The little town of Giverny in rural Normandy is visited by half a million people each year. They are drawn by the home and gardens of Claude Monet, the unofficial leader of the Impressionist movement. (See separate article). However, just down the street within easy walking distance of Monet's home is an important art museum, the Musée des impressionnismes Giverny {“MDIG”).
Of course, it is no coincidence that the MDIG is near Monet's home. Not long after Monet moved to Giverny in 1883, other artists began to come to the town. Monet did not encourage them to come nor did he offer lessons. Nonetheless, they came because Monet was there. Many of these artists were Americans who were interested in Impressionism. They formed an artists colony that continued to exist until World War I. In 1992, American inventor and art lover Daniel J.Terra opened the Musee d'Art American in Giverny, which focused on the American art colony and on Impressionism in general. Fifteen years later, after Mr. Terra's death, the Terra Foundation, the Musee 'd Orsay, Foundation Claude Monet and several governmental entities formed a new coalition and the museum was reborn as the MDIG. The objective of the MDIG is “to promote appreciation of the origins, geographical spread and influence of Impressionism. It enables visitors to discover the history of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, while also revealing their impact on 20th-century art.” Each year, the MDIG hosts two temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions include works by the Impressionist masters and artists who were influenced by them, including contemporary artists. The Musee d'Orsay often loans works for these exhibitions. The MDIG also has a small but growing permanent collection. It includes works by Pierre Bonnard, Gustave Caillebotte and Paul Signac as well as a collection of photographs relating to Monet and Impressionism. Designed by Phillipe Robert of the firm of Reichen and Robert, the MDIG is housed in a modern building. However, it has a low silhouette and follows the natural slope of the hillside on which it is located. As a result, it does not draw attention to itself in a way that distracts from the still-rural atmosphere of Giverny. Inside there is a large entrance hall. To the left are three exhibition rooms where the temporary exhibitions are mounted. To the right is a restaurant and shop. Downstairs there is an auditorium and a small exhibition room with works from the permanent collection. The building is surrounded by gardens. Hedges divide the area into separate sections so that different themes can be explored. The gardens do not try to duplicate or compete with Monet's nearby garden. Rather, they are complementary. For information about visiting, see the MDIG website. |
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Places to see art - - Giverny, France - - Musée des impressionnismes Giverny