A touch of France

08 Feb 2013

Experience a little bit of Paris, right here in Australia, with the Toulouse-Lautrec: Paris & the Moulin Rouge exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. 

Drawing from more than 30 major international collections including the Musée D’Orsay, Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as private collections from around the world, Toulouse-Lautrec: Paris & the Moulin Rouge brings a little bit of Paris right here to Australia. 

Following Toulouse-Lautrec’s career, the exhibition traces his earliest works right through to his extraordinary depictions of the Paris social scene of the 1800s, capturing the essence of Parisian nightlife.

A rare and exciting exhibition, especially given that the artist died at just 36 years of age and subsequently emerged as one of the most influential Post-Impressionists.

What: Toulouse-Lautrec: Paris & the Moulin Rouge
Where: National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes, Canberra
When: Until 2 April
Website: www.nga.gov.au 

While you’re there

Why not make a weekend out of it? While you’re in Canberra, there’s plenty to see and do, especially when it comes to Australia’s history and art culture.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

A beautiful and natural collection of everything that is Australian flora, it’s the only place in the world where you’ll see such a variety of Australian native plants in one location.
Website: www.anbg.gov.au/gardens

Australian War Memorial

Commemorating the sacrifice of the Australian men and women who have served in war, the Australian War Memorial is a unique experience that allows you to pay your respects to those on the front line.
Website: www.awm.gov.au

Canberra Railway Museum

See Australia’s oldest operating steam locomotive and most powerful steam engine. Join a guided tour and take in a workshop inspection while you experience all the museum has to offer.
Website: www.trains.org.au

National Archives

The National Film and Sound Archive collects, preserves and shares the nation’s rich audio-visual heritage. The collection holds more than 1.9 million works.
Website: www.nfsa.gov.au
You can also visit the National Archives of Australia to see documents photographs and objects that trace Australia’s history, including the ‘Faces of Australia’ photo wall.
Website: www.naa.gov.au

National Museum Australia

A social history museum, the National Museum explores the land, nation and people of Australia, focusing on Aboriginal histories and culture.
Website: www.nma.gov.au

Other attractions include the National Portrait Gallery, Parliament House, Royal Australian Mint and the High Court of Australia.

Pictured above:
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Eldorado: Aristide Bruant 1892
brush and spatter lithograph, 141.6 x 98.5 cm
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
Acquired through the National Gallery of Australia Foundation, 2010

Pictured in thumbnail:
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Mademoiselle Eglantine's troupe [La troupe de Mademoiselle Eglantine] 1896
brush, spatter and crayon lithograph, 61.7 x 80.4 cm
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
The Poynton Bequest 2012