Top Francophile Exhibitions and Events in the US this Season

France Today ambassador Martha Sessums rounds up the must-see exhibitions and unmissable events for confirmed Francophiles beyond the shores of La Belle France…

Caillebotte painting men

Direct from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the Gustave Caillebotte exhibition arrives in Los Angeles. The collection examines how Caillebotte viewed masculine forms and created portraits of men from a perspective that radiates well today. He pictured men in their natural surroundings, doing work or sports. Oarsmen rowing. Floor scrapers. A man looking out a balcony. Even a male nude at his toilette. These powerful images challenged the established order at the time on both social and sexual levels. They continue to do so today and give a fascinating insight into Caillebotte’s life.

J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, CA

February 25-May 25

Monet and the Americans in Paris

This exhibition delves into Monet’s dual role as influencer and influenced and focuses on the relationship between Monet and Americans in Paris. After a slow start, Americans arrived in Paris to learn from the masters, especially Monet. From John Singer Sargent to Theodore Robinson, Impressionism became firmly established in American art.

The Nelson-Atkins, Kansas City, MO

Until March 23

Wall power! Modern French tapestry from the Mobilier National

Artists and entrepreneurs in the 1930s modernised the ancient tradition of tapestry-making in France. Artists such as Joan Miró, Henri Matisse and Le Corbusier were central to a resurgence of tapestry production which then piqued the interest of mid-century abstraction artists including Sonia Delaunay and more recent artists like Gilles Aillaud and Kiki Smith.

All were supported by the historic manufactories of Gobelins and Beauvais which are now overseen by the Mobilier National.

The Clark Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts

Until March 9

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE MINNEAPOLIS/ ST. PAUL

Ciné Club – Le Cours de la vie

Watch Frédéric Sojcher’s movie, Le Cours de la vie (Life Lessons), followed by a discussion.

Friday, February 28, 6pm to 8pm CT

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE SAN DIEGO

A Night in Morocco

This La Nuit de la Francophonie is an event dedicated to Morocco, with a movie, food, and more besides.

Friday, March 7pm PT

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE SEATTLE

Storytime in French

A children’s reading session featuring fun French books (with English translations as needed). Parents are welcome to attend.. February 1 from 11.30am to 12pm PT

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE SILICON VALLEY

La Chandeleur

Celebrate La Chandeleur (Candlemas) with les crêpes et le cidre. Delicious fun for the whole family.

Sunday, February 2 at 3pm PT

FEDERATION OF ALLIANCES FRANÇAISES USA

Immersion Programmes at CAVILAM Alliance Française in Vichy

Experience webinar immersion programmes at CAVILAM Alliance Française in Vichy and take your French language skills to the next level.

Thursday, February 6, at 11am PT/2pm ET

A conversation about Berthe Weill (1865-1951), art dealer to Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani

Join co-curators and art historians to discuss the history of the Berthe Weill exhibition on view at New York’s Grey Art Museum until March 1.

Thursday, February 13 at 1pm PT/4pm ET

French Cinémathèque

AF Chapter members worldwide can enjoy the monthly film selection on specified streaming platforms followed by a free hosted discussion in English.

Le Comte de Monte-Cristo:

Monday, February 24 at 4pm PT/7pm ET

L’Événement (Happening):

Monday, March 24 at 4pm PT/7pm ET

From France Today Magazine