Picasso, Degas & Matisse among the best in the world here
By Deanne Jeffers
ART lovers are being urged to secure their tickets, with less than a month to go until a landmark international exhibition arrives at Shepparton Art Museum (SAM).
Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso opens on May 23, bringing an Australian-exclusive collection of some of the world’s most celebrated artists to regional Victoria in what organisers say is a defining moment for the gallery and the region.
Featuring 37 paintings and sculptures from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, the exhibition spans nearly a century of artistic innovation, with works by masters including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Paul Cézanne and Barbara Hepworth, many never before seen in Australia.
SAM Artistic Director Danny Lacy said the exhibition had been more than a year in the making and marked a major milestone for the institution.
“We’ve been working on this show for over 12 months, so it’s so exciting that tickets are now on sale,” he said.
Describing the exhibition as an “Australian exclusive”, Mr Lacy said it fulfilled the original vision of the museum’s purpose-built facility.
“Really, the reason that this building was built was so that we could host exhibitions like this… featuring the best art from around the world,” he said.
Mr Lacy said the scale of the exhibition, alongside the upcoming Archibald Prize 2026, would make 2026 a landmark year.
“There’s really no other place in Australia, no regional city that is hosting exhibitions of this degree this year,” he said, adding: “All roads lead to Shepparton.”
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Shane Sali said the six-month exhibition period was expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors.
“We’re expecting close to 60,000 people to come through the Shepparton Art Museum,” he said. “Just think about how big that is for our region and how important it is for us to showcase Greater Shepparton.”
The exhibition is also expected to deliver a significant economic boost, building on previous major shows that generated millions for the local economy.
Beyond the gallery, more than 40 local businesses have signed on to be part of a region-wide Eat, Stay, Play & Shop campaign, offering themed experiences designed to encourage visitors to extend their stay.
Local operators say the exhibition presents a rare opportunity to reshape perceptions of the region.
“This is going to have a fantastic impact… helping people rethink what Shepparton is and what this area has to offer,” said Tim Winkler of Apple Republic.
To meet demand, SAM will extend its operations during the exhibition period, opening seven days a week and introducing late-night Friday hours.
The gallery will also host an extensive public program, including curator talks, guided tours, family workshops and late-night events, designed to bring audiences closer to modern art.
The exhibition runs until September 20, with a two-week crossover in September allowing visitors to experience both Facing Modernity and the Archibald Prize 2026 in a single visit.
Mr Lacy said affordability had also been a key consideration, with discounted tickets available for locals and free entry for children under 12.
He said it was a “really huge moment” for the gallery, and the team was looking forward to welcoming visitors.
Tickets for Facing Modernity and the Archibald Prize 2026 are available from SAM’s website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/whats-on/upcoming/
