Festivals

FESTIVALS: EXPLORING THE ART OF FRENCH BANKNOTES

by Editorial Desk April 4 2025, 12:00 am Estimated Reading Time: 4 mins, 49 secs

Beyond Face Value – French Banknote Design from Around the World Presented by the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Bombay. The #Newsdesk reports…

Discover Beyond Face Value: French Banknote Design from Around the World—a unique exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Bombay and Avid Learning. On display from 4–24 April 2025, this exhibition curated by Rukmini Dahanukar showcases the intricate artistry, symbolism, and cultural narratives behind historic French banknotes. Featuring large-scale replicas and real-size prints, it offers a rare glimpse into the world of numismatics, history, and design. Visit NGMA Mumbai to experience this one-of-a-kind exploration of currency as art.

Mumbai, 3 April 2025 – The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Bombay and outreach partner Avid Learning, inaugurated the much-anticipated exhibition Beyond Face Value: French Banknote Design from Around the World today. Curated by Ms. Rukmini Dahanukar, a distinguished researcher and collector of banknotes, the exhibition offers visitors a rare glimpse into the artistic and cultural narratives embedded within French banknotes from across the globe.

The opening ceremony, held at NGMA Mumbai, was attended by dignitaries, art enthusiasts, history buffs, and numismatists. The exhibition, which will remain on display until 24 April 2025, showcases a fascinating array of French banknotes, presented both as large-size replicas on canvas and real-size prints. The collection highlights the intricate artistry, craftsmanship, and symbolism that have historically adorned French currency.

A Unique Exploration of Art and Currency

Banknotes are often regarded primarily as instruments of trade, but this exhibition challenges that notion by positioning them as artistic masterpieces that transcend their face value. Through an impressive display of rare and historic French banknotes, the exhibition explores the deep cultural and historical significance of these designs.

Speaking about the collaboration, Ms. Nidhi Choudhari, Director of NGMA Mumbai, expressed her enthusiasm: “Having worked in the Reserve Bank of India; I deeply appreciate the role of currency notes in day-to-day public life. It is therefore a very happy collaboration with Alliance Française de Bombay in organising the exhibition on French Currency Notes. I am sure the viewers will see a beautiful amalgam of art and money on French Franc notes in this show.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Laurent Vergain, Director of Alliance Française de Bombay, highlighted the broader cultural significance of the exhibition: "I have been the director of various Alliance Françaises’ in different countries, and for me, banknotes are not just tools of commerce; they are reflections of the times, values, and artistic expressions of a nation. This exhibition is an opportunity for all history and art enthusiasts to explore a slice of Francophone culture and expression before the emergence of Euros. As the Official French Language and Cultural Institution in Mumbai, we are delighted to partner with NGMA, Mumbai, to bring this unique collection to the public."

For curator Ms. Rukmini Dahanukar, the exhibition is a continuation of her lifelong passion for studying and showcasing the stories behind banknotes. She shared: “‘A banknote is the most exchanged artwork in the world’ commented my professor when I shared my Masters’ dissertation proposal. A manuscript that was to close out my degree program opened a whole new story that continues to date. While discovering the different themes and narratives on banknotes I was delighted to learn so much more about our world. Post the Euro, France no longer issues its own banknotes, making this exhibition an interesting assemblage whilst also showcasing French culture through its various currencies. I’m grateful to the Alliance Française de Bombay for recognising this endeavour. I would also like to thank NGMA, Mumbai for hosting this special exhibition. A coveted institution that encourages and promotes modern art. For the banknote to be acknowledged as a part of the modern art landscape is a fitting tribute to my work of the last two decades.”

Exhibition Details

Opening: Thursday, 3 April 2025 | 6:00 PM
On Display: 4–24 April 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Venue: National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai
Gallery Closed on Public Holidays and Mondays

About the Organisers

Alliance Française de Bombay (AF Bombay)

Founded in 1938, AF Bombay is the official French language and cultural centre in Mumbai. A non-profit organisation, it works closely with the French Embassy in India and the network of Alliances Françaises across the country to promote Franco-Indian cultural and educational exchanges.

National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai

NGMA, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary artworks, including masterpieces from the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group and internationally renowned artists. NGMA Mumbai continues its tradition of hosting significant art exhibitions that enrich the city's cultural landscape.

About the Curator – Ms. Rukmini Dahanukar

Ms. Dahanukar is an independent researcher and the founder of Money Talks, a research initiative that explores the communicative power of banknotes. Her expertise has been recognized globally, and she has curated numerous exhibitions, including Banking on World Heritage, which was part of India’s G20 presidency program in 2023.

Avid Learning

Avid Learning, Essar’s cultural philanthropy initiative, has been at the forefront of arts and cultural programming since 2009, curating over 1,800 events and engaging with more than 2 million learners worldwide.

Beyond Face Value offers a rare and thought-provoking look at banknotes as not just currency, but as art, history, and cultural expression. With its unique blend of aesthetics and numismatics, the exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in the intersection of art, finance, and heritage.

For further information, please contact:

Yadhu

Head – Culture and Communications

Alliance Française de Bombay

📞 +91 9961983743