Dawn of Impressionism: Paris, 1874

Sunday, May 04, 2025 @ 1:00pm

Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748

Join us for a special documentary film by EXHIBITION ON SCREEN, Dawn of Impressionism: Paris, 1874, directed by Ali Ray and Produced by Phil Grabsky.

The Impressionists are the most popular group in art history – millions flock every year to marvel at their masterpieces. But, to begin with, they were scorned, penniless outsiders. 1874 was the year that changed everything; the first Impressionists, “hungry for independence”, broke the mould by holding their own exhibition outside official channels. Impressionism was born and the art world was changed forever.

What led to that first groundbreaking show 150 years ago? Who were the maverick personalities that wielded their brushes in such a radical and provocative way? The spectacular Musée d’Orsay exhibition brings fresh eyes to this extraordinary tale of passion and rebellion. The story is told not by historians and curators but in the words of those who witnessed the dawn of Impressionism: the artists, press and people of Paris, 1874. See the show that changed everything on the big screen.

Made in close collaboration with the Musee d’Orsay and National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.