About Musée de l'Orangerie
Set in the Tuileries, the Orangerie was designed at Monet's request to display his Water Lilies (Nymphéas) in two oval rooms — alongside the Walter–Guillaume Collection of Impressionist and modern art.
Founded in 1927, Musée de l'Orangerie has been welcoming visitors for over 99 years. Today it draws approximately 1,000,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Paris, France, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 25,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Musée de l'Orangerie ranks #131
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #131 in our composite ranking, Musée de l'Orangerie represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 1.5 hours, planning your route through Musée de l'Orangerie is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Water Lilies (Nymphéas) oval rooms
- ◆Walter-Guillaume Collection
- ◆Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani
Recognition & awards
Musée de l'Orangerie has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Wed–Mon 9:00–18:00. Closed Tue.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 1.5 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Musée de l'Orangerie is located in Paris, France at coordinates 48.8638°N, 2.3226°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Musée de l'Orangerie
Musée de l'Orangerie was established in 1927, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Paris. With 1,000,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in France's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Europe region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Musée de l'Orangerie, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in Paris
Paris is home to 11 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Musée de l'Orangerie with these nearby institutions:
- #1Musée du Louvre🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #9Musée d'Orsay🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #13Centre Pompidou🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #20Musée Rodin🎭 Artist & Single-Subject
- #22Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso Paris)🎭 Artist & Single-Subject
- #62Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie🔬 Science & Industry
- #132Musée Marmottan Monet🎭 Artist & Single-Subject
- #133Petit Palais🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Musée de l'Orangerie?
Wed–Mon 9:00–18:00. Closed Tue. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Musée de l'Orangerie?
Most visitors recommend spending 1.5 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Musée de l'Orangerie located?
Musée de l'Orangerie is located in Paris, France. The exact coordinates are 48.8638°, 2.3226°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Musée de l'Orangerie known for?
Monet's Water Lilies in two oval rooms. Key highlights include Water Lilies (Nymphéas) oval rooms, Walter-Guillaume Collection, Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 25,000 reviews.
How many people visit Musée de l'Orangerie each year?
Musée de l'Orangerie receives approximately 1,000,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in France.
When was Musée de l'Orangerie founded?
Musée de l'Orangerie was founded in 1927, making it 99 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
