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The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Degas: Passion for Perfection from the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 – Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
US/Central

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Edgar Degas, In a Café, 1875–76, oil on canvas, Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

Degas: Passion for Perfection takes you from a superb exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England, to the streets of Paris. With exclusive access to rare works, the film tells the fascinating story of Edgar Degas’s pursuit for perfection through both experimentation with new techniques and lessons learned from studying the past masters.

Sometimes frustrated by his own failings, Degas (1834–1917) was consumed by obsessive principles and failing eyesight, but his determination to capture everyday life was evident in every mark he made. Never fully satisfied, Degas kept many of his drawings and sculptures in private during his lifetime. But now, through close examination, they can be seen as some of the most beautifully detailed and expressive works in the modern era.

Using written accounts by friends and commentators, and readings of letters written by Degas, this film reveals a more-complex truth behind one of the most influential French artists of the late 19th century and serves as an exploration of the complex workings of Degas’s artistic mind.

Following the January 12 screening, stick around for a gallery concert by Carlos Lopez and John Cornelius II. The performance is free with Museum admission!

► Plan ahead for your visit with parking information.

HOURS & ADMISSION

  • Wednesday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Thursday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Friday - Saturday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Sunday , 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
    • Monday (Except selected holidays) | Closed.
    • Tuesday | Closed.
    • Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day | Closed.
  • Museum Admission

    ALL ACCESS tickets provide entry to Special Exhibitions and the MFAH Permanent Collections. Purchase online or drop by any admissions desk.
    • MFAH Member  FREE
    • ALL ACCESS (Adult 19+)  $24
    • ALL ACCESS (Senior 65+ with ID)  $20
    • ALL ACCESS (Youth 13–18)  $20
    • ALL ACCESS (Child 12 & Under)  FREE
    • *Thursday MFAH Permanent Collections (All Ages)  FREE
    • *Thursday ALL ACCESS (13 & Up)  $10
    On Thursday, admission to the MFAH Permanent Collections is free for all individuals, courtesy of Shell USA, Inc. Special Exhibitions require a separate, discounted ALL ACCESS ticket.

Directions & Parking

  • Free Parking
  • Paid Parking
  • Street Parking

Special Offers / Dining

Paolo Fronza, from Fellini Caffè, runs this sophisticated dining operation. Enjoy an array of Italian-inspired fare with a Texas flair, a European-style coffee bar, a kids menu, and much more at the MFA Café, located on the lower level of the Beck Building.

Events at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

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