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‘Masterpieces from Paris’, the most successful exhibition in Australian history

Paul Gauguin: Tahitian women on a beach

‘Tahitian women on a beach’, by Paul Gauguin, was one of the works exhibited

‘Masterpieces from Paris’, the most successful exhibition in Australian history The National Gallery of Australia exhibition Masterpieces from Paris, showcasing 112 Post-Impressionist works from the Musée d’Orsay, closed with over 476,000 visitors, easilybreaking the attendance record for any exhibition in Australia.]]>

April 21st 2010, source: National Gallery of Australia
After over four months on show, including an extended season in response to overwhelmingdemand, the exhibition closed today after staying open for 32 hours straight.

Arts Minister, The Hon Peter Garrett AM, MP said, “This stunning, record-breakingexhibition gave Australians a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these masterpieces fromthe Musée d’Orsay in our own National Gallery of Australia and almost half a millionAustralians took advantage of this opportunity.

“The exhibition attracted people to Canberra from all across Australia as well as overseas,injecting an estimated $94 million into the ACT economy.

“It is also particularly pleasing that over 38,000 school children—almost double the NationalGallery of Australia’s target—were able to visit this exhibition and see some of the world’sgreat art works, which they might otherwise only ever see in their textbooks. It has providedthem with a truly unique opportunity to learn about the beginning of modern art.”

On behalf of the Australian Government Mr Garrett thanked the French Government andthe French Embassy in Australia for sharing this unique exhibition with Australianaudiences.

Ron Radford AM, Director of the National Gallery of Australia said, “Never before havethere been so many masterpieces on show in one exhibition in Australia. This was truly anextraordinary exhibition which has attracted an extraordinary response from Australianseverywhere. Over 80% of visitors have travelled to Canberra from every state and territory,to see this revolutionary period in the history of art.

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'Masterpieces from Paris', the most successful exhibition in Australian history