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Fête Delacroix a Success!

/ Exhibitions - Press Release - Programs

courtesy of Nik Layman Photo Video
courtesy of Nik Layman Photo Video

Who Is Delacroix? Apparently Birmingham was ready to find out, as the preview party for Delacroix and the Matter of Finish had an overwhelming response of more than 1,300 guests.

An opening lecture by the Museum’s new curator of European art, Dr. Robert Schindler, introduced us to the fascinating life and world of Eugène Delacroix, from his childhood in France to his rise as the Leader of the Romantic Movement. The lecture, which quickly sold out, received rave reviews by the lucky 400 guests in the audience.

Upstairs, the doors to the exhibition were opened for the first time, and visitors were able to finally lay eyes on the collection of Delacroix works, flown in from cities around the world to be in Birmingham.

During the party, guests toasted the arrival of the exhibition with complimentary champagne cocktails. A Social Affair provided indulgent French hors d’oeuvres, including petite chicken cordon bleu, crepes, a charcuterie platter, and macarons. Some guests explored varieties of French wines at a station dedicated to wine tastings, while others documented their experience by posing at our photo booth with a real-life Eugène Delacroix. As musical entertainment, soloist Diane McNarron performed a French cabaret piece accompanied by pianist Ray Reach. Later in the evening, DJ Lee Jeffries kicked it up a notch, spinning selections of contemporary French house music.

If you missed out on Fête Delacroix, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the acclaimed exhibition in a lively setting. Our First Thursday series will make the exhibition available after regular museum hours on the first Thursdays of March, April, and May. During those evenings, guests will also be able to enjoy wine, tapas, and special Delacroix-related programming. Click here for more details.