, and loose brushwork laid the foundation for modern art movements.Series like Water Lilies and Haystacks remain iconic, inspiring generations of artists. His ability to capture the ephemeral beauty of nature revolutionized how we perceive and depict the world around us. Even today, his works continue to resonate with audiences, as evidenced by the staggering $110.7 million sale of his Haystacks painting in 2019.
Planning Your Visit
Senior Editor: For those interested in catching this exhibition,what should they know?
Dr. Emily Carter: The tour begins in September 2025 at the Sainsbury Center in Norwich and concludes in March 2026 at the Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool. Each location offers a unique experience, but I highly recommend visiting the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull for the multi-sensory immersion.Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or new to monet’s work, this exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to engage with one of the most influential artists of all time. Don’t miss it!
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights. Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil and the Masterpiece Tour truly represent a unique chance to experience the beauty and innovation of Impressionist art. We encourage everyone to plan their visit and immerse themselves in this extraordinary exhibition.