Musée de l'Orangerie

Overview

Tucked into the western corner of the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l'Orangerie is an intimate, naturally lit gallery. It is globally famous as the permanent, bespoke home for Claude Monet's spectacular Water Lilies murals.

Highlights

• The Water Lilies (Les Nymphéas): Eight massive, curved panoramic paintings housed in two stunning oval rooms illuminated purely by diffused skylights.
• The Walter-Guillaume Collection: An exceptional lower-level collection featuring key works by Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Modigliani, and Matisse.
• The Setting: The architecture of the oval rooms was specifically designed according to Monet's exact instructions to create an immersive "illusion of an endless whole."

History

Built in 1852 to shelter the orange trees of the Tuileries Palace during the winter. Following the end of WWI, Monet deeply desired to donate his monumental Water Lilies to the state as a symbol of peace. He personally supervised the interior redesign of the building to house them.

Visitor Tips

• Atmosphere: Monet intended the rooms to be a place of quiet meditation; silence is heavily encouraged.
• Booking: It is a small museum that sells out quickly; advance booking is mandatory.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.