France: Visiting Claude Monet's House In Giverny, France

Studies of Light & Shadows Inspired By Claude Monet

World Curriculum - By Ms. Mila Vasconcelos

There are moments in life when dreams finally come true. Visiting Claude Monet’s house in Giverny was one of those moments for me. As an artist and educator, Monet has always had a special place in my heart. His masterful ability to capture light, his dedication to painting outdoors, and his revolutionary brushstrokes have fascinated me for years. Even going through adversities at the end of his life, he never stopped painting and even did more, revolutionizing the way artists were capable of representing light, textures, and shapes with expressive brushstrokes.

First book I have read in Portuguese, and now have my English version to share with my students!

My love for his work deepened when I read the book Linnea in Monet’s Garden while still teaching in Brazil. From that moment, the vision of Giverny never left my mind—it became a place I had to see with my own eyes.

Arriving in Giverny, I was mesmerized by the surrounding areas of this place. It wasn’t just Monet’s house and gardens—it was an entire village that had blossomed into an artistic haven. As I walked through the narrow streets, I saw artists painting in plein air, just as Monet had done over a century ago.

The pink house with green shutters, the famous yellow dining room, and the blue kitchen were exactly as I had imagined, yet even more intimate, as if the painter himself had just stepped out for a walk through his beloved gardens.

The outdoor area was, without a doubt, the most emotional and iconic place for me. I spent a good amount of time just admiring the colors of the flowers, the reflections on the lily pond, the light filtering through the trees—everything felt as if I had stepped into one of his paintings. And of course, seeing firsthand the famous Japanese bridge, the location of the series, and my favorite painting of the "Water Lily Pond", gave me this incredible sense of gratitude for being able to enjoy such an amazing experience.

Another interesting fact I must share is how functional the entire house remains, with his personal objects and art practices spread all around. His presence is constant and it is impossible to leave the place not thinking about grabbing paint and paintbrushes and spreading colors around the world! Knowing that the institution that takes care of the house/museum added the gift shop in one magical place: Monet's Atelie itself! Being a mixture of greenhouse and exploration area, this space was filled with good quality materials and of course, I got some to explore with my students once back to my classroom!

Back To The Art Room, What Do We Do?

Returning to my classroom after this unforgettable experience, I knew I had to share the magic of Monet with my students. Inspired by my visit, I launched a lesson with my elementary students—"Painting Like Monet: Capturing Light." We explored Impressionism, studied how Monet observed and painted light at different times of the day, and then ventured outdoors to create our own plein-air paintings. Watching my students embrace the movement of their brushes, experiment with colors, and see the world through Monet’s eyes was a full-circle moment. It was a reminder that art isn’t just about technique—it’s about seeing, feeling, and experiencing the world differently.

Visiting Monet’s home was more than just standing in front of his famous water lilies or walking through his gardens to take pictures. For me, was about feeling connected to an artist who changed the way we perceive the Art World. It reinforced my belief in the importance of bringing these experiences into the classroom, showing students that art is not confined to museums or history books but is alive, breathing, and all around us. Monet’s legacy continues not only in the museums that house his work but in every artist—young or old—who dares to see the world through a different lens. And for me, Giverny will forever be a place where a dream turned into an unforgettable reality!

I hope you are also able to make your dreams come true!

Ms. Mila Vasconcelos