Monet artwork to arrive in South Tyneside, as part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour.

From Saturday 17 January 2026, Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil (1872) will be on display at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the world-renowned artist’s work as part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour. Displayed in the museum’s art gallery, the iconic artwork will be shown alongside works from the museum’s own collection, as well as new artworks co-created by young people. Together, the exhibition highlights the restorative power of art and nature, exploring themes of calm, retreat and resilience. 

Keith Merrin, Director of North East Museums, said:  

“This is a remarkable opportunity for the North East. Working with the National Gallery – we are not only bringing world-class art to our region for local people to enjoy but we are also using this as an opportunity to develop our creative programmes to support the wellbeing of our South Tyneside community – particularly young people facing mental health challenges.” 

Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Tracey Dixon, said:  

“Hosting Monet’s masterpiece in South Shields presents an exceptional chance for our community to encounter one of the world’s most renowned artworks right here on our doorstep. 

“This partnership with the National Gallery and North East Museums not only celebrates the power of art but also demonstrates how creativity can make a real difference in people’s lives, particularly in supporting the wellbeing of our young people. It’s an honour for South Tyneside to be part of this national tour, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to share in this extraordinary moment.” 

Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of The National Gallery, said: 

“The National Gallery’s collection belongs to all of us. It is part of our duty and our honour to look after these paintings and to bring them to where people are, not just expect them to come to us. Partnering on touring exhibitions does so much more than bring beloved paintings from the collection to other places in the UK - it supports the whole country's cultural ecosystem, connects people with paintings that belong to us all, and allows us to learn and expand our own practices and interpretations through the creativity of our partner organisations and their communities. That over one million people have visited these exhibitions in the last decade proves the desire to engage with our collection is growing, and we look forward to welcoming the next million visitors across the UK.” 

Since its inception in 2014, The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour has reached 400,953 people across the UK. The National Touring programme, including The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour and other travelling exhibitions, has now reached 1,467,618 people since 2014. 

As part of The National Gallery’s ongoing commitment to sharing their collection, this exhibition partnership offers four UK museums, galleries and art centres outside of London, the opportunity to work with the National Gallery for three years and display three major artworks from the collection.