One of the most significant art exhibitions to reach regional Victoria is opening this weekend with Geelong Gallery unveiling Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel, Art Dealer Among the Artists as part of its 130th anniversary celebrations.
Running from 20 June until 11 October 2026, the exhibition is the largest international presentation in the gallery’s history and brings together more than 70 paintings from across two generations of Impressionist artists. Drawn largely from private collections in France, many of the works have never before been seen in Australia.
At the heart of the exhibition is the story of Paul Durand-Ruel, the visionary art dealer who championed the Impressionists when few others would. At a time when the movement was ridiculed by critics and largely ignored by buyers, Durand-Ruel invested heavily in artists he believed in, helping transform Impressionism from a fringe movement into one of the most beloved styles in art history.
Spread across five galleries, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on Impressionism by looking beyond the movement’s most familiar names. While visitors will encounter celebrated works by Monet, Renoir, Berthe Morisot and Camille Pissarro, the exhibition also shines a spotlight on a second generation of artists including Albert André, Georges d’Espagnat, Gustave Loiseau, Maxime Maufra and Henry Moret.
Visitors can explore rare decorative panels created for Durand-Ruel’s private Paris apartment and step inside a partial recreation of the drawing room where he welcomed collectors and displayed works from his remarkable collection.
By placing first and second generation Impressionist painters side by side, the exhibition reveals both the shared fascination with light and atmosphere that united the movement and the distinctive artistic voices that emerged from it.
For art lovers, history buffs and curious day-trippers alike, this is a rare opportunity to experience a world-class exhibition without leaving Victoria.
Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel, Art Dealer Among the Artists runs at Geelong Gallery until 11 October 2026. For tickets and more information click here.
