Museum of the Orangerie

The Musée de l’Orangerie, located in the heart of the Tuileries Garden in Paris, is a temple of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Founded in 1927, this museum is particularly famous for housing Claude Monet’s monumental “Water Lilies” paintings, a masterpiece of Impressionism that envelops visitors in an atmosphere of tranquility and natural beauty. The building that houses the museum, a former orangery built in 1852 under Napoleon III, was transformed into an exhibition space on the initiative of the then Minister of Fine Arts, Georges Clemenceau. Its structure, with large windows allowing natural light to flood the rooms, was adapted to display Monet’s large paintings in a way that creates an immersive experience. The “Water Lilies” are distributed in two oval rooms, arranged to form an infinite water expanse that changes with the daylight, offering a constantly new visual experience. In addition to the “Water Lilies,” the Musée de l’Orangerie houses the collection of Paul Guillaume, an art dealer who was one of the main promoters of modern art in France. This collection, enriched by Guillaume’s widow, Domenica Walter, includes works by great masters of the 20th century such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, and André Derain. Each room of the museum offers a journey through the stylistic evolutions of the art of the period, from the transition from Impressionism to Cubism, from Fauvism to naïve art. The collection stands out not only for the quality of the works, but also for their arrangement. The works are presented in a sequence that allows visitors to appreciate the connections and influences between the artists. For example, Cézanne’s paintings, with their exploration of forms and light, prepare the viewer for the Cubist revolution of Picasso and Braque. Similarly, Modigliani’s intense and poetic portraits find a natural continuation in the vibrant colors of Soutine. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Musée de l’Orangerie is its ability to combine the intimacy of a private collection with the accessibility of a large public museum. The rooms are designed to offer a quiet contemplation space, where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the works. This atmosphere reflects Monet’s original intent for his “Water Lilies,” conceived as a refuge of peace and beauty in the heart of the city. The museum underwent major renovation works between 2000 and 2006, which improved the enjoyment of the works and accessibility for visitors. These interventions, led by architect Olivier Brochet, included the creation of new exhibition rooms, a modern auditorium for conferences and screenings, and a cozy café overlooking the Tuileries Gardens. One of the most fascinating anecdotes related to the museum concerns Claude Monet and his “Water Lilies.” When Monet began painting these monumental canvases, he was already over seventy years old and suffered from serious vision problems. Despite these difficulties, he worked tirelessly for over ten years, transforming his garden in Giverny into an open-air studio. The “Water Lilies” represent the culmination of his artistic and spiritual quest, a work that merges nature and painting in a transcendent vision.