7 Unmissable Reasons to Visit the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris
The Musée de l’Orangerie is a must-visit in Paris. Its stunning display of Monet’s Water Lilies and masterpieces by some of the greatest artists in history create an experience you won’t find anywhere else. These are 7 great reasons why this museum deserves your time.
1. Lose Yourself in Monet’s Water Lily Paradise
The Nymphéas by Claude Monet are the highlight of the museum. These eight massive panels stretch across two oval rooms, creating a meditative space filled with light and color. Designed by Monet himself, the rooms are bathed in natural light from overhead. This makes every detail of the lilies and reflections on water come alive.
This is one of the most monumental creations in painting in the first half of the 20th century with a surface area of 200m2 (2,153 sq ft ).
2. Masterpieces by the World’s Greatest Artists
The Walter-Guillaume Collection is a must-see for fans of modern art. You’ll find works by Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse, among others. Renoir’s Jeunes filles au piano and Cézanne’s still lifes are just two of the highlights. These pieces illustrate how art evolved from Impressionism to modernism.
3. A Piece of Parisian History
The Orangerie was built in 1852 to protect orange trees from the cold winters of the Tuileries Garden, the famous garden created in the 16th century between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Once a royal retreat, it’s now a public park. The Orangerie then went from a greenhouse to a great museum in the 1920s.
4. Art Without the Overwhelm
Unlike massive museums like the Louvre, the Orangerie offers a more intimate experience. You can explore its world-class collections in a few hours without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The layout is easy to navigate with each room carefully designed to focus on specific themes or artists.
5. Art Beyond the Walls
The area around the Musée de l’Orangerie features impressive sculptures. Along the museum’s northern side, facing the Tuileries Garden, you’ll see bronze works by Rodin, including Eve and The Kiss. On the opposite side, sits Henry Moore’s Reclining Nude.
6. A Landmark in the Heart of Paris
The Orangerie sits right in the heart of the city, overlooking the Seine and near Place de la Concorde. It’s close to other major landmarks like the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées. It’s a great addition to any Paris visit.
7. Exciting Exhibitions That Keep You Coming Back
The Orangerie constantly reinvents itself with rotating exhibitions. Recent highlights have included Modigliani’s emotional portraits and Matisse’s groundbreaking works from the 1930s. These temporary shows feature rare pieces not typically on display.