Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris - person standing beside blue wall
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Musée de l'Orangerie

4.6
·21k reviews·Paris, France

Experience Claude Monet's monumental Water Lilies in two custom-designed oval rooms, a truly immersive and serene art encounter in the heart of Paris,...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings (9 AM)

Avoid crowds and selfie-takers

CrowdLow
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Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris - person standing beside blue wall

Musée de l'Orangerie

Best Time

Weekday Mornings (9 AM)

Avoid crowds and selfie-takers Reddit

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience Claude Monet's monumental Water Lilies in two custom-designed oval rooms, a truly immersive and serene art encounter in the heart of Paris, complemented by a rich collection of 20th-century art.

4.6
(21k reviews)

"Don't ruin your trip to Paris by skipping this museum that holds the original collection of Monet's water lilies! TikTok"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your Musée de l'Orangerie tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues .

⏰ Arrive at Opening

Be there at 9 AM for the most peaceful experience with Monet's Water Lilies before crowds build .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monet's Water Lilies (Les Nymphéas)

Monet's Water Lilies (Les Nymphéas)

Oval Rooms (Ground Floor)

Immerse yourself in Claude Monet's monumental Water Lilies murals, displayed in two custom-designed oval rooms, offering a truly unique and contemplative experience.TikTok

David Hockney's 'A Year in Normandy'

David Hockney's 'A Year in Normandy'

Lower Floor

Discover contemporary art with David Hockney's vibrant iPad art, including the impressive 80-foot frieze 'A Year in Normandy,' a surprising highlight for many visitors.TikTok

Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection

Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection

Lower Floor

Explore a rich collection of 20th-century European art, featuring works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani, offering a broader artistic context.

Planning Your Visit

Secure Your Musée de l'Orangerie Tickets Early

Don't risk missing Monet's Water Lilies! Tickets for the Musée de l'Orangerie, especially combined tickets with Musée d'Orsay, often sell out. Booking your l'Orangerie tickets online in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry and avoid long lines, a common frustration for travelers.Reddit+1

Beat the Crowds for a Serene Experience

The Musée de l'Orangerie can get very busy, particularly the main Water Lilies rooms, with many visitors taking photos.Reddit+1 To truly absorb the art in peace, aim to visit right at opening (9 AM) on a weekday. This strategy helps avoid the rush of tour groups and influencers.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings (9 AM)
Why
Avoid crowds and selfie-takers Reddit
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon (after 4 PM)
Why
Tour groups thin out, quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer Friday Evenings
Why
Special late openings, unique ambiance Reddit
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

avoid crowds and visit these Paris museums #francetravel #paristravel #paristravelguide #paristraveltips #paristraveladvice #louvremuseum #orsaymuseum #rodinmuseum #lorangerie #rodinmusuem #museedorsa...
@dashakofman
298K likes • 2M views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your Musée de l'Orangerie tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.Reddit+1

⏰ Arrive at Opening

Be there at 9 AM for the most peaceful experience with Monet's Water Lilies before crowds build.TikTokReddit

Did you know you can see Monet’s water lily paintings in the morning at the Musée d’Orsay and then head over to his house in Giverny to see the actual inspiration in the afternoon? This was a fantasti...
@voyagewithmc
172.5K likes • 1.4M views
Paris vlog is live on my YouTube channel. This art was therapeutic. It left me speechless. So glad I managed to see this in person. This was the highlight of my Paris trip. https://liketk.it/5mnMv ...
iamsaritarai_
69 likes • 2.8K views

🧘 Take Time to Absorb

Don't rush! Sit on the benches in the oval rooms and let the Water Lilies envelop you.Reddit

🚶 Explore Tuileries Garden

The museum is in the beautiful Tuileries Garden; enjoy a stroll or coffee before or after your visit.TikTokReddit

Paris is extra special for Monet lovers, from musee l'orangerie to Foundation Monet in Giverny to walk through his actual gardens, Monet’s work can be admired from all over 🥹😭🪷 #parisfrance #paristrav...
@_soocha
80.9K likes • 359.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your Musée de l'Orangerie tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.Reddit+1

⏰ Arrive at Opening

Be there at 9 AM for the most peaceful experience with Monet's Water Lilies before crowds build.TikTokReddit

🧘 Take Time to Absorb

Don't rush! Sit on the benches in the oval rooms and let the Water Lilies envelop you.Reddit

🚶 Explore Tuileries Garden

The museum is in the beautiful Tuileries Garden; enjoy a stroll or coffee before or after your visit.TikTokReddit

📸 Be Mindful of Others

While photos are allowed, be respectful of other visitors trying to view the art.Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(21k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Musée de l'Orangerie for its unique and immersive display of Monet's Water Lilies, often describing it as a peaceful and contemplative experience. While the main draw is universally loved, some express frustration with crowds and selfie-takers, which can detract from the serene atmosphere.

"I can’t put into words how incredible this museum was!
I came specifically to see Monet’s work, and it truly blew me away — so serene and moving.

Even if you’re not usually into art, I’d still highly recommend a visit. The atmosphere is calming, and there’s something for everyone. They even have a children’s activity area, which is a lovely touch for families, as well as a few other types of art exhibitions beyond Impressionism."

Kit Jan

"It was a rainy Sunday morning and what’s better to do in the rain than go to a great museum. The l’Orangerie’s website said they were sold out so I bought four tickets on Viator (spent ~25% more), but we arrived and there were two lines and we were pointed to line one and maybe waited 10 minutes before we went in. Line two was long. It was for people who didn’t have tickets. It was still long when we walked out an hour later.

I recommend getting an audio guide from the museum for 5€.

The Monet Water Lilly’s are on the ground floor and they are lovely to look at. The audio guide shares a lot of interesting information.

Downstairs is an interesting art collection. Some pieces have you scratching your head, while others leave you agape.

If you’re in Paris and appreciate art, you should visit the museum."

Heath Stockton

"This was hands down my favorite museum in Paris. I didn’t even have to wait in line to get in—maybe I just got lucky, but it made the experience even better! The highlight was, without a doubt, Monet’s Water Lilies. Standing in those oval rooms surrounded by his massive, serene paintings was absolutely breathtaking. The atmosphere was calm, the layout beautifully curated, and the overall experience unforgettable. I 100% recommend visiting—especially if you appreciate impressionist art or just want a peaceful, inspiring break from the city buzz. If you are a student the museum is free."

deniz alaaddinoğlu

What People Like

Immersive Monet experience
Natural light in oval rooms
Manageable size

What People Dislike

Crowds and selfie-takers
Can feel rushed by others

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Around

The Musée de l'Orangerie is conveniently located in the heart of Paris, within the Tuileries Garden, right next to Place de la Concorde. It's also a short walk from the Louvre Museum.TikTok+1

You can reach the Musée de l'Orangerie easily by metro. The closest stations are Concorde (Lines 1, 8, 12) and Tuileries (Line 1). Many bus lines also stop nearby, making it very accessible.

Yes, it's a popular combination! The Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie are relatively close, about a 10-15 minute walk across the Seine. Many travelers suggest visiting Orangerie first as it's smaller, then heading to Orsay.Reddit Combined tickets are often available.

Yes, the museum is generally accessible. There are elevators to access the lower floor where the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection and David Hockney's works are displayed. The main Water Lilies rooms are on the ground floor.

Most visitors find 1 to 1.5 hours sufficient to explore the Musée de l'Orangerie. It's a more intimate experience compared to larger museums like the Louvre or Orsay, allowing for a focused appreciation of the art.Reddit

🎫 🎟️ Tickets & Entry

The best way to buy Musée de l'Orangerie tickets is online through the official website. This allows you to select a specific time slot, which is crucial for avoiding queues and ensuring entry, especially during peak season.Reddit+1

Standard admission for the Musée de l'Orangerie typically costs around €12. There are often reduced rates for certain groups, and children under 18 (and EU residents under 26) may qualify for free admission.Reddit

Yes, a combined ticket for Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie is a popular choice, offering a slight discount and convenience if you plan to visit both. This combined ticket can be purchased online.Reddit

Musée de l'Orangerie offers free admission for visitors under 18, and for EU citizens or residents aged 18-25. It's also free on the first Sunday of each month, though expect higher crowds on these days.Reddit

While it's possible to get in without a reservation, especially on a weekday morning, it's not guaranteed. Tickets can sell out, and you might face a long wait in the non-reserved line.Reddit Booking online is always safer.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience & Art

The absolute highlight is Claude Monet's 'Water Lilies' (Les Nymphéas), eight monumental murals displayed in two oval rooms. Beyond Monet, the museum also houses the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection, featuring works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani.TikTok+1

The Musée de l'Orangerie offers audio guides and sometimes short introductory talks. However, many Reddit travelers suggest that a formal guided tour isn't necessary for the main Water Lilies exhibit, as the experience is best enjoyed by sitting and absorbing the art at your own pace.Reddit

Photography without flash is generally permitted in the Musée de l'Orangerie, especially in the Water Lilies rooms. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking views or using tripods, as the rooms can get crowded with people taking selfies.Reddit+1

Yes, the museum has a well-stocked gift shop where you can find books, prints, and souvenirs related to Monet and the other artists. There is also a small café on-site for light refreshments, perfect for a quick break during your visit.

The two oval rooms were specifically designed by Monet himself to house his 'Water Lilies' series, creating an immersive, panoramic experience. The natural light filtering in enhances the paintings, making them feel like an extension of the surrounding Tuileries Garden.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🎨 Art Lovers & Monet Enthusiasts

For those who adore Impressionism, especially Claude Monet, the Musée de l'Orangerie is an absolute pilgrimage. It's not just about seeing the 'Water Lilies'; it's about experiencing them as Monet intended, in rooms designed to create a continuous, immersive panorama.TikTok This unique setting allows for a profound connection with the artist's vision, making it a highlight for Monet lovers.TikTok

Consider pairing your visit with a day trip to Monet's House and Gardens in Giverny.TikTok+1 Seeing the actual pond that inspired these masterpieces after experiencing them at the Orangerie offers an unparalleled understanding of Monet's artistic process and his deep connection to nature. Many travelers on Reddit recommend this combination for a truly comprehensive Monet experience.Reddit

📅 Day-Trippers & Efficient Travelers

If you're looking to maximize your time in Paris, the Musée de l'Orangerie is a perfect fit. Its manageable size (typically 1-1.5 hours) means you can easily integrate it into a busy itinerary without feeling rushed.Reddit Located centrally in the Tuileries Garden, it's a convenient stop between the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay.TikTok

* Pro Tip: Purchase a combined ticket for Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie to save time and money.
* Morning Strategy: Visit the Orangerie right at opening (9 AM) for a crowd-free experience, then head to the Tuileries Garden for a coffee before moving on to your next destination.Reddit+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Musée de l'Orangerie, particularly the Water Lilies rooms, offers incredible photographic opportunities due to the natural light and the immersive scale of the art. The soft, diffused light is perfect for capturing the nuances of Monet's brushstrokes and the serene atmosphere.TikTok Many visitors, including influencers, come specifically for the 'Instagram moment'.Reddit+1

However, it's crucial to be respectful of other visitors. The rooms can get crowded, and people often block views for extended periods while taking selfies.Reddit+1 Aim for an early morning visit to get your shots with fewer people, and always avoid flash photography. Focus on capturing the feeling of the space rather than just a quick snap.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Immersive World of Monet's Water Lilies

The Musée de l'Orangerie is the place to experience Claude Monet's monumental 'Water Lilies' (Les Nymphéas) series. Unlike traditional gallery displays, these eight vast murals are housed in two custom-built oval rooms, designed by Monet himself to create an immersive, almost meditative environment.TikTok The natural light that floods these spaces changes throughout the day, subtly altering the appearance of the paintings and enhancing their ethereal quality. Many visitors find themselves sitting for extended periods, letting the serene beauty of the canvases wash over them.Reddit

This unique presentation allows for a truly contemplative experience, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of other Parisian museums. It's a chance to step into Monet's vision of his Giverny garden, feeling surrounded by the tranquil pond and its reflections. The sheer scale and continuous flow of the paintings are designed to envelop the viewer, making it a must-see for any art lover or anyone seeking a moment of peace in Paris.TikTok

Beyond Monet: A Hidden Gem of Modern Art

While the 'Water Lilies' are undoubtedly the star attraction, the Musée de l'Orangerie offers much more. On the lower floor, you'll discover the impressive Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection, a treasure trove of early 20th-century European art. This collection features masterpieces by renowned artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, and Rousseau.

Recently, the museum has also gained attention for its temporary exhibitions, notably featuring works like David Hockney's 'A Year in Normandy'.TikTok These contemporary additions provide a fascinating contrast to the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, showcasing the museum's commitment to a broader artistic dialogue. Don't rush past these galleries; they offer a rich and diverse artistic journey that complements the iconic Monet experience.

Strategic Planning: Combining Your Paris Museum Visits

The Musée de l'Orangerie's prime location in the Tuileries Garden makes it an ideal stop to combine with other major Parisian attractions. It's literally steps away from the Louvre Museum and a short, scenic walk across the Pont de la Concorde to the Musée d'Orsay.TikTok+1 Many travelers opt for a combined ticket for Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie, making for an efficient art-filled day.

However, Reddit users advise against trying to cram too much into one day, especially with teenagers.Reddit The Orangerie is relatively quick to visit (1-1.5 hours), while Orsay is much larger. Consider visiting the Orangerie first thing in the morning for a peaceful experience, then enjoying lunch before heading to Orsay, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through the Tuileries Garden.Reddit+1 For a deeper Monet experience, consider a day trip to his house and gardens in Giverny, often combined with the Orangerie.TikTok+1

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