This spring visitors will have the rare opportunity to fully experience Monet’s breathtaking The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil (1872) in person as part of The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour 2025–2027.
This stunning oil on canvas from the famous French Impressionist has only left The National Gallery once in the last 20 years, with the first public viewing in the North West of England taking place at Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool from Saturday 28 March in a landmark cultural moment for the town.
The National Gallery, London selected the Grundy from over 30 UK venues to be one of just four host museums and galleries to take part in the showcase tour for this carefully chosen work from its collection. This piece will be followed by further artworks of art historical significance during the three year project as part of The National Gallery’s ongoing commitment to sharing its collection across the UK. The three other locations chosen to display the Monet were Sainsbury Centre in Norwich; South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, and Ferens Art Gallery, Hull.
Hosting this Monet continues Grundy Art Gallery’s ambitious mission to bring world-class art to Blackpool, following displays by celebrated artists including LS Lowry, JMW Turner, Roy Lichtenstein, Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry.
As part of the Masterpiece Tour, Grundy Art Gallery will invite every Blackpool school to view the Monet and host a schools’ exhibition following interactive workshops responding to the themes of Monet’s work. The painting will also inspire young people from Blackpool’s Young People’s charity, The Magic Club, who, working with artist, Kelly Jayne Jones, will produce a new sound work in response to their experience of Monet’s work. The sound work will be available to listen to alongside the Monet throughout the exhibition.
Specialist insurer Hiscox is proud to support the National Gallery’s Masterpiece Tour 2025–2027