French Impressionism Returns to Melbourne: A Second Chance for a First Impression
This exhibition at NGV International, ended on 5 October 2025
If you missed it the first time, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Back in 2021, the National Gallery of Victoria opened a much-anticipated exhibition of French Impressionist art… and then closed its doors almost immediately due to lockdowns. Fast forward to 2025, and we’re getting a rare second chance to enjoy one of the most beloved art movements in history—right here in Melbourne.
French Impressionism is on now at NGV International as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series. And it has to be on your to-do list! This is an exhibition that speaks to all of us who’ve lived through change, appreciate beauty in the everyday, and perhaps enjoy a good stroll through a gallery on a crisp winter morning.
Related reading: Winter in Melbourne: A City That Shines in the Cold
French Impressionism: NGV Winter Masterpieces
A Feast for the Eyes—and the Soul
More than 100 masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston are right here in Melbourne, including works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Berthe Morisot, and Mary Cassatt. You’ll see lush gardens, sun-dappled coastlines, and quiet domestic scenes—all captured in the soft, shimmering light that made Impressionism so revolutionary.
And yes, there’s a whole room dedicated to Monet. Sixteen of his paintings, displayed together in a single breathtaking gallery, will transport you from Giverny to the Mediterranean without needing your passport.
Kathy’s review
The current winter exhibition of the Impressionists at NGV is a must.
A word of advice however: It is Extensive and there are no pass-outs! For this senior it required plenty of stamina re food and toilets. The NGV is to be commended for sourcing so many and varied masterpieces.
At $39 it is an absolute bargain. A tip to help cut back slightly on reading every one of the detailed explanations of the pieces: enjoy the children’s signage as well and even eaves-drop on the occasional school group!
Familiar Names, Fresh Perspectives
This time around, the exhibition goes beyond the brushwork. Letters, journals, and writings from the artists themselves give us a glimpse into their lives—the friendships, rivalries, and bold decisions that shaped a new way of seeing the world. There’s even a special focus on the early influences on Monet, like Eugène Boudin and the Barbizon School, whose love of painting outdoors helped birth a movement.
Several works have never been seen in Australia before, including a striking self-portrait by Victorine Meurent—better known as Manet’s muse but finally recognised as a gifted artist in her own right—and The Garlic Seller by Jean-François Raffaëlli, who painted scenes from Paris’s outer suburbs long before they were fashionable.
Perfect for a Midweek Treat
With its accessible location on St Kilda Road and extensive public transport options, NGV International is easy to get to—especially with a Seniors Myki in your pocket. If your knees aren’t what they used to be, rest assured: there’s plenty of seating throughout the gallery, lifts between floors, and friendly staff on hand if you need help.
And if you’re the type who likes to make a day of it, there are great dining options on-site and plenty of spots nearby for lunch or a cuppa afterwards. Why not plan a visit with a friend, your book club, or even your grandkids? Impressionist art has a way of charming every generation.
Terrie’s review
As Terrie, one of our contributors, shared after her visit:
“The National Gallery of Victoria is one of the wonderful treasures of the City of Melbourne. We went to see the French Impressionism exhibition and all I can say is—Magnificent! What a privilege to be able to see, with my own eyes, original paintings by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and many, many more.”
She was equally impressed by the setting: “The backdrop and decorations in the rooms were obviously very carefully designed. It was excellent. The large rooms were very easy to navigate—I never felt crowded out. It was good to have comfortable seating to rest the legs and just soak up the ambience.”
Terrie also appreciated the chance to learn more as she explored: “There was a lot of information displayed to read and learn more about the artists, their intentions and motivations. There’s a lot to take in, so I would recommend going slowly.”
Her final verdict? “Wonderful exhibition—something you could easily see more than once while it’s in our fabulous City of Melbourne.”
A Cultural Event Worth the Wait
French Impressionism runs until 5 October 2025—plenty of time to plan your visit, and maybe even return for a second look. It’s a chance to see these extraordinary paintings in person, reflect on what they meant in their time, and consider what they still say to us today.
So if you missed your first impression, here’s your second chance. And if you saw it back in 2021—well, like any good painting, it’s worth another look.
Angie’s review
I was fortunate to have visited the NGV’s exhibition of The Impressionists recently, aware that I had missed it’s first iteration when it opened for just a few weeks before Covid hit in 2021. I was curious to see whether it would truly impress or whether I’d find it a reliable Winter Blockbuster to bring in the crowds. Would it add something new to our understanding of the revolutionary art movement of the later 19 century; the period that redefined modern painting as artists turned their focus to expressing the effects of light on the landscape and of depicting scenes of everyday life.
I am no art connoisseur but have always enjoyed the challenge of place & time in history which art reflects. In addition, I had vivid memories of Year 12 art, fastidiously recreating the colour of The Impressionists from faded art books and encyclopedias. Book publications do not prepare the viewer for the genuine article. Simply being able to examine brushstrokes and colour composition in such close proximity is a privilege. This stimulating collection of over 100 pieces on loan from the Museum of Fine Art Boston is indeed worth a visit.
The presentation of each room creates a mood and a theme, and includes both the famously well-known artists of Degas & Cezanne, Renoir & Lautrec and of course Monet but also includes artists of the movement who were less familiar to me. This adds to the lingering enjoyment of an exhibition with follow up reading and a sense of learning something new. The room which particularly captivated me was dedicated to the theme of water. You too will find the rooms or themes that resonate with you, after all, art is subjective. Some rooms are themed with lighting, others with colour or furnishings to reflect their place in the timeline of the Impressionists.
My friend & I chose not to pre-book our tickets but I did ring in advance to identify busy times. It took just a few minutes to purchase tickets. An NGV audio guide is available for this exhibition but I prefer to find the art that resonates with me and read at my own pace, indulging in wonderful descriptions of the artist, their subject & influences from the captions provided. I also listened to the chat around me, learning a great deal from the comments of other visitors.
Angie’s review cont’
We were advised to arrive by 9.45am if we wanted the first viewing. Many had pre-booked tickets so the queue gathering outside the gallery looked long but moved quickly. In hindsight we should have stopped for morning coffee in the cafe before we bought tickets because we used up 30 minutes chatting, but in fact no-one was monitoring entry and exit times, given that each ticket holder is given a two hour window to view and there is plenty to see. This is a single entry event.
The exhibition was relatively full of people by the time we entered the exhibition at 10.45am but if you are the first cohort who view the exhibition at around 10am, you are well ahead of the crowd. I did not need to squeeze between visitors to view art work or captions; there was a general air of respect to give space to those around you. Some paintings were smaller than I expected, some larger. The condition of each piece was superlative; some are behind glass but the lighting did not detract from their beauty with any reflection.
The final room of the exhibition is the complete fireworks for art lovers. I wont spoil the enjoyment of this room by sharing too many details but suffice to say the exhibition of The Impressionists ends in glory.
Useful details: on arrival at the NGV St. Kilda Rd. Melbourne there is seating just inside the entrance which is helpful if you are waiting to meet someone & the gift shop will always occupy a few precious moments if you have spare time. The ground floor cafe is easy to locate, right by the gallery shop.
NGV Members
If you envisage a year of frequenting the NGV at it’s several locations, you might consider a membership (concessions are available if applicable) which permits one free entry annually to a ticketed exhibition.
NGV Members also receive discounts on gift shop purchases and access to the Members Lounge. There are tea & coffee making facilities in the Members’ Lounge and as a member, you may invite one guest to the Lounge on each visit. If you prefer to bring a snack and avoid the cafe crowds and cost, this might be a worthwhile investment. Members also receive invitations to gallery openings and special talks.
Tidbits for Your Visit:
- Seniors Card holders receive discounted exhibition entry, book online or at the desk;
- A booking fee of $5.50 applies;
- Audio guides are available at $7;
- Guided tours available for ticket-holders run daily. No need to book, just show up at the time advertised at the information desk;
- Photographs are permitted inside the exhibition;
- Quietest times are Tuesdays and Thursdays, either at 10 am on opening, or at 1 pm or 3 pm;
- Enjoy an easy lunch or drink from NGV Cafe;
- Other dining options include the Garden Restaurant or Tea Rooms;
- A cloak room is available free of charge for coats and small bags;
- Also explore the free entry galleries while at NGV International;
- And plan a visit to the nearby NGV Australia (but you might need another whole day for this).
NGV Accessibility
- Ramp access, lifts and accessible toilets;
- Large print guides, hearing loops and audio guides are available;
- Wheelchairs are available for free hire from the Information Desk;
- Travellers Aid at Flinders Street Station can assist with mobility equipment hire if needed;
- NGV offers Relaxed Sessions, designed to be quieter, less crowded, and more accessible for anyone who’d prefer a gentler experience;
- The NGV website provides very useful and detailed information on all of its accessible features. Read it here;
- Read more about visiting NGV International here;
- Located 500 metres from Flinders St Station, with buses and trams stopping nearby;
- Various parking facilities are close by.
NGV International
180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
(03) 8620 2222 https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/
I hope this post has inspired you to get out and explore Melbourne! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to find out more ways to discover (or rediscover) the joy of exploring Melbourne.
The Seniors in Melbourne team visited as guests of NGV International. All opinions are the writers’ own.
Hi Amy
My friend and I enjoyed our complimentary tickets to the Australian ballet yesterday.
Thankyou so much.
For some reason that even the Hamer Hall staff couldn’t seem to work out, we only had one ticket, although my email from them stated 2. Who Knows?
Nevertheless, they went to all lengths to accommodate us, unfortunately at the very back, as this twit left her distance specs at home!
Anyway, it was a real treat and we were in absolute awe of the rising talent!
Thank you again for the opportunity.
We are definately going to check out more of the Morning Melodies.
Warm Regards
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I’m so glad you and your friend were able to enjoy the ballet — even if things didn’t go quite to plan with the tickets! Hats off to the Hamer Hall team for sorting it out, and I totally hear you on the forgotten specs — happens to the best of us!
It’s wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed the performance. The rising talent is truly something special, isn’t it?
Thanks so much for your lovely message, and I hope you have a great time discovering more Morning Melodies!
Warm wishes,
Amy