The Musée de l'Orangerie art gallery in the western corner of the Paris Tuileries Gardens is devoted to some of history's most important paintings by Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. It’s located in the city centre on the banks of the Seine and within an easy walk of many other local points of interest.
The building in which the museum is housed was built on the orders of Napoleon III in the 1850s as storage for orange trees. By 1922, it became an exhibition space for the city and was finally inaugurated as an art museum in 1927.
Musée de l'Orangerie - one of the highlights of 11 Best Museums in Paris (Read all about Paris here)
photo by Traktorminze (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
Highlights of the Musée de l'Orangerie
Musée de l'Orangerie is probably most famed as the home of Monet’s 'Water Lilies' series of paintings and, in fact, Monet helped with the architectural alterations and designs for the final museum space. The museum also hosts the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection, acquired in 1959 and 1963.
The museum underwent extensive renovations between 2000 and 2006 and today is renowned for its impressive collection of the most important Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters in history. The collection includes representations of the work of Cézanne, Matisse, Derain, Monet, Picasso, Gaugin, Sisley, Renoir and many other important, famous and historic artists.
photo by Brady Brenot (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
What to know before visiting Musée de l'Orangerie
Entry to the Musée de l'Orangerie does carry a nominal fee for adults, though children under 18, long-term EU residents and those under 26 who are EU nationals are free. The museum seeks to offer an educational, entertaining and pleasant experience for all and provides adapted services for visitors with disabilities of any kind. Simply call for information about special needs you may have.
The family-friendly museum offers special programmes for children, including classes, workshops and special tours. These are conducted in the French language, however. You can find souvenirs in the onsite book and gift shop and grab light fare in the museum’s cafe.
photo by Brady Brenot (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
Musée de l'Orangerie
Location: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France
Phone: +33 (0)1 44 50 43 00
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