The Musée de l'Orangerie, located in the Tuileries Garden in Paris, is a renowned for its rich history and a unique collection. Built in the early 19th century, it was designed by architect Firmin Bourgeois to house orange trees during the winter months, hence its name. The structure, with its large windows and light-filled interior, was initially part of the Tuileries Garden, which was the royal residence of the French monarchy before being burned down during the 1871 Paris Commune. By the 1920s, the building was repurposed to house art collections, and it became a museum in 1927.
The museum’s collection presents of the works of Claude Monet, specifically the large-scale Water Lilies series, which dominates the central oval rooms. These paintings, created late in Monet’s career, show his innovative approach to color and light, emphasizing the ever-changing nature of water and its reflection of the sky. The layout of the museum was designed to complement these works, with the oval rooms allowing the paintings to envelop the viewer, creating a sense of connection to the landscape that Monet captured.
In addition to Monet’s works, the Museum houses a collection of other early 20th-century art including Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and Amedeo Modigliani. The museum also has a a significant collection of works from the French School, and the private collection of art dealer Paul Guillaume. Guillaume’s collection, which was bequeathed to the museum, comprises works by some of the most influential artists of the early 20th century.
Address:
The Musée de l'Orangerie
Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde (Seine side), 75001 Paris
Opening Hours:
- Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
The museum is closed on May 1, the morning of July 14, and December 25. citeturn0search1
The museum recommends reserving a timed-entry ticket in advance, even for free admission holders, to ensure priority access within half an hour of the reserved time.
Transportation Access:
- By Metro: Lines 1, 8, 12 to Concorde station
- By Bus: Lines 42, 45, 52, 72, 73, 84, 94 to Concorde stop
