Eurostar Ad Touts Renoir's Dance at the Moulin de la Galette for Paris—Painting Is Actually in London
Eurostar is advertising its London-to-Paris route by showcasing Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Dance at the Moulin de la Galette (1876), which is displayed just past a sliding train door. This Impressionist piece, illustrating the vibrant entertainment scene at Montmartre, is usually housed at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Currently, it is on loan to the National Gallery in London for the Renoir & Love exhibition, which will be open until 31 January 2027. Consequently, the painting is not available in Paris, challenging Eurostar's appeal to London commuters. The advertisement prompts, "Why wouldn't you?" encouraging travelers to use the fast service to view the artwork in France. However, for British art lovers, the absence of Dance at the Moulin de la Galette at the Musée d'Orsay is notable. The situation underscores the challenges of using famous artworks in promotional campaigns, given the temporary nature of museum loans. After the exhibition concludes, the painting is anticipated to return to the Musée d'Orsay.
Key facts
- Eurostar is using an image of Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Dance at the Moulin de la Galette (1876) in an advertisement for its London-to-Paris service.
- The painting normally belongs to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
- It is currently on loan to the National Gallery in London for the exhibition Renoir & Love.
- The exhibition Renoir & Love runs until 31 January 2027.
- The advert shows the painting just beyond a sliding train door and asks, "Why wouldn't you?".
- The work depicts the boisterous entertainment centre at the top of Montmartre.
- Because the painting is in London, it is not currently on view in Paris.
- British art enthusiasts have many reasons to visit the Musée d'Orsay, but this painting is not one of them at present.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Eurostar
- Musée d'Orsay
- National Gallery
Locations
- Paris
- France
- London
- United Kingdom
- Montmartre