A cherished Monet painting that rarely leaves London will embark on an unprecedented tour of Britain’s regional museums, bringing French Impressionist mastery to diverse communities across the nation.

“The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil,” painted in 1872, captures a peaceful winter’s day along the Seine, showcasing Monet’s legendary ability to capture light and reflection. The National Gallery has announced the work will visit four carefully selected venues: the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich, South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, Blackpool’s Grundy Art Gallery, and Hull’s Ferens Art Gallery.

Each location plans to reimagine the masterpiece in unique ways. In Norwich, it will form part of an exhibition exploring peace and conflict, while Hull’s presentation will feature a multi-sensory installation co-curated with disabled and neurodivergent young people. Blackpool will pair Monet with rising star Louise Giovanelli, creating a dialogue between impressionist master and contemporary painter.

This ambitious project represents a significant shift in how national institutions share their collections. “We have a duty to bring these paintings to where people are, not just expect them to come to us,” explains National Gallery Director Sir Gabriele Finaldi. The initiative has already proven successful, with previous touring exhibitions reaching nearly 1.5 million people since 2014.

The tour marks the first time the painting has traveled in twenty years, offering a rare opportunity for art lovers outside London to experience one of Monet’s most serene works. Each venue will work with local community organizations to ensure the widest possible engagement with this masterpiece of French Impressionism.

Supported by Hiscox insurance, the tour begins in 2025 and represents the National Gallery’s largest regional partnership to date, with four venues collaborating simultaneously for the first time.