The Royal Academy of Arts has launched its latest major exhibition, Painting the French Riviera, with exclusive preview access for members beginning today, 29 September.
The show, which opens to the general public on 2 October, brings together more than 160 works spanning a century of art history. Featuring paintings, sculptures, and film, the collection explores how the Mediterranean coast transformed from a remote region into a global centre for the avant-garde between the 1870s and the 1960s.
High-profile loans from the Tate and various international galleries form the backbone of the display. Visitors can expect to see works by Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Yves Klein, tracing the evolution of the Riviera from a site of natural beauty to a playground for the 20th century’s most influential artists.
Critical reception
Early reviews for the exhibition have begun to appear as the doors open to members. Mark Hudson, writing for The Independent, gave the exhibition a glowing assessment, describing it as a “near-miracle of light and colour.” He praised the curation for its ability to transport viewers to the sun-drenched coast.
Visitor information
Painting the French Riviera will run at the Royal Academy of Arts in London until 31 January 2027.
Standard public tickets are priced between £24 and £26. While the Friends of the Royal Academy previews continue until 1 October, the general public can book timed entry slots via the academy’s official website for dates starting this Friday.
