Monet’s Final Bow

By on January 6, 2007

Personally I want to thank the North Carolina Museum of Art for a fantastic Monet In Normandy show. More specifically Director Larry Wheeler and Curator David Steele helped to arrange an outstanding exhibition along with the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The 50 painting exhibit is the first scholarly exhibition to deal with Normandy, and is the first comprehensive Monet exhibit in the Southeast.

I finally got a chance to experience the exhibit today. Impressive was the informal feel of the exhibit. Rarely do guests get a chance to get as close as 24" from rare, original works in a museum setting. Of course Monet’s use of color, light, and stroke are the subjects of volumes of published material, but I have to say they can only be truly appreciated in person. It is fascinating how badly television and still photography miss the true colors Monet used.

One interesting aspect of the exhibit is the confluence of people who also saw the exhibit. We spoke to a person from California who came to see the exhibit as well as a man from Georgia who drove all night for the chance to scalp a ticket at the museum’s entrance.

The works themselves traveled many miles for the exhibit, too. Private collections and great museum collections from the United States, Europe, and Japan contributed to the project. Three paintings are locally owned, however. While The Cliff at Etretat and The Seine at Giverny, Morning Mists are from the NCMA collection, The Waves at Manneporte is in a local, private collection (it is the second one displayed in the Manneporte series). The 1885 painting was sold at auction in 2003 for only $669,500 while the one displayed to the left in the exhibit went for $1,799,500. It seems that our neighbors got a good deal, to be honest.

The exhibit has been a booming success. So much that tickets only remain for the 3:00am and 4:30am showings in the morning of January 14. If you get a chance to go, I strongly recommend investing $5 in the portable audio tour as well as wearing comfortable shoes.

Posted in Arts & Entertainment | 82 Responses

jason

dang! 3am to see monet. guess i won’t get a chance to see this. hopefully the museum will bring more like this to the area. everyone i talked to said it was excellent.
jason

dang! 3am to see monet. guess i won’t get a chance to see this. hopefully the museum will bring more like this to the area. everyone i talked to said it was excellent.
Matt K

Wow, almost all of the remaining tickets sold! I’m glad I made the decision to go back in November. That was a fantastic exhibit! My hat’s off to the folks at the NC Art Museum – which, by the way, is a beautiful facility. I plan to go back for more special exhibits in the future.
Matt K

Wow, almost all of the remaining tickets sold! I’m glad I made the decision to go back in November. That was a fantastic exhibit! My hat’s off to the folks at the NC Art Museum – which, by the way, is a beautiful facility. I plan to go back for more special exhibits in the future.
John

I’ve got tickets at 2:30am on Sunday, and from everybody I’ve talked to it’s going to be more than worth it to stay up that late. I think a lot of people miss out on how truly incredible the NCMOA is – where else would you find a city of our size with such incredible exhibits and a vast collection?
John

I’ve got tickets at 2:30am on Sunday, and from everybody I’ve talked to it’s going to be more than worth it to stay up that late. I think a lot of people miss out on how truly incredible the NCMOA is – where else would you find a city of our size with such incredible exhibits and a vast collection?
AW

Wow!!! I am glad that the tickets have been selling out but disappointed that I will not be able to have a chance to go out there one more time to view it. I went on the very first day of the exhibit and was greatly impressed. The Monet’s that most of us see are the same old ones and I was glad to see some that I probably won’t be able to see again in my lifetime. I am glad that the folks at NCMA were able to put together such a great show!
AW

Wow!!! I am glad that the tickets have been selling out but disappointed that I will not be able to have a chance to go out there one more time to view it. I went on the very first day of the exhibit and was greatly impressed. The Monet’s that most of us see are the same old ones and I was glad to see some that I probably won’t be able to see again in my lifetime. I am glad that the folks at NCMA were able to put together such a great show!
opakapaka

What a shame that a valuable cultural resource such as the NCMA cannot manage to meet the needs of its members. Members pay to have access to these exhibits, and now it sounds as if even the members can’t access this exhibit. This sounds like poor planning on NCMA’s part, and not a good level of effort to accomodate its valued members.
opakapaka

What a shame that a valuable cultural resource such as the NCMA cannot manage to meet the needs of its members. Members pay to have access to these exhibits, and now it sounds as if even the members can’t access this exhibit. This sounds like poor planning on NCMA’s part, and not a good level of effort to accomodate its valued members.
http://profile.typekey.com/captainx/ Bryant

Opakapaka, you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. It’s not like they had this exhibit up for two weeks and thumbed their noses at the members.
The powers that be worked for *years* to coordinate and pull this exhibit off, and it has been nothing but a stunning success. Thousands of people have come from far and wide to see this exhibit, and it has been steadily booked at every time of day at which it was open. They are even doing their 24-hour marathon open session to finish off the exhibit, something that is very difficult on the museum in terms of staffing and security.
This exhibit has been open for three months. Three months! That is more than ample time for anyone to get to see it unless they are the worst of procrastinators. People who became new members during this time still got free tickets to the exhibit. If someone is upset because they waited until the last week of a three-month show and can’t get tickets, for what has probably been the most successful and envied exhibit in the museum’s history, they need to take their head out of their ass and enter the real world.
This exhibit has shown that the NCMA is an excellent facility with dedicated, extremely hard-working staff and leadership that is willing to go the extra mile to bring such a fantastic series of works to the people of Raleigh and North Carolina.
http://profile.typekey.com/captainx/ Bryant

Opakapaka, you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. It’s not like they had this exhibit up for two weeks and thumbed their noses at the members.
The powers that be worked for *years* to coordinate and pull this exhibit off, and it has been nothing but a stunning success. Thousands of people have come from far and wide to see this exhibit, and it has been steadily booked at every time of day at which it was open. They are even doing their 24-hour marathon open session to finish off the exhibit, something that is very difficult on the museum in terms of staffing and security.
This exhibit has been open for three months. Three months! That is more than ample time for anyone to get to see it unless they are the worst of procrastinators. People who became new members during this time still got free tickets to the exhibit. If someone is upset because they waited until the last week of a three-month show and can’t get tickets, for what has probably been the most successful and envied exhibit in the museum’s history, they need to take their head out of their ass and enter the real world.
This exhibit has shown that the NCMA is an excellent facility with dedicated, extremely hard-working staff and leadership that is willing to go the extra mile to bring such a fantastic series of works to the people of Raleigh and North Carolina.
Dana

It is a 92-day-long exhibit. Are there really NCMA members who couldn’t find any time in a quarter of a year to get over to the museum?
Dana

It is a 92-day-long exhibit. Are there really NCMA members who couldn’t find any time in a quarter of a year to get over to the museum?
Betsy

A show of this caliber would be a blockbuster in any museum in any city, and should be expected to sell out.
(If it didn’t sell out, that would be a sorry state of affairs, reflecting badly on the hosting location!)
Betsy

A show of this caliber would be a blockbuster in any museum in any city, and should be expected to sell out.
(If it didn’t sell out, that would be a sorry state of affairs, reflecting badly on the hosting location!)
jason

i think its great that they are sold out and people (like me) who screwed around can’t get tickets. it shows that they are doing something good and that they can handle it. that will mean more great stuff in the future. and in the future, i won’t screw around and wait until the last minute. learned that lesson. good job ncma!!! and here’s to a great future!!!
jason

i think its great that they are sold out and people (like me) who screwed around can’t get tickets. it shows that they are doing something good and that they can handle it. that will mean more great stuff in the future. and in the future, i won’t screw around and wait until the last minute. learned that lesson. good job ncma!!! and here’s to a great future!!!
Sgt

I could not get tickets and tried for over a month man!
Sgt

I could not get tickets and tried for over a month man!
Betsy

Wait a minute. I can hardly believe that. My folks got tickets as of Dec 28 for a decent (daylight) entry time on Jan 2. It was as easy as going to the website or calling the museum. There was no “trying” to it.
Of course, there is always the permanent collection, which is brilliant in its own right, and is free, all the time.
Betsy

Wait a minute. I can hardly believe that. My folks got tickets as of Dec 28 for a decent (daylight) entry time on Jan 2. It was as easy as going to the website or calling the museum. There was no “trying” to it.
Of course, there is always the permanent collection, which is brilliant in its own right, and is free, all the time.
becky

I went to see the exhibit on the first day – the surprise free admission day. It was outstanding. So outstanding that I renewed our membership. We are going again today, taking advantage of the “member monday” timeslots. I booked it a couple of weeks ago with no problem. I applaud NCMA for superb exhibits in the past 5 or so years especially. If it weren’t for them, I may never have been able to see original works by Rodin, Matisse or Picasso. I echo the supporters of NCMA’s schedule and offerings. 3 months is ample time, given the advance notice of several months.
As for the permanent collection, there are several pieces I will see a couple of times a year for the sole enjoyment of it. There’s a really cool piece there now done with thread spools – a sort of pixelated inverted image of Mona Lisa. Neat take on the original.
becky

I went to see the exhibit on the first day – the surprise free admission day. It was outstanding. So outstanding that I renewed our membership. We are going again today, taking advantage of the “member monday” timeslots. I booked it a couple of weeks ago with no problem. I applaud NCMA for superb exhibits in the past 5 or so years especially. If it weren’t for them, I may never have been able to see original works by Rodin, Matisse or Picasso. I echo the supporters of NCMA’s schedule and offerings. 3 months is ample time, given the advance notice of several months.
As for the permanent collection, there are several pieces I will see a couple of times a year for the sole enjoyment of it. There’s a really cool piece there now done with thread spools – a sort of pixelated inverted image of Mona Lisa. Neat take on the original.
Sgt

Does anyone know where it is going next? We tried repeatedly and could not get tickets. thanks.
Sgt

Does anyone know where it is going next? We tried repeatedly and could not get tickets. thanks.
sandwalker

Cleveland Museum of Art. February 18, 2007 – May 20, 2007
http://www.clevelandart.org/exhibit/exhibitDetails.asp?eID=107
sandwalker

Cleveland Museum of Art. February 18, 2007 – May 20, 2007
http://www.clevelandart.org/exhibit/exhibitDetails.asp?eID=107
AW

There is also a spectacular photography exhibit going on right now. The first half was back in the fall and the second half is going on right now. It showcases photos from several North Carolina photographers that are part of the Museum’s collection. I highly recommend it.
AW

There is also a spectacular photography exhibit going on right now. The first half was back in the fall and the second half is going on right now. It showcases photos from several North Carolina photographers that are part of the Museum’s collection. I highly recommend it.
Sgt

Thx for the info, maybe we we will able to see the exhibit at its next destination. We just could not get tix here and kept trying a bunch of times.
Sgt

Thx for the info, maybe we we will able to see the exhibit at its next destination. We just could not get tix here and kept trying a bunch of times.
Matt K

Yes, Becky, the Mona Lisa exhibit with the thread spools is the coolest! I was really glad that the Monet exhibit got me into the doors of the museum and opened my eyes to what was there – it’s really terrific to have a treasure like this right here in our own back yards. Hopefully word of mouth will get around about some of the terrific displays in the permanent collection, and that will create more interest and awareness for the museum. I definitely need to consider a membership there.
Matt K

Yes, Becky, the Mona Lisa exhibit with the thread spools is the coolest! I was really glad that the Monet exhibit got me into the doors of the museum and opened my eyes to what was there – it’s really terrific to have a treasure like this right here in our own back yards. Hopefully word of mouth will get around about some of the terrific displays in the permanent collection, and that will create more interest and awareness for the museum. I definitely need to consider a membership there.
Matt K

Sgt… according to the info I read, the Monet exhibit will also be shown in Cleveland and San Francisco for dates later this year. I don’t know more than that, but I would guess that Cleveland might be the next stop.
Matt K

Sgt… according to the info I read, the Monet exhibit will also be shown in Cleveland and San Francisco for dates later this year. I don’t know more than that, but I would guess that Cleveland might be the next stop.
Sgt

Thanks Matt, it was impossible to get tickets here, and we really tried. Will check out those other cities and maybe plan a trip there just so my family can see it!
Sgt

Thanks Matt, it was impossible to get tickets here, and we really tried. Will check out those other cities and maybe plan a trip there just so my family can see it!
Tom

Did I just luck out when I went? Went on a Saturday in early December, got there about 1:30, got 3 tickets for 3:30, spent 2 hours checking out the permanent collection, and then enjoyed Claude. The place was packed but everything went smoothly.
Tom

Did I just luck out when I went? Went on a Saturday in early December, got there about 1:30, got 3 tickets for 3:30, spent 2 hours checking out the permanent collection, and then enjoyed Claude. The place was packed but everything went smoothly.
Sgt

Lucky…….we found it totally impossible to get tickets and were really frustrated about it. Oh well, maybe we’ll see it in another city. Hey, my buddy at the News and Observer said they are doing an article about the # of people who could not get into the exhibit and tried on a number of occasions (so we’re not alone I guess!), maybe it’ll give them a heads up in planning for next time ’round.
Sgt

Lucky…….we found it totally impossible to get tickets and were really frustrated about it. Oh well, maybe we’ll see it in another city. Hey, my buddy at the News and Observer said they are doing an article about the # of people who could not get into the exhibit and tried on a number of occasions (so we’re not alone I guess!), maybe it’ll give them a heads up in planning for next time ’round.
lg

I just went last week (husband got tickets about 2 weeks prior to that). But, I have to say, I did not really enjoy the exhibit. Just too many people! It was truly hard to move around in such a confined space. And nearly impossible to back up far enough from the paintings (without a crowd of people intervening) to truly enjoy what they look like from a distance.
I would not have gone a second time in those conditions. In fact, had I known how crowded it would be, I would not have paid $15 for it.
Just a word of warning to those who are going this week! Hope you’re not claustrophobic!
lg

I just went last week (husband got tickets about 2 weeks prior to that). But, I have to say, I did not really enjoy the exhibit. Just too many people! It was truly hard to move around in such a confined space. And nearly impossible to back up far enough from the paintings (without a crowd of people intervening) to truly enjoy what they look like from a distance.
I would not have gone a second time in those conditions. In fact, had I known how crowded it would be, I would not have paid $15 for it.
Just a word of warning to those who are going this week! Hope you’re not claustrophobic!
http://profile.typekey.com/captainx/ Bryant

These comments are baffling to me. What kind of “trying” to get tickets did people do? Were you driving up to the museum on a Saturday afternoon and expecting to walk in to an exhibit of this magnitude? In the future, for something like this, you have to call ahead and reserve tickets. It’s that simple, and I know people who did it less than a week ago.
Perhaps people aren’t used to this sort of thing because we live in Raleigh, but this was the case for past exhibits (Rodin, etc.) as well – though Monet has definitely been even more successful than past special events. You have to expect to have to plan to get tickets in advance, not just walk up at the busiest times and waltz in. You have to expect lots of people to be there. If it is sold out, of course it will be crowded. With all due respect, to expect otherwise is to be rather oblivious to the realities of the situation.
http://profile.typekey.com/captainx/ Bryant

These comments are baffling to me. What kind of “trying” to get tickets did people do? Were you driving up to the museum on a Saturday afternoon and expecting to walk in to an exhibit of this magnitude? In the future, for something like this, you have to call ahead and reserve tickets. It’s that simple, and I know people who did it less than a week ago.
Perhaps people aren’t used to this sort of thing because we live in Raleigh, but this was the case for past exhibits (Rodin, etc.) as well – though Monet has definitely been even more successful than past special events. You have to expect to have to plan to get tickets in advance, not just walk up at the busiest times and waltz in. You have to expect lots of people to be there. If it is sold out, of course it will be crowded. With all due respect, to expect otherwise is to be rather oblivious to the realities of the situation.
Sgt

Buddy, my wife and I spent a lot of time trying to get tickets on a number of occasions. VERY frustrating and disapointing. Glad you were luckier, but remember the N&O is doing a whole article on this, dude, about the large number of people who tried (more than once) and just could not get tickets.
Sgt

Buddy, my wife and I spent a lot of time trying to get tickets on a number of occasions. VERY frustrating and disapointing. Glad you were luckier, but remember the N&O; is doing a whole article on this, dude, about the large number of people who tried (more than once) and just could not get tickets.
Joe

Way too crowded – ruins the whole thing. Didn’t think I was going to Disneyland, but the crowds were sure almost as bad. Having a couple people there is no big deal, but when you have to push around just to see a piece of art….ruins it.
Joe

Way too crowded – ruins the whole thing. Didn’t think I was going to Disneyland, but the crowds were sure almost as bad. Having a couple people there is no big deal, but when you have to push around just to see a piece of art….ruins it.

>raleighing store

Monet’s Final Bow

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