The Impressionist name drew the crowds, but the research and planning of curator Jennifer Hardin and staff, the excellent catalogue and the views of London at the height of industrialism exceeded our expectations. Newly discovered prints of the period and Whistler’s jewel of a “Nocturne” were revelations. The gallery housing the MFA’s prized “Houses of Parliament” surrounded by other shimmering Monets on loan was not too shabby, either. Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-896-2667, www.fine-arts.org. -Mary Mulhern
This article appears in Sep 7-13, 2005.