Live Your Best Lives
The Orangerie Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. The highlight is Monet's "Water Lilies" series, which covers several large, panoramic canvases. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere while admiring these masterpieces. It's also worth exploring the museum’s collection of works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. Take your time to appreciate the museum's peaceful ambiance and the surrounding Tuileries Garden, which adds to the overall experience.
The Musee de l'Orangerie is located in the Tuileries Gardens in the heart of Paris, adjacent to the Place de la Concorde. Founded in the late 16th century, it gained international renown for its exhibition of Monet's six Water Lilies paintings, earning it a place of pilgrimage in 1921. The two-story museum features two circular galleries on the first floor, each housing three rectangular paintings. The basement showcases works from the late Impressionist period, including those by Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, and Gauguin. Visitors are advised to be mindful of the fact that photography is prohibited for some of the works within the museum.
Suitable for all seasons
1-3 hours
Tickets are 9 euros, discounted tickets are 6.5 euros, and admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.
Free for people under 18 and EU citizens under 26
09:00-18:00; Last admission: 17:15 (Wednesday-Monday, January 1st-December 31st)
Closed to the public (January 1st - Tuesday, December 31st)
The Orangerie Museum, located in the Tuileries Gardens, was originally built in the 1850s to house the royal orangery. After a major renovation in the 1920s, it was turned into a museum. It is most famous for being the home of Claude Monet's large "Water Lilies" murals, which are displayed in two oval rooms. The museum also houses works by other impressionist and post-impressionist artists such as Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso.
The Orangerie Museum is located in the Tuileries Gardens near the Louvre. The nearest metro station is Concorde (Lines 1, 8, 12), which is a short walk away. You can also get there by bus or taxi, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the Tuileries Gardens from the Louvre Museum.
The Orangerie Museum is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except on Tuesdays and some holidays. The best time to visit is early in the morning right when the museum opens to avoid crowds. Weekdays, particularly Mondays, are generally less busy than weekends.
The entrance fee for the Orangerie Museum is typically around €12. You can buy tickets online through the museum’s official website or at the entrance. There are discounts for students and free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can book tickets online up to a few weeks ahead of time to secure your preferred time slot and avoid waiting in line.
You can expect to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours in the Orangerie Museum. This allows enough time to fully enjoy Monet’s “Water Lilies” series and the other permanent collections, as well as to explore the peaceful surroundings in the Tuileries Garden.
The must-see highlights include the two oval rooms displaying Monet’s “Water Lilies.” These immersive murals are a unique and breathtaking experience. Also, be sure to visit the museum's collection of works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso in the permanent collection rooms.
The Orangerie Museum offers audio guides available in several languages, including French, English, Spanish, and German. You can rent an audio guide at the entrance or download a mobile version on your phone before your visit.
The best photography spot is in the two oval rooms where Monet’s “Water Lilies” are displayed. The expansive, panoramic murals are best captured from the center of each room. Photography is allowed in the museum, but it's important to be mindful of other visitors.
Start by visiting the two main rooms featuring Monet’s “Water Lilies” series. After enjoying the murals, head to the other rooms to explore the museum’s collection of impressionist works. Finish your visit with some time in the Tuileries Gardens for a relaxing stroll.
The Orangerie Museum does not offer night visits or light shows. However, special exhibitions are sometimes held, so it’s worth checking the museum’s calendar before your visit. The museum also occasionally offers guided tours or events, which can be booked in advance.
The museum can get crowded, especially during tourist season. The least crowded times are typically on weekdays, particularly in the mornings right after the museum opens. Early afternoons during off-peak months also tend to be quieter.
The Orangerie Museum has restrooms and a small café where you can relax and have a snack. The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase art-related souvenirs, books, and postcards.
The Orangerie Museum is accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and elevators available. It is also family-friendly, offering a calm atmosphere for children to explore the art at their own pace.
Cards and mobile payments are accepted at the museum for entrance fees, the café, and the gift shop. Cash is not required, though it’s always good to have a small amount for tips or small purchases.
Inside the Orangerie Museum, there is a small café where you can enjoy coffee, pastries, and light snacks. Nearby, you can find a variety of cafés in the Tuileries Gardens, as well as several restaurants in the surrounding areas, including those near the Louvre.
Yes, the cafés in the nearby Tuileries Gardens offer vegetarian and vegan options. For halal food, you may need to venture a little further, but the area around the Louvre and Rue de Rivoli has some halal restaurants.
There are several hotels nearby, including Hôtel La Tamise, Hôtel Le Meurice, and Hôtel Regina, which are all within walking distance of the Orangerie Museum and Tuileries Gardens.
Nearby attractions include the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Place de la Concorde. All are located within walking distance and can easily be combined in a day trip.
The Orangerie Museum’s gift shop sells art-related souvenirs, including books, posters, and postcards of the museum's collections, as well as Monet-themed items. You can also find some unique art prints and small gifts.
After visiting the museum, you can continue your trip by metro (Concorde or Tuileries stations), or take a bus or walk to nearby attractions like the Louvre. Taxis are also available outside the museum for a more comfortable ride to your next destination.
