Orangerie Museum History: Key Facts and Famous Artworks

Did you know that the Orangerie Museum was a greenhouse in the past? The Orangerie Museum history is both interesting and fascinating. It was built in 1852 to protect orange trees from winter snow. Over the years, the museum become a famous place for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

When I visited the Orangerie Museum for the first time, it surprised me. Due to its unique design, the sunlight danced on the wall, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. The museum features some of the most famous paintings in the world, including Claude Monet’s water lilies.

If you want to learn about the amazing transformational history of Orangerie Museum, you are in the right place. In this blog, I will explain the fascinating journey of Orangerie Museum and discover its collection.

Key Takeaways:

• The Museum was built in 1852 as a greenhouse to protect orange trees. It was a letter transformed into an art gallery.
• Orangerie Museum is famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art collections.
• Between 2000-2006, renovation occurred in the museum to improve light and space.
• Claude Monet himself designed his painting rooms and donated his iconic painting Water Lilies.
• The design of the museum is very unique. Visitors can enjoy gorgeous architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

Origins of the Orangerie Museum: From Orangery to Art Gallery

The Musée de l’Orangerie history has some stages in its transformation journey. It was started as an orangery greenhouse in the 18th century. The greenhouse has undergone some major renovations and become museum it is today.

Early Origin

The building of orangerie museum was built in 1852. It was built as an orangery greenhouse in the Tuileries garden. Emperor Napoleon III requested to build this structure. It was located along the Seine River. The name of the building was “waterfront terrace”.

The major aim of the building was to protect trees from harsh winter snow. Firmin Bourgeois was the architect of the main greenhouse building. Workers took only four months to build this greenhouse building. 

The design of the building focused on sunlight and protecting the orange trees from the winds. Prince Imperial posed for his famous sculptor “The Prince Imperial and his dog Néro” in this building. The sculptor Carpeaux set up his studio in the orangery in 1865.

During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, it was used as a military storage building. After the fall of the Empire and the fire at Tuileries Garden in 1871, the orangery became state property. The government continued to use it as an orangery until 1922.

From Orangery to Museum

Orangery Museum served as a greenhouse building for almost half a century. Over time, it was used for different purposes. In the early 20th century, some major event occurs in the orangery museum timeline.

In 1922, the government of France delivered the building to the Secretariat of State for Fine Arts. The first idea was to give space for living artists to showcase their art. After some time, the administration turned the orangery into museum.

In 1927, the museum became public. The first painting in the museum was donated by Claude Monet. It was his world famous water lilies painting. Within a few years, the Orangery Museum became one of the most famous art museums in the world.

Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection

Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume were prominent art collectors. In 1959 and 1963, they donated their art collection to museum authority. This collection includes works of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, and Paul Cézanne.

The collection of Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume improved the museum’s quality. These collections played an important role in improving Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. When you visit the museum, you can see these amazing artworks.

Key Renovations in Orangerie Museum History

Between 2000-2006, the museum has gone through major renovations. It cost 30 million euros. The authority created space for Claude Monet’s paintings. The viewing experience for the visitors was also improved. They also created a new exhibit room for the Walter-Guillaume collection.

Some rooms of the building were removed. This allows natural light to enter the museum exhibition gallery. New temporary exhibition rooms, educational workshops, and a library were established.

On May 17, 2006, the museum was reopened for visitors. The main purpose of the renovation was to improve the visitors’ experience and the architecture of the building.

Musée de l’Orangerie and Claude Monet

After WWI, the government of France tried to do something to help people return to normal life. At that time, Monet gave an idea to showcase his paintings. Claude Monet was already a famous painter at that time.

Monet donated his paintings to the Orangerie Museum authority in 1992. These paintings become the symbol of impressionist art. Claude Monet also took part in the design and construction process of Musée de l’Orangerie.

With the help of an architect, Monet designed a space for his paintings. The design focused on the reflection of natural light and color in the paintings. It gives visitors a peaceful and cozy atmosphere.

The most famous artwork of the Orangerie Museum is Water Lilies by Claude Monet. This painting represents his love for nature. For any art lover, Claude Monet’s paintings are a must-see during a Paris tour. Behind the success of the Museum, Claude Monet played an important role in the history of the Musee de l’orangerie.

Architectural Features of the Museum

The design of the Orangerie Museum is different from regular museums. It focuses on natural light and a warm atmosphere. Here are some features of the museum building:

Glass Walls: The museum has large glass walls. These walls provide natural light and a beautiful view of Tuileries gardens.

Oval Galleries: These galleries were designed for Monet Water Lilies paintings. The design creates a sense of intimacy and allows visitors to enjoy the full view of the artwork.

Classic Style: The architecture of the museum building is elegant. It has a smooth and curved shape. The large window is installed to create space for natural light. The light creates a warm atmosphere inside the museum.

Skip the Lines: Save your time and avoid long lines by booking an advance ticket online.

Overview of the Museum Collections

The Orangerie Museum has some of the most famous collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Some of the Orangerie Museum collection are:

Major Collections

Monet’s Water Lilies is the most famous artwork in the museum. It is a series of large-scale paintings that depict water lilies in ponds. These paintings are available in the museum’s oval galleries.

Another Major collection of the museum is “Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection.” Jean and Guillaume were art collectors. They donate their collection to the museum. The collection includes the works of artists like Renoir, Cézanne, and Monet.

Works by Other Artists

There are some other artwork collections available in the museum. The museum has a large collection of renowned artists like Renior, Matisse, Cézanne, and Pablo Picasso. These collections include portraits, landscapes, and still lives.

Want to Know More About Impressionist Art? Click Here

Notable Exhibitions

The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions for visitors. It allows visitors to explore the artworks differently. You can enjoy these exhibitions by Purchasing tickets online or at the counter. Some of the recent exhibitions are:

Monet: The Water Lilies

This is dedicated to the work of Claude Monet. It allows visitors to enjoy Monet’s famous artwork, the Water Lilies series.

Cézanne: The Pursuit of the Absolute

For exploring Cézanne’s groundbreaking artwork.

Matisse: The Cut-Outs

An exhibition for Matisse’s innovative artwork.

Musée de l’Orangerie Visitor Information

The museum is located in the west corner of the Tuileries Garden. It is exactly next to the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

Opening & Closing Times

The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. The last entry time is 5:15 PM.

The last entry time is 5:15 PM, 45 minutes before closing. You must leave the galleries by 5:45 p.m.

The museum stays closed on Tuesdays. The museum also stays closed on May 1, the morning of July 14, and all day on December 25.

Entrance

Due to construction work, the authority suggests some entrances:

• The door at the junction of rue de Rivoli and Place de la Concorde
• The gate at the junction of rue de Castiglione and rue de Rivoli
• The gate at rue de Rivoli level with rue du 29 juillet (near Tuileries metro station)
• The gate at the Sédar Senghor footbridge (Quai des Tuileries)

Floor and Level Information

The musuem has two main floors. On these floors, you will find every artwork collection of the museum.

Lower Floor (Basement Level)

The lower floor has an entrance hall, gift shop, and café. The lower floor also has Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection. This collection focuses on early 20th-century art.

First Floor

There are two large oval galleries on this floor. These galleries have Claude Monet’s iconic Water Lilies series paintings. The designer of these galleries was Claude Monet. This floor has some other galleries that feature works by other artists.

Claude Monet tries to keep these rooms open to allow natural light from above. The layout of the rooms is 360 degrees panorama.

Visitor Tips: The museum can be crowded in peak seasons. Try to wear a comfortable dress and shoes. Bring a water bottle with you.

Transportation

The Museum is located in the center of Paris. The location of the museum makes it easy to reach the museum.

By Metro

The Concorde Station (Lines 1, 8, and 12) of the metro is near the museum.

By Bus

Lines 24, 42, 52, 72, 73, 84, and 94 all have stoppages near the Place de la Concorde. It is a short walk from the museum.

By taxi or rideshare

You can easily grab a taxi or use a rideshare service like Uber or Bolt to reach the Orangerie Museum.

Musée de l’orangerie Tickets – Official Website

Carte Blanche: The Carte Blanche offers unlimited and reserved access for one year. It also includes many other advantages and discounts (in shops, restaurants, on audio guides, etc.).

Discounts: Discounts for students and seniors are available. Keep an eye on the museum’s website for special offers.

Free Entry: Entrance is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month. Visitors under 18 can also visit the museum for free.

Purchasing tickets: If you want to avoid long lines, try to buy tickets in advance. Especially during peak seasons, the ticket line can be very long.

Tips for Visiting: Try to Arrive early in the morning. It will help you to avoid crowds and enjoy the artwork peacefully. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 What is the best time to visit the Orangerie Museum?

The best time to visit the museum is early in the morning on weekdays. If you are looking for seasons, try to visit during off-peak seasons. It is typically from September to November.

Who was the architect of the L Orangerie?

It is argued that the building was designed by Félix Duban in 1852. Some sources say the architect was Firmin Bourgeois (1786–1853).

What is the most famous artwork in the Orangerie Museum?

The most famous painting in the museum is Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series. It is a massive painting that shows the lilies in the pond.

Is the museum accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is accessible to all types of visitors. It has ramps and elevators for disabled people. You can collect wheelchairs from authorities by requesting them.

What to see in Orangerie Museum?

Claude Monet’s Water Lilies and Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection are must-see works in the Orangerie museum.

Conclusion

The Orangerie museum is a hidden gem for painting lovers. From an Orangery greenhouse to an art museum, it holds stories that will attract you.

Visiting the museum allows you to explore its treasures. It offers an incredible journey for art lovers of all ages. Every painting in the museum will tell you a different story. So, enjoy the museum’s art and unique architecture.