Known as the father of Impressionism, Claude Monet's loose and fleeting painting style continues to resonate today. Gardens by the Bay brings his work and inspirations to vivid life at a new Impressions of Monet two-part exhibition, consisting of a floral display and multi-sensory experience
Impressions of Monet: The Garden
First, visit Impressions of Monet: The Garden in the Flower Dome. Step into a recreation of Clos Normand and the Water Garden, where Monet resided in his iconic pink house for 43 years. The Flower Dome is populated with over 18,000 plants of over 40 species, such as violas, chamomiles, geraniums, and verbenas. Read the informational plaques and you'll find that Monet nurtured many of these flowers in his garden too.
Also, look out for the tranquil, flower-filled ponds dotting the floral display – a first for Gardens by the Bay. It pays homage to Monet's love for water lilies, which appear in more than 250 of his works. Eight varieties out of the 10 on display were sourced from the Latour-Marliac nursery in France – the very same nursery where Monet first acquired his water lilies.
Besides admiring the flower displays, you can also step into a slice of Monet's life at several replicas. In the pink house, there's a recreation of Monet's kitchen and dining room, where he spent time with family and fellow artists. His salon and reading room are particularly lovely, featuring pink and blue walls, plush couches, and Japanese woodblock prints.
Impressions of Monet: The Experience
Then, unfold the history of French Impressionism in Impressions of Monet: The Experience. View the works of masters like Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, and Cézanne here, which have been brought to life in a vivid display of light, colour, sound, and scent.
A favourite is the room called 'Night at the Lily Pond' – images of wisterias and water lilies are projected on the walls of this dark and intimate room. Shafts of light create the illusion of glimmering water, while a soothing score lulls you into a state of relaxation. Meanwhile, the Immersive Gallery makes for a fitting finale. This space features floor-to-ceiling screens that flick through Impressionist works through the ages, enhanced by a classical score and nature-inspired scents. Grab a couch to take it all in.
Impressions of Monet runs from July 12 to September 17, 9am to 9pm daily. Admissions charges to Flower Dome apply – but Singaporean residents get complimentary entry to Impressions of Monet: The Experience from Mondays to Thursdays. Find out more at gardensbythebay.com/monet.