See Monet’s water lilies without spending any money. If you plan in advance, you can get free entry to Musee de l’Orangerie. Children, 18-25 years olds, and disabled persons can get in for free at any time. Others have to time their visit just right. June 2022: post updated and improved with current info.

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What is l’Orangerie? Wonderful Water Lilies!

When I first heard about l’Orangerie, I imagined it was a garden in which they grew orange trees. Seemed obvious. Until I started reading up and found out that it is one of the best museums in Paris.

This museum was built especially to showcase Monet’s water lily paintings. In the museum, you will find yourself in a peaceful setting, water lilies all around you, with varying light conditions. The paintings were way bigger than I imagined, and are a good break from the busy streets of Paris.

First Things First: How to Get in For Free?

During our spring break in Paris, we found out that everyone has free entry to l’Orangerie on the first Sunday of the month! Even better, there are other museums with the same rule! We were planning to go to l’Orangerie anyway, since it is my favorite Paris Museum, but it was nice that we did not have to pay anything. Carpe Diem! (It always is free for children, 18-25 years olds, and disabled persons)

We expected it would be busy on a free day, but it wasn’t too bad. After about ten minutes of waiting, we got in. Although the line seemed long, it moved fast.

Five Fantastic Reasons to Visit Musee de l’Orangerie

When you do get to the Orangerie, here are some things to look forward to.

Winsome Water Lilies Surrounding You

Naturally, your first stop should be the big halls with the huge water lilies paintings. Relax and sit on one of the benches and enjoy. Relish in the calmness and quiet that radiates from the paintings. Hear the frog sounds from the frogs who are hiding between the lily pads. Notice the dragon flies which are dancing around. Know that a blue heron will swoop in soon. Admire the fluffy clouds in the sky.

To Infinity and Beyond!

Not many people know that the exhibition is in two oval halls which together form the symbol ∞ for infinity. A cool tidbit I didn’t realize the last time we visited. Useful for your next trivia night too,

Temporary Exhibitions

Of course there is more to the museum than just the water lilies. This time there was an exhibition of American Abstract Painting (Nymphéas. L’abstraction américaine et le dernier Monet) It turns out that I clearly am not smart enough to appreciate the American abstract paintings, however much I love Monet.

To me, Monet shows a reality in an abstract view, but I can still see the reality which modeled it. Monet’s paintings draw me into his world, the other abstract painters in this exhibition did not have that power.

For up to date information on expositions, visit the Musee de l’Orangerie ‘s website.

Peek at Picasso, Go Ga-Ga for Gaudin…

The permanent exhibition was much more interesting and enjoyable to me. There are paintings by Picasso, Gaugin, Derain, Monet, Rubens and many others. We spent quite some time enjoying all those and the stories about the artists.

Happily walking around, you can ignore all the people, and focus on the paintings. The museum is small enough that you can see all of them, unlike the Louvre, which is impossible to cover in one day.

Grab a Snack at Café de l’Orangerie

Since walking through a museum might tire you out, it is good to know that there is a café right on site. Have some good coffee and don’t miss out on the delectable Parisian pastries. If you’d rather go for a salad, they have these available too.

Especially if you did get in for free, consider supporting the museum by visiting their café and book store.

Conclusion about How to Get into l’Orangerie for Free

This museum is a must-see in Paris, but it is pretty expensive to get in. That is why we were so happy to find out about free entry to the Orangerie! I hope this will help you to see the wonderful world of the water lilies and save money. Have you been to l’Orangerie? What is your favorite museum in Paris?

The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.

Alice Morse Earle

Best Things To Do in Paris

• Paris on a Budget;
• Free museums and monuments in Paris. The official site of the Paris Convention and Visitor bureau.
• Explore Paris;
• Important tourist scam warning: How To Beat the Shell Game !
• Hang out with the Lost Generation at La Closerie des Lilas;
• Explore the Montparnasse neighborhood in Paris;
• Find out about affordable Michelin restaurants in Paris: Bib Gourmand;
• Find out geeky Van Gogh facts and then seek out some of his paintings in Paris;
• Stay in Paris for free using your Hilton Honors points;
• Or use a free Hilton weekend certificate.

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