Auvers sur Oise... "Journey in the days of the Impressionists"

Le Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise...

..."Journey in the days of the Impressionists"

On the shores of the Oise River, on the outskirts of a little village known as Auvers-sur-Oise, an elegant castle was built in the 17th century for an Italian banker.

Three centuries later, abandoned, the Château Lery (as it was known then), having given in to the harsh winters and storms, had lost all its sparkle. In the early eighties, the idea to restore this building started developing, with the aim to pay tribute to the painters who had marked this region in the heart of the valley of the Oise.

"A Journey in the days of the Impressionists"

The county Council of the Val d'Oise took in charge and financed this original project by Jean Saint-Bris. On the 2nd of May 1999, having recovered its splendor, the Château d'Auvers reopens its doors. "A Journey in the days of the Impressionists" is a unique and astonishing walk-through show covering one of the most appreciated artistic movements of all times. Using various technologies, a kaleidoscope of images, sensations and music, the walk-through shows represent many aspects of life at the time of the impressionists. It is a journey back in time.

The streets of Paris…
The people of the streets…
The street professions…

The Baron Haussmann transforms the capital. Large boulevards, parks and gardens are created. The banks of the Seine are built, the sewage system is restructured. The impressionists start painting the town, a change from the classical studio paintings. Manet paints the Tuileries, Renoir and Manet depict the bridges, Degas portrays the cafés, while Caillebotte from his balcony shows the gray and illuminated Paris, very often under the rain.

Private playtime… Love for sale…

The illicit atmosphere of Paris, red velvet-lined corridors, courtesans and prostitution, Nana posing for the artists, is just another aspect of the Parisian life of the time.

Fashion…

In this show, not only the splendor of the dresses of the period is displayed, but also all the related professions of an atelier de couture.

Spectacle...

In a "caf'conc", you will be seated in front of the stage where Yvette Guilbert comes to life followed by a French Cancan. You'll be part of the "Paris of shows".

Life in the cafés…

Discover life in the cafes, symbolized by Absinth the green fairy that inspired many painters, and also the many objects that are so much part of the café universe: games, jugs, Absinth glasses and spoons, fountains, newspapers, tobacco jars, etc.

Train station…
Symbol of modernity…
An invitation for a journey…

With huge metal frameworks, powerful locomotives, rails, smoke and noise, the station has fascinated painters, giving way to the greatest adventure of the 19th century painting. A train journey through time at 40 km per hour, with the masters of the canvas.

Seaside…
Countryside…
Riverside…

The joys of swimming in the sea, of lunches on the grass, or dancing in the open-air on the guinguettes are very much part of this period's leisure activities in nature.

Apart from the walk-through shows, The Château has 3 restaurants, and a boutique. There are also different workshops and special tours for groups or for students.

Moreover, it is possible to organize special professional or private events such as seminars, conferences or receptions at the Château d'Auvers.


Marla KING