French word

vernissage

Pronunciation

IPA/vɛʁnisaʒ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounopening

Example

On va au vernissage ce soir.

We're going to the opening tonight.

Illustration for vernissage (opening)

More examples

Je t'invite au vernissage samedi.

I'm inviting you to the opening reception on Saturday.

Core concept

A small preview gathering where critics, friends, and collectors view new artworks before the public opening.

Common phrases

  • aller au vernissage

    go to the opening reception

  • inviter au vernissage

    invite ___ to the opening reception

  • vernissage de la galerie

    gallery opening

Similar words

exposition: A public display of artworks or other items.
ouverture: The official opening of an exhibition or event, often held on its first day.
réception: A welcoming or social gathering for invited guests and associates.
inauguration: A ceremony marking the formal start of a facility or enterprise.

Definition in French

Petite réception d'inauguration permettant aux critiques, amis ou collectionneurs de découvrir les œuvres avant l'ouverture au public.

Word origin

Vernissage comes from French vernir, 'to varnish', and first referred to the final varnishing of artworks before naming the preview held at that time.

Usage tips

  • Vernissage is masculine, so the example uses au vernissage, the contraction of à le vernissage.

Other meanings

  • receptionnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word