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
As for me, impressionism lover, it’s a no 1 place to visit in Paris. Amazing display of the greatest works of arts in the world. The gallery is quite small but I like to let myself spend some time inside and soak in the art.
For the tickets - it’s best to book in advance as there’s no need to wait in line.
Weronika Matysek - 2 weeks ago
One beautiful museum and an absolute must see in Paris. Although it’s smaller than other well known museums in Paris, there is a lot to see and a lot to admire in the museum. They have a very wide and beautiful collection of paintings from many different iconic painters like Monet, Laurencin, Matisse or Derain.
I had an incredible time visiting this museum, I found myself admiring all the paintings and work of arts there. The museum is not too crowded as well, so you can take all the time you need to admire the work of arts.
I most definitely recommend visiting this museum when you come and visit Paris.
LEI. R - a month ago
A must do for Monet lovers. There are also some others beautiful collections. Can be really busy during the summer which can make it hard to fully enjoy the paintings.
tom m (ptihommenmoousse) - 3 weeks ago
Worth a visit just to see the Monet’s. Downstairs exhibitions were also great. Good size gallery, enough to satiate but not too much to overwhelm.
Joanna Cook - 2 months ago
Such a must! We visited as a family (we have a 4&7 year old). They loved it, such beautiful art.
Didn’t buy tickets in advance - but I would have if I had been more organised. The queue changes depending on the time and day. But for ease and stress free book in advance but don’t be put off just dropping by
Ryan T - a month ago
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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Musée de l'Orangerie:
Photo Gallery
-
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: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Gael Varoquaux - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Andy Hay - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Tom Hilton - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr
Video
Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.
