Paintings by Claude Monet have arrived in Savannah for the first time and to celebrate their arrival, the city has been transformed with touches of the artist's influence both inside the Jepson Center and in the city's streets and neighborhoods.
On exhibit through Jan. 24, Monet and American Impressionism traces the influential brushstrokes of the French painter through his life, starting with his earlier, more defined work and leading through his later almost blurry pieces. Throughout the gallery space where Monet's work is being housed during its time in the Garden City are 50 works by American artists, all of whom were influenced by Monet and, what was during his lifetime, his revolutionary take on art.
"The exhibit is a natural fit for Telfair," Courtney McNeil, Telfair Museums' curator of fine arts and exhibitions explained during a tour, mentioning that Telfair's own collection makes up the core of the exhibition, which has been filled in with works from other museums including Atlanta's High Museum of Art.
To celebrate Monet's arrival in Savannah, Telfair Museums has teamed up with the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens for the Spirit of Monet Plant Collection. At the Jepson Center, the Arts' Sculpture Terraces have been transformed into Monet's garden with an assortment of flowers from the collection. Throughout the city, themed flowers dot the roads and parks as well as Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and hotels.
In local garden centers, residents and visitors can shop from the specialized inventory on hand in promotion of the exhibition and use the plants to transform their own garden.
When to Go
Monet and American Impressionism is on display during the Jepson Center's regular hours. During the week, visitors are likely to encounter school groups as every fourth-grader gets to see the exhibit for free as part of an outreach program. Go later in the afternoon once the schoolchildren have gone to see the exhibit without much company.
Where to Stay
Extend your stay in Savannah by booking a room at one of the city's boutique hotels. The Kehoe House is eight very walkable blocks from the Jepson Center and was built during Monet's lifetime. The Ballastone Inn and Eliza Thompson House both have luxury accommodations and private gardens while the Foley House Inn is just three blocks from the center and is rumored to have a resident ghost.
Where to Eat
Let a taste of French cuisine into your dinner plans. Papillote is just two blocks from Telfair Square and features a light menu of French-inspired café food options. 39 Rue de Jean just debuted inside the Embassy Suites offering a modern, upscale take on French cuisine while Circa 1875 offers less pretentious French fare just up the street from The Lady and Sons.
Insider Tip
When you're done viewing Monet and American Impressionism, be sure to go across the hallway to view Mickalene Thomas at Giverny, a modern art exhibit given its first breath during Thomas' stay at Monet's home in France. Entry to both exhibits is included in your museum admission.
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