A girl poses before the poster of the art exhibition "Master of Impressionism - Claude Monet" in Shanghai, East China, March 7, 2014. The three-month painting show was unveiled here on Friday, showcasing 40 creations by Claude Monet. [Photo/icpress]

"It's a completely different feeling from any printed publications of Monet's paintings that I saw in the past. Subtle, delicate, and the powerful expression of colour used inside. I'm really amazed." Visitor Lin Zhongli said.

The exhibition includes 12 other original paintings from impressionists such as Renoir and three items from Monet's daily life - glasses, a pipe and color palette. All are from the Marmottan Monet Museum in Paris. The 55 paintings are worth an estimated 600 million euros.

It is rare for an exhibition of such prominent works to be held inside a shopping mall. Organizers say they expect some 5,000 people on the opening day. And some people are having to wait more than two hours to get inside.

Organizers say they chose a shopping mall in order to attract people who don't usually visit museums. That means taking extra steps for environmental control and security.

"An infrared ray system has been installed. It's quite sensitive, and will set off an alarm if viewers are too close to the paintings. To better protect the paintings, stable temperatures and humidity are strictly monitored." Jin Xiaojing, media director of Tix-Media, said.

The exhibition coincides with the 50th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations. It will run until June 15.