Musée de l'Orangerie
Good for: Impressionist Art Fans · Art Lovers · Short Paris Visits
1927
Water Lilies Installed
8
Monet Nymphéas Panels
1–1.5 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, France — the Orangerie was built in 1852 to shelter the Tuileries Garden's orange trees. Open Wednesday to Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays). Admission: €12.50 standard admission. Book timed-entry tickets ahead in peak season. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (1–1.5 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Musée de l'Orangerie
The Musée de l'Orangerie sits in the Tuileries Garden at the Place de la Concorde end, housed in an orangery built in 1852 for Napoleon III's orange trees. In 1927, Claude Monet's monumental Water Lilies cycle was installed in two oval rooms designed to the artist's specifications.
Monet donated the eight large canvases — the Nymphéas — as a 'monument to peace' after the First World War. He worked on them in his Giverny garden until his death in 1926, intending them as a total environment wrapping the viewer in light and colour.
Below the Water Lilies rooms, the Walter-Guillaume collection holds outstanding works by Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, and Soutine — the collection of art dealer Paul Guillaume and his widow Domenica Walter.
The museum is compact and focused, making it one of the most rewarding short visits in Paris. Combined with a walk through the Tuileries, it forms a perfect afternoon.
1–1.5 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Musée de l'Orangerie without museum fatigue. · 1–1.5 hours
- 1
Water Lilies (Nymphéas)
📍 Two Oval Rooms, Ground Floor
Eight vast canvases of Monet's Giverny water garden filling two elliptical rooms, designed as a continuous panorama of light, water, and vegetation.
- 2
The Red Studio
📍 Walter-Guillaume Collection, Lower Level
Matisse's landmark painting of his studio filled with red walls and floating artworks, a foundational work of modernism.
- 3
Portrait of Madame Cézanne
📍 Walter-Guillaume Collection
A characteristic Cézanne portrait of his wife Hortense, showing the artist's structured approach to form and colour.
- 4
Young Italian Woman
📍 Walter-Guillaume Collection
A Modigliani portrait with the elongated neck and almond eyes that define his style, from the Guillaume collection.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Musée de l'Orangerie — and why they matter.
Water Lilies (Nymphéas)
Claude Monet · 1914–1926
📍 Two Oval Rooms, Ground Floor
Eight vast canvases of Monet's Giverny water garden filling two elliptical rooms, designed as a continuous panorama of light, water, and vegetation.
The Red Studio
Henri Matisse · 1911
📍 Walter-Guillaume Collection, Lower Level
Matisse's landmark painting of his studio filled with red walls and floating artworks, a foundational work of modernism.
Portrait of Madame Cézanne
Paul Cézanne · c. 1885
📍 Walter-Guillaume Collection
A characteristic Cézanne portrait of his wife Hortense, showing the artist's structured approach to form and colour.
Young Italian Woman
Amedeo Modigliani · 1918
📍 Walter-Guillaume Collection
A Modigliani portrait with the elongated neck and almond eyes that define his style, from the Guillaume collection.
Collections & highlights
- • Monet Water Lilies — eight Nymphéas panels
- • Walter-Guillaume collection — Cézanne, Renoir
- • Picasso and Matisse early modernism
- • Modigliani portraits
- • Soutine and Derain landscapes
- • Rousseau and Utrillo
- • Tuileries Garden setting
- • Temporary exhibitions in lower galleries
Famous works in our collection guide
Frequently asked questions
How long are the Water Lilies rooms?
Each oval room is ninety-one metres of curved canvas — plan at least thirty minutes to take it in.
Is there a combined ticket with the Orsay?
Yes, a discounted joint ticket valid for several days is offered.
How long should I spend at Musée de l'Orangerie?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Musée de l'Orangerie best known for?
The Orangerie was built in 1852 to shelter the Tuileries Garden's orange trees. In 1927 Claude Monet's Nymphéas — eight vast canvases of water lilies — were installed in two specially designed oval rooms, an environment Monet called 'the illusion of an endless whole'. Key highlights include Water Lilies (Nymphéas) by Monet, The Card Players by Cézanne, The Young Apprentice by Modigliani.
How do I get tickets for Musée de l'Orangerie?
€12.50 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.musee-orangerie.fr/en
How long should I spend in the Water Lilies rooms?
Monet intended them as a meditative environment — allow at least 20 minutes seated in the oval rooms. Most visitors spend an hour total.
Is the Walter-Guillaume collection included?
Yes — one ticket covers both the Monet Water Lilies and the Walter-Guillaume collection of early modern masters on the lower level.
How does this compare to Musée Marmottan Monet?
Orangerie has the monumental late Water Lilies environment. Marmottan has Impression, Sunrise and the largest Monet collection overall.
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