Monet masterpiece unveiled at Blackpool’s Grundy Art Gallery

Blackpool’s Grundy Art Gallery celebrated a landmark cultural moment as it welcomed guests to an exclusive preview event to mark the arrival of a rare Monet masterpiece.

The exclusive Claude Monet exhibition officially opened to the public on Saturday 28 March and showcases the artist’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil (1872) thanks to a loan from the National Gallery as part of its exciting Masterpiece Tour 2025–2027.

Guests at Friday’s launch were given a first look at the celebrated painting, which belongs to a group of works Monet made in Argenteuil in 1872, a defining moment in the development of Impressionism. The arrival also marks a major cultural milestone for Blackpool, with the iconic piece now on public display in the North West for the very first time.

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 exhibition tour for this carefully chosen work from its collection. This prestigious 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.

Grundy Art Gallery Curator, Paulette Brien, spoke at the event, saying: “The presentation of the Monet on loan from National Gallery shows Grundy’s determination to celebrate the very best of art and culture, and to make that accessible to residents and visitors alike. It’s also testament to our collaborative working with local, regional and national partners and evidence of Grundy’s ambition.”

Per Rumberg (The Jacob Rothschild Head of The Curatorial Department, The National Gallery) also attended Friday’s launch and said: “The National Gallery’s collection belongs to everyone, everywhere. We are very proud to collaborate with Grundy Art Gallery as part of the Masterpiece Tour.

‘’Art speaks differently in different places and we are excited to see Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil in Blackpool.”

Claude Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil (1872) captures a serene winter scene along the Seine at Argenteuil, where the famous French artist focuses on nature’s stillness despite the encroaching signs of industrial life. His delicate handling of light and reflection offers visitors an intimate glimpse into a transformative period in his career.

Friday’s VIP launch also celebrated Grundy Art Gallery’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class art to the town, building on previous exhibitions featuring major artists such as L. S. Lowry, J. M. W. Turner, Roy Lichtenstein, Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry.

Leader of Blackpool Council and Cabinet Member for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Cllr Lynn Williams, said of the launch: “This isn’t just about one extraordinary painting - it’s about what it represents.

‘’Bringing a work of this significance to Blackpool shows that world-class culture can thrive in places people might not expect. It’s about opening up access, inspiring pride in our town, and giving residents and visitors the opportunity to experience something truly special on their doorstep.”

The painting is now available for free public view until Saturday 13th June. As part of the Masterpiece Tour, Grundy Art Gallery will also invite every Blackpool school to view the Monet and host a schools’ exhibition following interactive workshops responding to the themes of Monet’s work.

Grundy is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 4:20pm (last entry). Closed Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays. Admission is free.