A $174 million masterpiece by French impressionist Claude Monet will be heading to the Tweed later this year, just one of many artworks shared with regional galleries under the Australian Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative.

The painting – Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890 – is one of five works from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection to be shared with the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah. 

Three works by iconic Australian artist Margaret Olley will also be heading north to the Tweed, as well as Natura morta [Still life], 1956, by Giorgio Morandi – one of Olley’s favourite artists and the only piece by Morandi in the National Gallery of Australia’s collection.

Securing the masterful works brings enormous opportunity to the region, says the Tweed Regional Gallery’s Director Susi Muddiman OAM.

“We are thrilled to be part of this program, not just in terms of the tourism and economic development but, of course, how it cements us as a leading regional gallery,” she said.

“To have artworks from this collection, especially the work of acclaimed painter, Monet - and such a significant work - is extraordinary.”

The Sharing the National Collection initiative will share major artworks from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection across regional and suburban areas.

Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said sharing a Monet with the Tweed was an exciting start for program.

“This picture is a jewel in the national collection. It is the most important Monet in the country and we are delighted to be sharing it with regional Australia,” Dr Mitzevich said.

“Margaret Olley was an extremely generous patron to many galleries across the country and was a distinct champion of regional galleries through philanthropy.

“This announcement coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Margaret Olley’s birth and I cannot think of a better embodiment of this initiative, which supports galleries across the country.”

The works will be sent from the National Gallery of Australia progressively, with the Monet arriving in late October 2023 for 2 years. The Morandi and Olley works will follow in 2024, on loan for a 5-year period.

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, with $11.8m over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen across the country for extended periods.

The Tweed Regional Gallery is one of the first regional galleries to benefit from this program.