Things to do in Musée de l'Orangerie
Located in the heart of Paris, on the banks of the Seine in the Tuileries Gardens, the Musée de l’Orangerie, or Orangerie Museum as it’s sometimes known, is an art museum housing impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.
The name of the museum comes from the previous purpose of the building. Built in 1852, the building was in fact an old orangery. Common in the fashionable residences of the 17th to 19th centuries, the orangery served the purpose of keeping citrus trees and other exotic plants alive in inclement weather. It was a symbol of wealth and prestige and this specific orangery where the Musée de l’Orangerie now stands belonged to the Tuileries Gardens.
In 1920, the French government took the decision to transform the building into a museum dedicated to living artists. In 1922, artist Claude Monet agreed to donate and install his Water Lillies series here, on the strict condition that there was an appropriate space for their exhibition. Working alongside architect Camille Lefèvre, Monet was heavily involved in the design and building of the space which would hold the eight huge paintings. The museum was finally opened to the public in 1927, one year after the artist’s death.
Today, the museum houses Monet’s impressive Water Lilies series in two oval rooms, ideal for diffusing the light and displayed as the artist intended. Visitors can also enjoy the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection, which includes works by Picasso, Cezanne, Renoir, and many more distinguished artists of the time.
The museum hosts temporary exhibits, educational workshops, screenings and one-off events. The building includes a giftshop and a café and is open every day, except on Tuesdays, from 9am to 6pm.
Our recommendations in Musée de l'Orangerie
![Tickets to Orangerie Museum](https://images.musement.com/cover/0159/63/thumb_15862548_cover_header.jpg?w=540)
Book your skip-the-line tickets to visit the Orangerie Museum in Paris! Discover Claude Monet's Water Lilies, Renoir, Matisse and Picasso paintings.
![Musée de l'Orangerie skip-the-line tickets with mobile app audio tour](https://images.musement.com/cover/0151/96/thumb_15095775_cover_header.jpeg?w=540)
Musée de l'Orangerie skip-the-line tickets with mobile app audio tour
Discover the history of the building where the Orangerie Museum is located, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Impressionists and see Monet's masterpieces in the Water Lilies Gallery.
en
![Paris self-guided audio tour](https://images.musement.com/cover/0152/32/thumb_15131841_cover_header.jpeg?w=540)
Explore Paris at your own pace! Enjoy an app containing over 130 points of interest, famous transport routes, sightseeing itineraries and walking tours.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 zh
![Musée d'Orsay & Musée de l'Orangerie combo entrance tickets with audio tour](https://images.musement.com/cover/0157/28/thumb_15627720_cover_header.jpg?w=540)
Musée d'Orsay & Musée de l'Orangerie combo entrance tickets with audio tour
Admire the masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and many more. Discover one of the finest collections of Impressionist art in the world, including Monet's Nymphéas.
en
![Tickets to Orangerie Museum](https://images.musement.com/cover/0159/63/thumb_15862548_cover_header.jpg?w=540)
Book your skip-the-line tickets to visit the Orangerie Museum in Paris! Discover Claude Monet's Water Lilies, Renoir, Matisse and Picasso paintings.
![Musée de l'Orangerie skip-the-line tickets with mobile app audio tour](https://images.musement.com/cover/0151/96/thumb_15095775_cover_header.jpeg?w=540)
Musée de l'Orangerie skip-the-line tickets with mobile app audio tour
Discover the history of the building where the Orangerie Museum is located, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Impressionists and see Monet's masterpieces in the Water Lilies Gallery.
en
![Paris self-guided audio tour](https://images.musement.com/cover/0152/32/thumb_15131841_cover_header.jpeg?w=540)
Explore Paris at your own pace! Enjoy an app containing over 130 points of interest, famous transport routes, sightseeing itineraries and walking tours.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 zh
![Musée d'Orsay & Musée de l'Orangerie combo entrance tickets with audio tour](https://images.musement.com/cover/0157/28/thumb_15627720_cover_header.jpg?w=540)
Musée d'Orsay & Musée de l'Orangerie combo entrance tickets with audio tour
Admire the masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and many more. Discover one of the finest collections of Impressionist art in the world, including Monet's Nymphéas.
en
How to get there
![Musée de l'Orangerie](https://images.musement.com/cover/0002/62/nympheas-monet-orangerie-jpg_header-161891.jpeg)
Musée de l'Orangerie
Paris
France
Reviews Musée de l'Orangerie
“Once we got to the museum it was excellent, but getting there was challenging. The area was blocked off due to the Olympic venue being right there. It would have been fine if there were signs, but there were absolutely no signs. Policemen didn't seem to know where the museum was. Wonderful once in.”
![Paris](https://images.musement.com/cover/0002/49/paris-jpeg_header-148745.jpeg)