After a lengthy refurb, the Musée de l’Orangerie reopened in the Tuileries Garden back in 2006, and it’s been a staple on every tourist’s itinerary ever since. And for good reason: its simple layout, fuss-free displays and understated vibe give the artworks (and the visitors) plenty of room to breathe.
Here’s how to get the most out of your trip to l’Orangerie.
Monet’s Water Lilies
Set aside plenty of time to spend in the two oval rooms that house the Water Lilies: there’s a really special energy in there, somewhere between awe and total calm. It’s probably the effect Monet was hoping for: he designed the installation as a continuous circle, so your eye never stops taking it all in. It’s like watching the four seasons unfold before you. In total, the Orangerie has eight panels displayed end-to-end – each one is two metres high and between six and 17 metres long – covering a surface area of several hundred square metres. This is the master work of a genius, and it’s certainly worth the queues.
The permanent collection and temporary exhibitions
Once you’ve resurfaced, head downstairs to discover the Domenica Walter and Paul Guillaume collection. It brings together the School of Paris and the Impressionists, with works by some seriously big names: Cézanne, Modigliani, Le Douanier-Rousseau, Matisse and Picasso.
As for temporary exhibitions, the line-up is just as tempting, with past shows featuring David Hockney, Renoir and Magritte.
What else is nearby?
Tucked away in the Tuileries Garden, the Orangerie is surrounded by a whole bunch of other top-notch museums. Fancy a photo exhibition? The Jeu de Paume is two minutes away. After something more epic? The Louvre is just on the other side of the gardens. And if fashion and design are more your thing, the Museum of Decorative Arts is tucked away on the Rue de Rivoli.
Tickets and opening times
To go for a dip in the Water Lilies, you’ll need to fork out for a €12.50 ticket, which also gets you into the permanent collection and any current temporary exhibitions. It’s worth noting that the Musée de l’Orangerie regularly holds late-night openings, with everything from escape games and performances to concerts. And one last thing: the museum is free on the first Sunday of the month.