Musée de l'Orangerie
If you have a special love for impressionist works of art, especially Monet, Musée de l'Orangerie is a must see
There are many wonderful art museums located in and around Paris but if you have a special love for impressionist and post impressionist works then you should most definitely do everything you can to include the Musée de l'Orangerie on your itinerary.
Located in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, the museum houses an impressive collection of works from Monet in the form of no less than eight of the famed Water Lilies collection as well as works by artists such as Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley and many others.
The gallery is located along the banks of the Seine River in the old orangery of the Tuileries Palace which is situated on the Place de la Concorde which is conveniently located near to the Concorde Metro station. The museum building was originally built in 1852 by famed architect Firmin Bourgeois. It is interesting to note that the original intention of the building was to provide shelter to the orange trees of the Tuileries garden. Throughout its history the building was used for many different purposes including housing soldiers as well as hosting various sporting and cultural events, music concerts and even events of patriotism.
The Musée de l'Orangerie is most famously known for being the place where one can view the entire collection of Monet's Water Lilies known as the Nympheas. The story is that Monet had agreed to donate the entire collection of eight Water Lilies panels to the French government and they were to be housed in the Musée de l'Orangerie. The ground floor of the building was in fact redesigned specifically for this purpose but after completion of the renovations to the building Monet could not bear to be parted from these works and it was only after his death in 1926 that they could be displayed in the museum. Such dedication and love of the work should be enough to entice anyone to go see the collection.
Nearby attractions: Jardin des Tuileries, Musée d'Orsay and Musée des Beaux Arts
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes, except free on the first Sunday of every month.Musée de l'Orangerie Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France
Phone: 01 44 50 43 00
Official Website: Musée de l'Orangerie
Musée de l'Orangerie Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Musée de l'Orangerie is an absolute gem in Paris. The highlight, of course, is Monet’s Water Lilies — displayed in beautifully designed oval rooms that let you experience the paintings in a calm, almost meditative way. It feels immersive and very thoughtfully curated, not rushed like some bigger museums.
Beyond Monet, the collection downstairs is equally impressive, with works by Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, and Modigliani. The museum is compact, easy to navigate, and perfect if you want world-class art without spending an entire day.
Located right next to the Tuileries Garden, it’s an ideal stop to combine with a relaxed walk. A must-visit for art lovers and anyone looking for a quieter, more refined museum experience in Paris.
Rajnish Bhatt - 2 months ago
Absolutely wonderful arts of Monet, his most famous water lilies. This museum is a must if you come visit Paris. Recommended to buy tickets in advance and arrive 30 minutes before the reservation because there is still a long line.
mols - a week ago
The money painting are stunningly beautiful and the size just blows your mind. Amazing art space. However i wasn’t thrilled with the rest of the art collections in the museum, with the exception of Marie Laurecin’s ladies, which i find adorable. They couldn’t live up to the impression made by monet. EU citizens under 25 can enter for free! Overall i loved the place.
Karina Poulsen - a month ago
A charming and more intimate museum, offering a refreshing focus on art without the overwhelming crowds often found in larger institutions. I truly appreciated the more tranquil atmosphere. I would highly recommend booking tickets in advance, as with all museums in Paris, to ensure a seamless visit.
The café was a lovely spot to take a break, offering a fair selection on the menu. The quiche and mocha were particularly notable for their quality, and considering it’s a museum café, the pricing felt entirely reasonable.
The Monet Water Lilies room was a pleasant experience, with its expansive layout across two rooms and eight beautiful paintings. The staff were exceptional in maintaining the peaceful atmosphere, gently reminding the crowd to keep their voices down so visitors could reflect and appreciate the art. I’d suggest visiting this room early, before the photo-hunting crowds begin to fill the space.
The true highlight of my visit, however, was the Picasso painting Nude on a Red Background. It was absolutely captivating in person, and its sheer presence left a lasting impression.
Do take the time to explore its “sister” counterpart, the Musée d'Orsay, which is also well worth a visit.
Rav - 2 months ago
• The building itself is beautifully situated in the heart of Paris, at the southwest corner of the Jardin des Tuileries, near Place de la Concorde, which gives it a serene and convenient location. 
• One of the major draws: the museum is the permanent home of eight large murals by Claude Monet titled Les Nymphéas (Water Lilies). These works are considered masterpieces and they’re displayed in a specially designed series of oval rooms — an immersive experience. 
• The museum also holds a rich collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with works by Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and others. 
• Because it is somewhat smaller and quieter than some of the giant Paris museums (like the Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay), it often offers a more relaxed pace. Visitors praise it as a restful, high-quality stop. 
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⚠️ Things to watch / considerations
• While the museum is excellent, the overall size is modest compared to huge institutions; if your goal is a full-day art immersion with many wings and vast collections, you might find it less extensive. Some visitors say: “Very nice … but doesn’t compare to the giants.” 
• Because of its popularity (especially the Monet rooms), the museum can get crowded in those key galleries at peak times. To have the best experience, timing helps.
• The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Typical opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last admission around 5:15 p.m. 
• Some signage and labels may be more detailed in French than in English, meaning that visitors who read only English might wish to arrange for an audio guide or download a guide ahead. 
Amrit Das - 4 months ago
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Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M1, M8 or M12 | Concorde Station | 4 minutes |
How to get to Musée de l'Orangerie by Metro / RER
By Metro: Exit Metro Line 1,8 or 12 at Concorde Station and walk south along the eastern edge of Place de la Concorde to the museum entrance on your left at the far end.
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Accommodations near Musée de l'Orangerie:
Photo Gallery
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Viewing paintings by Monet inside the Musée de l'Orangeriein cc licensed photo by Allie_Caulfield -
Photo Credit: liakada-web - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: liakada-web - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: liakada-web - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: liakada-web - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: liakada-web - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: liakada-web - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: liakada-web - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: liakada-web - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr

