To explore Impressionism is to follow its story, from its beginnings through its evolution toward contemporary and post-Impressionist art. Few places suit that journey as naturally as Giverny, where Claude Monet, one of the pioneers of the movement, lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. Here, art and landscape seem to have grown side by side.
The Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny explores the history of Impressionism, its influences and its legacy. It features a permanent collection centred around Claude Monet, alongside temporary exhibitions that change throughout the museum’s programme.
Paintings, drawings, photographs and other works offer visitors an opportunity to discover different facets of the Impressionist movement and its influence on the history of art. With a regularly changing programme, each season brings new reasons to visit the museum.
The garden surrounding the museum was designed by American landscape architect Mark Rudkin, who also contributed to the design of the gardens of the Palais-Royal in Paris. Created during the time of the Musée d’Art Américain in Giverny, it is now an integral part of a visit to the Musée des Impressionnismes.
Its design plays with shapes, colours and contrasts. Carefully structured areas give way to a “wild garden”, where plants are allowed to grow in a freer, more natural style. As the seasons change, flowers and plants create an ever-evolving landscape where formal design meets the spontaneity of nature.
Giverny holds a special place in the history of Impressionism. Claude Monet moved here in 1883 and lived in the village until his death in 1926. Over the years, his house, flower garden and water garden became major sources of inspiration, particularly for his famous series of water lily paintings.
Combining a visit to the Musée des Impressionnismes with Claude Monet’s house and gardens offers a deeper understanding of the connections between the artist, his surroundings and his work.
During its season, which runs from the end of March or the beginning of April to the end of October.
A permanent exhibition titled On Claude Monet, presented since 2012, and two to three smaller temporary exhibitions that change with each season.
The landscaper Mark Rudkin. Open since 1991, it is structured and symmetrical, with a zone called the crazy gardens in homage to Impressionism.