Why the Musée de l'Orangerie Is One of the Best Museums in Paris
The Musée de l’Orangerie is one of the best museums in Paris.
Yes, it does see a fair amount of visitors — although not as many as the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay.
For those travelers on a quick trip to Paris, France, the Orangerie is often left off the list.
But I think this small museum needs to be on your itinerary — no matter how much time you have in Paris.
Let’s look into the reasons why this is one of the museums you do not want to overlook.
Where is Musée de l’Orangerie?
Musée de l’Orangerie has a great location along the River Seine on the Right Bank in the First Arrondissement.
Specifically it sits in a corner (the west end) of Jardin des Tuileries — one of the fabulous Paris parks — near the Place de la Concorde which is one of the famous city plazas.
This museum is definitely not hidden in any way which is a plus and a minus.
A plus because it’s easy to find.
A minus because it’s not one of those hardly-ever-visited museums tucked down some narrow lane.
The history of the museum
Interestingly, Napoleon III had the Orangerie built in 1852 to store the citrus trees of the Jardin des Tuileries from the winter cold.
The actual building was built out of glass on the Seine side to give light to the trees.
However on the opposite side, the building is pretty much windowless to protect the citrus trees from the cold winds.
In 1871 the Orangerie became a property of the State which continued to use it for the trees, but also used it for public events such as concerts, art displays and contests.
The State gave the building to the Under-Secretariat of State for Fine Arts in 1921 along with another building, the Jeu de Paume.
The intention was for these 2 buildings to be a space for living artists to display their works of art.
Well, at the time, Claude Monet was working on his Water Lilies series which were set to be displayed in the Rodin museum.
But there were some influential folks who really wanted those large panels of gorgeousness in the Musée de l’Orangerie.
So in 1922 the deal was struck and Monet agreed to donate the Water Lilies series to the Orangerie.
He helped with some of the architectural design ensuring there would be some natural light in the museum thanks to some skylights.
And to this day, this is the home of the works of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists with the Water Lilies series of large panels being the main attraction.
Why the Musée de l’Orangerie is one of the best museums in Paris
Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series
This is THE reason we go to the Musée de l’Orangerie — to see these huge panels of artistic genius.
Located in 2 separate oval rooms (that together make the infinity symbol which I did not know until just now), these works of art are awing, amazing and so very beautiful.
I highly recommend taking your time in each room.
Stand back and take in the greater scene.
Then get up close and personal with every brush stroke.
The first room is all about the water lilies and other vegetation in the water.
You see the reflections of the sky from morning to evening.
In the second room you see the weeping willow trees as they play on the water with the light.
*Sigh*
These paintings are stunning!
And I will say this again — do slow down and really experience these incredible works of art.
Look at them from afar and then examine them up close.
You will have such a respect and admiration for anyone who could paint these works of art.
Other fabulous art works to admire
When I visited Musée de l’Orangerie in January one of the rooms was closed for renovations.
This is where you’ll find another permanent collection with works from artists such as Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse and Auguste Renoir.
Then the museum has temporary exhibits.
I was treated to works from Seurat, Signac, Degas, Bonnard, Modigliani, Matisse, Derain, Severini, and Balla.
No I don’t recognize all those names, but I am familiar with Paul Signac, Georges Seurat, Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse and Pierre Bonnard.
You can check the website to see what current rotating exhibitions are on display at the time of your visit.
The museum has exhibitions from other great artists including early photographers.
No matter what it is, I can guarantee it will be worth taking a look!
Great location
This smaller Parisian museum is in a fabulous location.
It’s not tucked away on a street where you can’t find it — although there is something to be said for this kind of museum or site.
For my chilly January visit, I was happy to have it easy to find.
And it made the perfect day as, after my time in Musée de l’Orangerie, I took in Place de la Concorde and then wandered through Jardin des Tuileries then to the area around the Louvre.
I love that this museum is also by the River Seine.
In fact — as I made my way to the museum from Le Marais where I was staying — I walked along the Seine for most of the time then I walked on the outskirts of Jardin des Tuileries.
It was a wonderful walk, taking in so many different Parian scenes.
I can imagine that, in spring, the area around this wonderful museum is just beautiful with lots of flowers and trees blooming.
And in autumn everything would turn to bright reds, yellows and oranges as the trees turn.
Musée de l’Orangerie definitely has an excellent location.
It’s a small museum
Have you been to the Louvre?
If your answer is yes, then you know how big this museum is.
It’s OVERWHELMING!
Don’t get me wrong as there are some superb works of art in the Louvre.
There is just A LOT of art.
So the Musée de l’Orangerie is an excellent choice as it’s much smaller and not so overwhelming.
You can spend a couple of hours at this museum and see quite a bit of artwork.
Then you still have time to, oh, I don’t know, have a leisurely Parisian lunch or walk in Jardin des Tuileries or do some shopping.
For those who may suffer from museum fatigue (this is a real thing), the Musée de l’Orangerie is a great option.
Plus, you know, Monet’s Water Lilies.
Are you sold on visiting this amazing Paris museum?
If you haven’t been to Paris yet, then be sure to put the Musée de l’Orangerie on your list.
And if you’ve been to Paris and haven’t spent time in this awesome museum, then I guess you’ll just have to go back to Paris and make a visit.
I am so happy I made Musée de l’Orangerie a priority on my recent visit to Paris.
It was one of the highlights of my trip for sure.
Tips for visiting
Hours: Daily from 9am to 6pm except Tuesdays
Price: €12,50
Currently you must book a time slot to visit the museum.
Weekends can be busy with locals often visiting. I went on a Sunday and it was busy by the time I left. Go early or consider going 2-3 hours prior to closing.
Also because its sister museum, Musée d’Orsay, is closed on Mondays, Mondays can be busy.
Lastly, the museum staff do ask that you keep your voices down in the 2 rooms where the Water Lilies are displayed. Many people find these scenes to be very serene and peaceful and like to sit quietly, reflecting and meditating. I wholeheartedly agree!
Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places have opened. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home (or close to home) and stay safe!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Wander Your Way, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Like it? Pin it!
I didn’t have a lot of time to go to all of the museums in Paris, but this one looks amazing! So I’ll be sure to add it to my itinerary when I go back to the French capital.
The Orangerie is definitely a must!