Beyond Face Value: The Art and Legacy of French Banknotes At NGMA Mumbai
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This exhibition at NGMA in Mumbai, which includes both original-sized prints and large-scale replicas, provides a unique look at the lost artistry of pre-Euro French currency.
Rukmini Dahanukar is an independent researcher and founder partner at Nirmiti, a brand identity design company. (Image: Instgaram)
Banknotes are more than just money; they’re tiny canvases of history, art, and culture. Discover the creativity and symbolism of French currency worldwide with Beyond Face Value: French Banknote Design from Around the World. This exhibition, which was curated by renowned numismatist Rukmini Dahanukar and organised by Alliance Française de Bombay and Avid Learning, allows you to discover the hidden tales that are etched on these priceless paper gems.
Alliance Française de Bombay, in collaboration with the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, and Avid Learning, invites all art enthusiasts, history buffs, and numismatists in the city, to the opening of Beyond Face Value: French Banknote Design from Around the World—an exhibition curated by Ms. Rukmini Dahanukar, a renowned researcher and collector of banknotes. The exhibition will be inaugurated on Thursday, 3 April, at 6:00 PM at NGMA, Mumbai and will be on display until 24 April 2025.
French banknotes from across the globe are more than just monetary instruments—they are artistic masterpieces imbued with history, culture, and symbolism. With their intricate designs, romanticism and craftsmanship, these banknotes transcend their face value, offering a glimpse into a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of cultural heritage.
Featuring large-size banknote replicas on canvas alongside real-size prints, the exhibition provides detailed insights into the artistic and symbolic elements that define these extraordinary pieces. While economic significance has always been the primary focus of currency, this exhibition seeks to highlight the lesser-known artistic and cultural narratives embedded within these banknotes.
“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,” said Nidhi Choudhari, Director, NGMA Mumbai.
“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,” said Laurent Vergain, Director of Alliance Française de Bombay.
“‘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,” shares curator Ms. Rukmini Dahanukar, Founder of Money Talks.
Exhibition Details:
- Opening: Thursday, 3 April | 6:00 PM
- On Display: 4–24 April | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Gallery Closed on Public Holidays and Mondays
- Venue: National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai
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