In its last two weeks, the exhibition saw more than 17,000 visitors through its doors. 'We're very happy with the public response,' says Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) Chairman Sir Don McKinnon. 'The high visitor numbers to this exhibition reflect a demand for art exhibitions of this standard from both Aucklanders and visitors to the city.'
Art lovers from Kaitaia to Bulls and from Picton to Invercargill travelled to Auckland to see the exclusive-to-New Zealand exhibition. Tourists to New Zealand also took advantage of the opportunity to see Degas to Dalí. Overseas visitors to the exhibition were from a diverse range of countries, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, England, Greece, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain and the USA.
'It has been a long time since a major international exhibition of this calibre has travelled to Auckland, and we have been left in no doubt that our public want more,' says Gallery Director Chris Saines. 'The incredibly positive response to Degas to Dalí - including outstanding visitor feedback and record retail sales - clearly demonstrates that such shows have become far more viable for us in our new building.'
Degas to Dalí presented major art movements of the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries and 79 works of art by 62 influential and celebrated artists, such as Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Ernst, Magritte and Warhol. It was the first admission charged exhibition since the Gallery re-opened its newly developed building in September 2011.
Degas to Dalí visitors were offered the opportunity to enter a Melbourne giveaway supported by Grabaseat and Sofitel Hotel Melbourne. More than 10,000 Degas to Dalí visitors entered the giveaway. The prize package includes a trip for two to Melbourne to visit the National Gallery of Victoria's Napoleon: Revolution to Empire exhibition. The winner will be drawn on Monday 25 June.
Degas to Dalí was presented with the support of Accor Hotels and indemnified by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.
