Musée de l'Orangerie

The Basics

Visitors can enjoy priority access by pre-booking skip-the-line tickets, join a guided tour, or explore independently with or without an audio guide. Alternatively, visit as part of a group or private tour of Paris, a walking tour of the Montmartre neighborhood, or a Paris art history tour. Combination tickets are also available for the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Musée d'Orsay, while free admission is offered to holders of the Paris Museum Pass.

Things to Know Before You Go

• On-site facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a museum café.

• Large bags must be left in the free cloakroom.

• The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Musée de l'Orangerie is located at the southwest corner of the Jardin des Tuileries, bordered by Place de la Concorde to the west and the Seine River to the south. The most scenic way to arrive at the museum is on foot, either by walking down the Champs Elysée from the Arc de Triomphe, or by strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries from The Louvre. The closest Metro station is Concorde (Lines 1, 8, and 12).

When to Get There

The museum is open daily (except Tuesdays) year round. In the busy summer months, opt for an early-morning visit to avoid the crowds. Budget-conscious travelers can nab free entrance on the first Sunday of each month.

Permanent Exhibitions at the Musée de l'Orangerie

Transformed into an art gallery in the early 20th century, the Musée de l'Orangerie displays a varied collection of 19th- and 20th-century art, with some fantastic examples of impressionist, post- impressionist, expressionist, and modern art. The star attraction of the museum’s permanent collections is Monet’sWater Lilies, displayed in a pair of evocatively lit ovular rooms. In the basement, the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection brims with masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, and Soutine, and others.

Ways to explore

Booking a time-stamped admission ticket for the Musée de l’Orangerie is highly recommended, although it’s also possible to buy tickets, subject to availability, on arrival. Give yourself at least an hour to visit the permanent exhibitions, which include the Water Lilies by Claude Monet and the Walter-Guillaume Collection, either independently, with an audio guide, or as part of a guided tour.

Combination tickets are also available for the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay, while free admission is offered to holders of the Paris Museum Pass.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility, with an accessible entrance located to the left of the main entrance. Free wheelchairs, folding chairs, and canes are available; hearing loops are available upon request. There is free admission and priority entrance for disability cardholders. The Concorde station is accessible, as are Paris buses. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

Admission is free to under-18s and EU residents under 26.

What to pack

Photo ID (if you qualify for a reduced-rate ticket), reusable water bottle

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes, a light cover-up (the museum is air-conditioned)

Not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, bulky items (these will not be accepted by the coat check)

Amenities

Café, book and gift shop, audio guides, coat check, restrooms with baby changing facilities, drinking water fountain, free Wi-Fi

Address

The Musée de l’Orangerie is located at the southwest corner of the Jardin des Tuileries, bordered by Place de la Concorde to the west and the Seine River to the south. The most scenic way to arrive at the museum is on foot, either by walking down the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe or by strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries from the Louvre. However, it’s also well-connected by public transport.

Driving

Driving in the 1st arrondissement, which falls within Paris’ Limited Traffic Zone, is prohibited for visitors, and fines apply. It’s still possible to take a licensed taxi to the museum, but it’s usually quicker and cheaper to use public transport.

Public transportation

The closest Paris Metro station is Concorde (lines 1, 8, 12), about a 2-minute walk away. Buses 42, 45, 52, 72, 73, 84, and 94 also stop at Place de la Concorde, close to the museum.

Best times to visit

Visit in the morning to dodge the crowds, especially on weekends, or make the most of the reduced-rate evening visits from 6–9pm on Fridays.

Best days to visit

Monday to Thursday are the quietest times to visit, but the museum is closed on Tuesdays. There is free entry on the first Sunday of each month.

Best months to visit

Temporary exhibitions are typically held in the spring or from fall through winter, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance.

Special events

The museum takes part in the European Night of Museums each May, offering free admission and a late-night opening.