Private Art History Walking Tour: Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie

Choose from a morning or afternoon private art history tour, then meet your guide at the entrance of the Musée d'Orsay. Widely considered to be among Europe’s most important gallery spaces, the Musée d'Orsay was once one of Paris’ busiest train stations. The building was repurposed in the 1980s and today houses a breathtaking collection including many of Europe's best known Impressionist paintings alongside 19th- and 20th-century photography and sculptures.

With your private guide to lead the way through the hallways and galleries, marvel at famous works by artists such as Gauguin, Manet, Renoir and Monet, and learn of their place in Impressionist history. Some of the best-known paintings in the museum include Renoir’s Bal du Moulin de la Galette and Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe by Manet. As you explore, discover the various methods employed by the different painters and learn the significance of painting in the open air.

When your tour of the Musée d'Orsay comes to an end, cross the Passerelle Solferino to the Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Gardens) with your guide and take in fine views out over the Seine River. On arrival at the Musée de l’Orangerie, begin the second of your two museum tours.

The Musée de l’Orangerie houses paintings and sculptures from artists including Picasso, Marisse and Cézanne but the gallery’s star attraction is, for many visitors, Monet’s 'Nymphéas' ('Water Lillies') murals. Painted in the artist’s gardens in Giverny, the murals showcase Monet’s skills to perfection. Standing before them in the Musée de l’Orangerie, listen as your guide explains Monet’s portrayal of light across the canvasses and gain insight into their subtle similarities and differences.

When your time in the Musée de l’Orangerie is at an end, explore the gallery further at your leisure or head outside to conclude your tour.