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![]()
I can’t put into words how incredible this museum was!
I came specifically to see Monet’s work, and it truly blew me away — so serene and moving.
Even if you’re not usually into art, I’d still highly recommend a visit. The atmosphere is calming, and there’s something for everyone. They even have a children’s activity area, which is a lovely touch for families, as well as a few other types of art exhibitions beyond Impressionism.
Kit Jan - a month ago
This was hands down my favorite museum in Paris. I didn’t even have to wait in line to get in—maybe I just got lucky, but it made the experience even better! The highlight was, without a doubt, Monet’s Water Lilies. Standing in those oval rooms surrounded by his massive, serene paintings was absolutely breathtaking. The atmosphere was calm, the layout beautifully curated, and the overall experience unforgettable. I 100% recommend visiting—especially if you appreciate impressionist art or just want a peaceful, inspiring break from the city buzz. If you are a student the museum is free.
deniz alaaddinoğlu - 3 months ago
Museum is quite smaller compared to the other big ones we’ve been to in the city. The Claude Monet exhibits are quite beautiful.
The other exhibits were good but not overly as impressive in my opinion. As we all know though art is unique to each individual.
There is an accessible elevator for people who need help with stairs. We found that really helpful.
The cafeteria was nice. Coffee was good and prices were reasonable.
Overall the museum was clean and easy to enjoy.
Parking was easy to navigate across the square underground.
Lindsey Marion - 3 months ago
It was a rainy Sunday morning and what’s better to do in the rain than go to a great museum. The l’Orangerie’s website said they were sold out so I bought four tickets on Viator (spent ~25% more), but we arrived and there were two lines and we were pointed to line one and maybe waited 10 minutes before we went in. Line two was long. It was for people who didn’t have tickets. It was still long when we walked out an hour later.
I recommend getting an audio guide from the museum for 5€.
The Monet Water Lilly’s are on the ground floor and they are lovely to look at. The audio guide shares a lot of interesting information.
Downstairs is an interesting art collection. Some pieces have you scratching your head, while others leave you agape.
If you’re in Paris and appreciate art, you should visit the museum.
Heath Stockton - a month ago
very beautiful. quite small in comparison to the others in the city bit there is a lot of beautiful art. there is famous painters but also minor ones.
the collection of Monet's Nympheas is fantastic, suggestive, and very unique.
its not expensive at all and you dont have to wait much to enter. really recommended
Chiara Riccioni - a week 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: 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

