Musee De L’Orangerie, Paris Overview

A specimen of Napoleon III architectural style, Musee de L’Orangerie is an art gallery with artworks from the impressionist and post-impressionist eras that greatly affected France. Its is located near Tuileries Garden .

It was established in 1852 in the Tuileries Gardens, right next to Place de la Concorde. The Museum holds the precious series of eight paintings under the title “Water Lilies” by Monet, the French painter who founded French Impressionism. Another set of permanent collection held in the museum is the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection which consists of artworks by Picasso, Renoir, Rousseau and other renowned artists.

Permanent Collections at Musee De L’Orangerie

“Water Lilies” by Monet

Eight paintings hosted in two oval rooms in precisely the same form as Monet wanted them to be displayed. The eight sets of the painting are titled -

Morning with Willows
Trees Reflections
The Clouds
Clear Mornings with Willows
The Two Willows
Setting Sun
Green Reflections
Mornings

All these paintings can be virtually seen at - musee-orangerie.fr/en/article/set-orangerie

Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection

This collection boasts of 146 paintings from the impressionist period as well as the 20th-century. The artists featured in this collection are -

Auguste Renoir - 25 paintings
Paul Cezzane - 15 paintings
Paul Gaugin - 1 painting
Claude Monet - 1 painting
Alfred Sisley - 1 painting
Pablo Piccasso - 12 paintings
Henri Matisse - 10 paintings
Amedeo Modigliani - 5 paintings
Marie Laurencin - 5 paintings
Douanier Rousseau - 9 paintings
Andre Derain - 29 paintings
Maurice Utrillo - 10 paintings
Chaim Soutine - 22 paintings
Kees Van Dongen - 1 painting

All these paintings can be virtually seen at - musee-orangerie.fr/en/article/paintings

Exhibitions at Musee De L’Orangerie

The Museum is famous for hosting exhibitions all around the year to ensure that visitors - locals and tourists - are continuously informed regarding various artists movements, paintings and other artworks that have become a significant features of culture and art everywhere. Some of the exhibitions that visitors can engage with are:

Contemporary counterpoint / Alex Katz. Homage to Monet

Dates: May 15, 2019 - September 2, 2019
Details: musee-orangerie.fr/en/event/contemporary-counterpoint-alex-katz-homage-monet

Felix Fénéon (1861-1944). The modern times, from Seurat to Matisse

Dates: October 16, 2019 - January 27, 2020
Details: musee-orangerie.fr/en/event/felix-feneon-1861-1944-modern-times-seurat-matisse

Contemporary counterpoint / Tosani. Reflection and transfixion

Dates: October 16, 2019 - February 17, 2020
Details: musee-orangerie.fr/en/event/contemporary-counterpoint-tosani-reflection-and-transfixion

Giorgio de Chirico. Metaphysical painting

Dates: April 1, 2020 - jULY 13, 2020
Details: musee-orangerie.fr/en/event/giorgio-de-chirico-metaphysical-painting

History of Musee De L’Orangerie

Built in 1852, The Musee de L’Orangerie was initially constructed to provide shelter to the orange trees of the Tuileries Gardens. After the Third Republic came into power, the gallery expanded its horizons and began to be used for - depositing goods, as an examination room, a place for lodging, and to house sporting, patriotic and musical events. Along with these, it was used to display exhibitions and rare paintings.

In 1922, Monet signed a contract with the French Government which stated that he would donate the Nympheas series of decorative panels that he had painted on canvas to the Orangery. The gallery was decorated and modified accordingly to house the set. After the completion of the paintings, Monet refused to relinquish his final artworks; the Nympheas remained with Monet until his death. After his death, the paintings were installed on the ground floor of the Orangerie, in 1927. These paintings are displayed precisely how Monet wanted them to be displayed, under diffused light, in two oval rooms along their walls. The museum underwent a significant restoration procedure from 2000 to 2006, but before its closure, a grand exhibition was held which showcased a lot of Monet’s final works. During the renovation, the paintings were moved to the upper floor of the gallery.

Architecture of Musee De L’Orangerie

The Orangerie was constructed at the request of Napoleon III. The structure is a waterfront terrace type building which bears a resemblance to a greenhouse, because of the glass facade on the southern side that is meant to let heat and light inside the building. The facade exactly opposite to this one is entirely solid and windowless, so as to block the northern winds during winters and monsoon.

The primary entrances to the gallery are located on the western and eastern faces of the Orangerie. A lot of elements in the design of the Orangerie are inspired by the designs used in the Tuileries Palace such as doorways which are framed with columns. They are further adorned with triangular pediments which represent plants and ears of corn. The overall design and architecture of the Orangerie is detailed and critical and was created to reflect and compliment the Tuileries Palace.

Entry Tickets for Musee De L’Orangerie

Full rate: EUR 9
Concessions: EUR 6.50

Free admission

Visitors under 18 years old
Visitors aged from 18 to 25 years old who are European Union nationals, and non-nationals who are long-term residents (more than 3 months) of an EU Member State, on proof of entitlement.
All visitors on the first Sunday of each month

Concessions (on presentation of proof of entitlement):

For accompanying persons of a young visitor under 18, residing in the European Union, within the limit of 2 accompanying persons per child.

Combined Musée de l'Orangerie - Musée d'Orsay

Ticket: EUR 18
Permanent collections and temporary exhibitions: 1 visit to each museum
Validity: 3 months from the date of purchase

Passport Musée de l'Orangerie - Fondation Claude Monet - Giverny

Ticket: EUR 18.50
The Fondation Claude Monet is open from 22 March to 1st November 2019

Cultural activities

Guided tours: EUR 6 (EUR 4.50 Carte Blanche)
Every Monday at 2.15 pm and every Saturday at 11 am

How To Reach Musee De L Orangerie

Taking either of Lines 1, 8, 12 to Concorde Metro Station would be the most convenient way to get here. The taxi stop is 252, Rue de Rivoli if you want to use local taxis. If you prefer the city bus, you may take any of the Lines 24, 42, 52, 72, 73, 84, 94 to the Concorde stop.