Collecting Impressionism at LACMA

Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Wilshire Boulevard 5905, 90036, Los Angeles

December 21, 2025 – January 3, 2027

Collecting Impressionism at LACMA explores the evolution of visual culture in late 19th-century France, highlighting the impact of industrial and technological advancements on art forms beyond traditional painting, sculpture, and drawing. The exhibition examines why French Impressionism has come to define this era in American art museums, revealing a narrative about the individuals and artists who influenced LACMA's collection. It traces the museum's early acquisitions of American and California Impressionism and significant donations, including works by Edgar Degas and Camille Pissarro from prominent Hollywood collectors. This exhibition underscores the role of art in cultural legitimization and the museum's growth alongside a developing city. Collecting Impressionism invites visitors to consider how museum collections reflect changing tastes and narratives, offering insights into the construction of art collections.