You might be wondering if the Vancouver Art Gallery still has nights when the entrance is free. The good news is that they do. Of course by “free” we mean that it is “entrance by donation”. (By Donation Tuesdays are sponsored by Sun Life Financial group.) Every Tuesday between 5 and 9 PM you will need to line up at the admissions desk and purchase a ticket by making a donation. This could be the ideal option for you and your family, should you wish to see the latest world class exhibition currently at the VAG. This exhibition of rarely seen drawings from the Musée d’Orsay will close on September 6th. This means that there are two “by donation” Tuesdays left. We recommend that you not leave your visit to the last day when it could be very crowded.
The Modern Woman: Drawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec and Other Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay is the first major touring exhibition from the Musée d’Orsay. If you have had a chance to visit the museum in Paris you will know how fabulous their collection is. Similarly this exhibition, featuring 100 drawings in charcoal, coloured pencil and pastel, does not disappoint. If the children in your life are particularly keen about drawing using various media, there is much to inspire in this show. They might find a new favourite artist or might want to try a specific technique afterwards.
The exhibition looks at the evolution of artistic practice in the 19th century, as well as the changes taking place for women in French society. The public world of society, theatre, dance and the private realm of the home and domestic pursuits are featured. Children will also enjoy seeing the period film showing views from Paris taken from the Eiffel Tower. Just beyond the final room there is a shop full of charming items related to the exhibition.
If you love all things Impressionist and Parisian, you will definitely want to make time for this exhibition. You just might have a skip in your step and feel like you’ve been on an outing in Paris after you leaving the gallery. The only thing left to do is to head on over to the Cafe Crepe on Granville for a sweet ending to your outing.
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Getting There
Complete information (including a map) courtesy of the Vancouver Art Gallery website
Related
VAG Admission rates (Note: Summer rates are higher until September 6th)
Vancouver Art Gallery description
Slideshow of images on display
Impressionist pastel drawing inspired by Claude Monet painting: video (note the original is placed upside down)
Books
Monet and the Impressionists for Kids: Their Lives and Ideas, 21 Activities