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Rivera’s Paris Opens at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts on February 7, 2025

Family Festival, Art Salons, and Free Lectures Among Upcoming Programs Announced

Rivera’s Paris is set to open in the Harriet and Warren Stephens Family Gallery at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) on February 7, 2025. This first-of-its-kind exhibition, curated and organized by AMFA, offers a unique glimpse into a short period of Diego Rivera’s early years as an artist living in Europe far before finding fame as one of the most influential Mexican painters in the 20th century. The exhibition is on view through May 18, 2025, and admission is always free.

The centerpiece of Rivera’s Paris is Dos Mujeres (Two Women) – one of Rivera’s largest and most important Cubist works – which was painted and first exhibited in Paris in 1914. The painting arrived at AMFA as a gift from Abby Rockefeller Mauzé, daughter of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in 1955.

“AMFA is so fortunate to have such a rare work by an incredible international artist like Diego Rivera here at the Museum,” remarks AMFA’s Executive Director, Dr. Victoria Ramirez. “We could not think of a more compelling painting that would make for a blockbuster exhibition at AMFA than Dos Mujeres.”

Totaling 45 works, the exhibition charts Rivera’s early years in Spain starting in 1907, his artistic path to Paris in 1909, his exploration of Cubism, and his ultimate return to Naturalism before moving back to Mexico in 1921. Along with many drawings and paintings by Rivera, works by his influences and contemporaries like Amedeo Modigliani, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida, and Robert Delaunay fill in a portrait of the artist’s life at the time.

“Anyone who is anyone, especially in artistic circles, was in Paris during the period this exhibition examines,” explains AMFA’s Chief Curator and Windgate Foundation Curator of Contemporary Craft, Brian J. Lang. “Artists were experimenting with new techniques in their studios and exchanging ideas in cafes, and many embraced the controversial and revolutionary style of Cubism.”

Upcoming programs planned in conjunction with the run of the exhibition allow guests to expand their knowledge of Rivera and his contemporaries, experience a taste of Parisian life in the early 20th century, and create art like a Cubist.

Art Talks

The Cézanne Effect: Art Talk with George Shackelford

Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

George Shackelford, Deputy Director at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, TX, explores some of the ways in which Cézanne’s art was critical to the development of painting in the 20th century, bridging the eras of Impression, Post-Impression, and Art Nouveau and setting the stage for the arrival of Rivera’s Paris.

This is a free event and tickets are available at events.arkmfa.org.

A Transformative Gift: The Rockefeller Legacy and the Arts in Arkansas

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

Dr. John A. Kirk, George W. Donaghey Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, highlights the pivotal moment in AMFA’s history when Rivera’s painting Dos Mujeres (Two Women) was gifted by Abby Rockefeller Mauzé, examining its impact on art in Arkansas the enduring legacy of the Rockefellers’ philanthropic efforts in the state.

A pre-lecture reception with coffee and pastries begins at 9:30 a.m.

This is a free event and tickets are available at events.arkmfa.org.

Bridging Worlds: The Influence of Diego Rivera and Latin Artists on European Art Movements

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Dr. Michele Greet, Professor of Modern Latin American Art History at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, and author of Transatlantic Encounters, brings her expertise to this compelling exploration of artistic transformation and collaboration. This insightful lecture explores how artists like Diego Rivera engaged with and transformed European art movements, creating a rich tapestry of innovation and cross-cultural dialogue that shaped both Latin American and European art.

This is a free event and tickets are available at events.arkmfa.org.

Bridging Worlds: The Influence of Diego Rivera and Latin Artists on European Art Movements with Michele Greet is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Exhibition Tours

Exhibition Tours

Saturdays, February 8, March 22, and May 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

Museum guests can enjoy a free, docent-led tour of Rivera’s Paris and learn interesting insights about the art on view.

Pre-registration is recommended at events.arkmfa.org.

Exhibition Tour with ASL Interpretation

Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

This free, docent-led tour of Rivera’s Paris is accompanied by an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.

Pre-registration is recommended at events.arkmfa.org.

Exhibition Tours in Spanish

Saturdays, February 15 and May 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

These free tours of Rivera’s Paris are led by a Spanish-speaking docent.

Pre-registration is recommended at events.arkmfa.org.

Programs & Member Events

Rivera’s Paris Preview Night

Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

AMFA Members enjoy an exciting first look at Rivera’s Paris at an exclusive reception with Parisian-style treats and takeaways before the exhibition’s public opening on Friday, February 7.

This free event is open exclusively to AMFA Members, Circle Society Donors, and Corporate Partners. Tickets are available at events.arkmfa.org.

Family Fest: Rivera’s Paris

Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Families are invited to immerse themselves in the music and dance of Rivera’s world, enjoy captivating stories, and roll up their sleeves for hands-on art-making fun. From the lively streets of Mexico to the bustling cities of Spain and France, this event is a ticket to discovering the sights, sounds, and colors that inspired a legend.

This event is open to all ages, but best for children in grades pre-k to 8. No registration is required for this free drop-in experience.

Family Fest: Rivera’s Paris is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Fridays in Rivera’s Paris

Fridays, February 14 to March 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Experience a taste of Rivera’s life in Paris during the early 1900s with French prix fixe dinner specials at Park Grill, live jazz performers, and more special surprises across the museum – perfect for a night out.

Park Grill reservations are available at parkgrillatamfa.com.

AMFA Art Salon

Wednesdays, February 19, March 12, and April 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Great artistic minds come together in conversation in AMFA’s Cultural Living Room during a social gathering inspired by the 20th-century salons of Paris. Instructors specializing in different disciplines from AMFA’s Windgate Art School are paired together each night to discuss their inspirations and techniques, offering guests an opportunity to view each instructor’s work.

No registration is required for these free drop-in experiences. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on-site.

AMFA Art Salon is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation and the Windgate Foundation.

Bid Adieu to Rivera’s Paris

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Guests are invited to celebrate the final days of Rivera’s Paris by taking one last look at the art on view in the galleries and relaxing in AMFA’s Cultural Living Room over French-inspired drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Members receive a complimentary drink and a commemorative gift.

Admission to this event is free, with drinks and snacks available for purchase on-site. Tickets are available at events.arkmfa.org.

Classes & Workshops

Several upcoming workshops in AMFA’s Windgate Art School allow students to explore the exhibition and create artwork inspired by the objects on view:

Pre-registration is required for all classes and workshops at arkmfa.org.

Rivera’s Paris is partially funded by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation with additional support from the Robert Lehman Foundation.

This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.

Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2025.

About the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Founded in 1937, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is the largest cultural institution of its kind in the state, offering a unique blend of visual and performing arts experiences. AMFA is committed to featuring diverse media and artistic perspectives within its permanent collection as well as through rotating temporary exhibitions. AMFA’s international collection spans eight centuries, with strengths in works on paper and contemporary craft, and includes notable holdings by artists from Arkansas, the South, and across the United States and Europe.

With a vibrant mix of ideas, cultures, people, and places, AMFA extends this commitment to diversity through the innovative Windgate Art School, a dynamic children’s theatre and performing arts program, and community-focused educational programs for all ages. Located in Little Rock’s oldest urban green space, MacArthur Park, AMFA’s landmark building and grounds are designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, in collaboration with Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects.