Cézanne Exhibit Breaks Attendance Records at Montclair Art Museum

Since the "Cézanne and American Modernism" exhibit opened on September 13th, attendance records for individual exhibits at the Montclair Art Museum have reached an all-time high. In the approximately ten and a half weeks since its opening, the exhibit has drawn an average of 270 viewers per day, adding up to a total of 16,257 visitors, says Michael Gillespie, Director of Marketing & Communications at MAM. This number does not include guests on group tours, which have been completely booked up through the end of the exhibit.

New memberships have also increased by 15% during this period. Most of these members are renewing lapsed memberships, which indicates a revival of interest attributed to the exhibit.

The Museum has opted, in light of the current economic situation, to maintain standard admission fare prices instead of charging extra for the exhibit. "We were interested in getting as many people as possible through the door, and it seems that our decision not to raise admission prices has definitely paid off," said Gillespie.

The exhibit is the first to showcase the influence of Paul Cézanne on American artists from the years of 1907-1930, and features 18 works by the artist, as well as 131 works by other artists reflecting Cézanne's influence.

The previous attendance record was set by the "Superheroes" exhibit held two years ago, which drew about 12,000 visitors over a period of six months. "The difference seen over the history of the museum is quite dramatic," said Gillespie.

MAM is offering a variety of activities this weekend to complement "Cézanne and American Modernism," which will be on display until January 3, 2010.

For children, there's Park Bench, featuring a Cézanne-based art project and light refreshments. Adults with cell phones can listen to the audio tour for free. Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Adults free with Museum admission; children $8.

For adults, or at least those wishing to be well-versed in art history, there is also the Closer Look, a series of informal, in-depth examination of key pieces.

The Museum Store will also be open, where you can start your holiday shopping with Cézanne-themed merchandise, hand-crafted jewelry from local artists, or my personal favorite, the soap printed with Cézanne's "Bathers."