You can now see Claude Monet’s famous Impressionist paintings in-person at National Gallery S’pore from Nov. 14, 2025 to Mar. 1, 2026

I still remember the moment vividly, stepping into Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris two years ago and coming face to face with Claude Monet’s magnificent paintings of water lilies.

Something about Monet’s brushstrokes felt so calming, and I felt a wave of comfort wash over me.

If I’m being completely honest, I was never one for museums or art galleries, but that experience changed me completely.

So, imagine my delight when I found out that National Gallery Singapore is bringing Monet’s iconic Impressionist works to our doorstep.

From Nov. 14, 2025, to Mar. 1, 2026, you can see more than 100 original artworks from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s world-renowned collection in Singapore.

Co-developed by National Gallery Singapore and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Into the Modern: Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is Southeast Asia’s largest exhibition of French Impressionism, and the only one of its kind in the region.

You can look forward to 17 exquisite works by Monet, one of the key world-famous pioneers of Impressionism, alongside major works by artists Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, Berthe Morisot, and Edgar Degas.

So…what exactly is Impressionism?

Before Impressionism, European art was dominated by grand scenes from history and mythology. The Impressionists, however, turned their gaze to the world around them: from moments of atmospheric change in colour and light, to glimpses of what they saw in the landscape or on the street.

Impressionists also worked en plein air (in the open air), creating paintings in a rapid and sketchy manner.

This practice helped the Impressionist painters to capture the experience of being in a specific moment of time.

Through the way these artists applied paint, their loose and expressive brushwork, as well as their experimental approaches to printmaking, they were able to express what it felt like to observe and live in modern conditions.

Exhibition highlights

There’s nothing quite like seeing Monet’s breathtaking works up close. Here are a few of his paintings you can expect to admire in-person:

Poppy Field in a Hollow near Giverny (1885)

In this painting, Monet captures the vivid red of poppies dancing across the French countryside, an image that hums with life and movement.

This is displayed in the exhibition’s grand finale which spotlights nine of Monet’s remarkable works, including my other favourite work by him – The Water Lily Pond (1900).

A further eight of Monet’s works also appear throughout the exhibition, including:

Meadow with Poplars (1875)

This painting by Monet is a quintessential example of Impressionism at its high point in the 1870s.

In this piece, he uses his brushstrokes to capture the tall thin poplar trees and a broad meadow that sweeps towards the distant horizon, while also adding dabs of red-orange in the foreground, suggestive of poppies.

Some iconic and stunning works by other Impressionist artists you can expect to see include:

Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Dance at Bougival (1883)

This piece captures the joy and intimacy of modern life.

At first glance, it’s a genteel waltz. If you look closer, however, you’ll see cigarette buds underfoot, half-finished drinks on nearby tables, and a flirtatious energy between the dancers.

In the exhibition, this piece will be displayed alongside vibrant 1880s posters advertising Bougival’s famous “boater’s ball”, offering a glimpse into the playful, social spirit of time.

Berthe Morisot’s White Flowers in a Bowl (1885)

Also featured is Berthe Morisot, one of the few women of the Impressionist circle at the time.

This example of her work embodies her bold yet delicate approach to painting, balancing spontaneity with elegance.

Not just an European cultural phenomenon

Building on these themes of creativity and expression, the exhibition will also feature three special learning zones known as “ARTeliers”, directly interpreted in the exhibition space.

These zones will focus on Impressionism and its connections to Southeast Asia.

One highlight would be an ARTelier that spotlights Singaporean painter Georgette Chen and her plein air practice, and you can even get hands-on experience sketching en plein air!

For a delightful taste of Impressionism, Pierre Hermé Paris presents Into the Haute Pâtisserie, an exclusive pop-up at National Gallery Singapore from Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, in collaboration with Resorts World Sentosa and Stellaire.

Visitors can indulge in Pierre Hermé’s signature macarons, available in special-edition box sets adorned with two iconic Impressionist artworks featured in the exhibition.

There will also be a line of exclusive exhibition merchandise by The Gallery Store by ABRY.

Fall in love with the beauty of Impressionism at Into the Modern

Into the Modern isn’t just an exhibition. It’s a rare chance to stand before the artworks that redefined how we see the world.

From the texture of Monet’s brushstrokes to the quiet energy in Morisot’s still life, these are all details that can only be appreciated in person.

For me, seeing Monet’s Water Lilies in Paris was transformative, and now, Singaporeans will have the opportunity to experience that same wonder.

Tickets are priced at S$15 for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, and S$25 for foreigners.

For local students, admission into the exhibition is free.

Children aged 7 to 12, senior citizens aged 60 and above, full-time National Servicemen (excluding foreign personnel), overseas students and teachers from qualifying institutions can enjoy concession rates of S$5 off their ticket.

From now till Nov. 30, enjoy 30 per cent off the exhibition tickets (automatically applied at check-out).

Join as a Gallery Insider Member at S$20 and enjoy unlimited visits to the exhibition.

Date: Nov. 14, 2025 to Mar. 1, 2026

Address: National Gallery Singapore City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Galleries 1, 2 and 3.

For more information, you can visit National Gallery Singapore’s website here.

This branded article by National Gallery Singapore has this writer planning her visit to the gallery this month.

Cover photo courtesy of National Gallery Singapore.