Marvel at Monet and the Impressionists for Free

Next Thursday, Wellington City residents and ratepayers will have a rare opportunity to see some of the world's finest Impressionist artworks at Te Papa for free.

As part of its ongoing sponsorship of Te Papa, Wellington City Council is offering city residents and ratepayers the chance to see Monet and the Impressionists free of charge on Thursday 7 May.

The Council's Sport and Recreation Portfolio Leader, Councillor John Morrison, expects the free day will be very well-attended.

"Everyone knows that Wellington is the cultural capital of New Zealand. We relish opportunities to enjoy fine art - and Claude Monet was the Don Bradman of Impressionist painters - so I'm sure droves of Wellingtonians will take advantage of this fantastic offer."

Based on the popularity of previous free days at Te Papa, it is highly likely there will be queues so people should allow extra time for this.

Monet and the Impressionists is the largest collection of Impressionist paintings ever to come to New Zealand. It features 27 works by Claude Monet - including paintings from his Water Lily, Haystacks, and Rouen Cathedral series - along with Impressionist masterpieces by Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Pissarro and others.

To gain free entry, Wellington City residents must present proof of their residential or ratepayer status, such as their library card or a rates invoice showing their address. This offer does not apply to people who live outside of Wellington city.

Te Papa is open from 10.00am until 9.00pm on Thursdays, which will allow people who work during the day to visit the exhibition after working hours.

The exhibition is at Te Papa until 17 May 2009. The usual admission charge is $15 for an adult.