Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel
| Adult | $29 |
| Concession | $25 |
| Child | $15 |
| Members | $22 |
In a landmark moment for its 130th year, Geelong Gallery, in partnership with Art Exhibitions Australia and ACPA Advising Curating Producing Art, is proud to present Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel, Art Dealer Among the Artists, the most ambitious international exhibition in the Gallery’s history. Running from 20 June to 11 October, the exhibition flows across five galleries, presenting more than 70 paintings from across two generations of Impressionist artists, the majority from private collections in France and never before seen in Australia. Underpinning it all is the remarkable legacy of Paul Durand-Ruel—the art dealer who staked everything on a movement the establishment refused to accept.
Throughout the Gallery, works by Monet, Renoir, Berthe Morisot, and Camille Pissarro hang in direct dialogue with a second generation of painters long overshadowed by their illustrious predecessors: Albert André, Georges d'Espagnat, Gustave Loiseau, Maxime Maufra and Henry Moret. Championed by Durand-Ruel in Impressionism’s twilight years, these artists are now being rediscovered, and Geelong Gallery is thrilled to offer audiences a rare and overdue encounter with their work. Never before toured outside Europe and the United Kingdom, Discovering the Impressionists is the first of its kind to trace their story alongside the man who made it possible.
Among the highlights are rare decorative panels by André and d'Espagnat, painted for the doors of Durand-Ruel's private Paris apartment, and a partial recreation of the drawing room in which he received esteemed collectors and displayed the finest works from his collection. Together, first and second generation works illuminate the shared approaches to light and atmosphere that defined the movement, as well as the strikingly distinct personal styles that set each artist apart.
Paul Durand-Ruel (1831–1922) was not himself a painter, but an art dealer of uncommon conviction who, at a time when Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and their peers were ridiculed and commercially shunned, bought their work, nurtured their cause and ultimately transformed public taste across Europe and America. Over a lifetime devoted to art, he purchased and promoted over 12,000 paintings to ensure Impressionism became known and loved around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Ticketing and opening hours
How long should I spend in the exhibition?
While exhibition visitation times may vary, we suggest visitors allow one hour to view the exhibition.
When is the best time to visit?
The Gallery is generally quieter in the afternoons, so if your visit is flexible, we recommend booking after 2.00pm.
Are you open public holidays?
Geelong Gallery is open for the AFL Grand Final Friday public holiday, Friday 25 September 2026.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
We recommend purchasing tickets online prior to your arrival to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting trybooking.com/DJDMG
Online ticket sales will close at 9.00am on the day of visiting. A limited number of tickets can be purchased in-person or over the phone, until 4.30pm, through Geelong Gallery’s Visitor Experience desk. To avoid queues, we strongly recommend booking online. If you experience any problems, please call Geelong Gallery’s Visitor Experience team on 03 5229 3645.
Can I exchange my tickets for another date if due to unforeseen circumstances I cannot make the original booking date?
Tickets are non-refundable but can be exchanged for another date or time pending availability. If you experience exceptional circumstances on or just before the day of your visit, please contact Geelong Gallery and our staff will gladly assist.
Can someone else use a ticket I bought?
Yes, tickets can be transferred by contacting Geelong Gallery.
Is a seniors discount available?
Seniors discounts are available on Tuesdays, for entry at a concession price ($25.00). All other days of the week (including weekends) visitors holding a Seniors card will require an Adult ticket ($29.00) for valid entry.
Transportation and parking
Is parking available?
There are often multiple events on, in, and around the Cultural Precinct. Please allow ample time to find a car park.
Street parking is available near Geelong Gallery. Additional car parking can be found in the Civic Centre car park located at 21 Gheringhap Street, Geelong.
On weekdays, there is 2-hour free parking for on-street parking bays; time limits apply. On weekends, parking within central Geelong remains free for all parking zones; time limits apply.
Additional resources:
Parking options in Central Geelong
Geelong CBD accessibility map
Schools and education groups
Please visit our Learn page for more information.
Access
Is Geelong Gallery fully accessible?
Yes, all Gallery spaces are fully accessible for those using a walking frame or wheelchair. Wheelchair access toilets are located on the lower level of the Gallery. Please refer to our pre—visit information for further information on accessibility geelonggallery.org.au/visit
Are wheelchairs available for loan?
Wheelchairs are available for loan without charge. Pre-booking is recommended by calling Geelong Gallery Visitor Experience desk on 03 5229 3645 or sending an email to info@geelonggallery.org.au.
What other Access resources are available?
Large font booklets of the exhibition labels are available to borrow from the Visitor Experience desk and entry to the exhibition. Please return booklets at the end of your visit.
Do you have sessions for quieter visits?
Access bookings are offered, promoting relaxed sessions, designed to provide a quieter and more comfortable experience prior to regular opening hours. This includes but is not limited to, people with autism, sensory sensitivities, Tourette’s syndrome, learning disabilities, dementia, as well as people living with mobility challenges, anxiety, people who have experienced trauma or for those who may benefit from a lower-stimulus environment.
Booking times are available between 9.30am and 10.00am on Thursdays. Email bookings@geelonggallery.org.au or call 03 5229 3645 to book.
Can I use a pram, stroller, walking frame or wheelchair in the exhibition?
Prams, strollers, walking frames, and wheelchairs can be taken into the exhibition.
Facilities
Where are the toilets?
All-gender, wheelchair access, baby change, female and male toilets can be found on the lower level of Geelong Gallery. Available to ticket holders only during exhibition dates.
There are additional public toilets outside the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre facing Johnstone Park.
Food and drink
Are food and drinks permitted in the exhibition?
Food and drinks are not permitted through the Gallery spaces. Cloaking cannot accommodate loose food and drink, please ensure that any such items are either consumed prior to your visit to Geelong Gallery or are enclosed appropriately within a bag should you be required to cloak your belongings.
Photography
Is photography permitted in the exhibition?
Yes, unless otherwise sign-posted, photography is permitted without a flash. The use of a selfie-stick or tripod is prohibited.
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