Which Impressionist museum in Paris should I go to?

Musee d’Orsay definitely. The Impressionist collection of French artists here is probably the best anywhere in the world.

I'm sorry, but I'D try to see both. Even if you only visit the floor with Monet's Water Lilies it is SO worth visiting the Orangerie.

If you HAVE to pick one, I guess its the Orsay. But, if you love Monet and the lily pads, you really ought to go to the Orangerie as well. The paintings are huge and you will really feel immersed. It is a smaller museum, so doesn't take nearly the time that the Orsay does.

Depends on your interests. If you’re a huge Monet fan, maybe just the l’Orangerie because his Waterlilies is incredible. If you want to see a large variety of artists and their paintings, the Orsay. I don’t think anyone can really tell you what you “should” do.

My opinion is Musee d’Orsay. The collection is vast -- much larger than l'Orangerie. And the interior of the building itself is something to behold since is was once a railroad station.

Thanks, everyone!

You could probably do both. A visit to the d'Orsay takes several hours. If you only want to see Monet's water lilies at l'Orangerie, that takes less than an hour.

The Orsay is bigger so has a wider ranging collection. I recently went to both during my October visit and I have to say that the Orangerie was so crowded I could hardly move. I only went downstairs and it was so bad down there I did not even go in the ground floor level rooms for the Water Lilies. And this was after going to the Orsay and visiting the special Caillebotte exhibition which was pretty crowded as expected.

I had timed entries at both.

I would also look to see if there are any special exhibitions at either place in case they are of interest as well.

You didn't mention it but if you are a Monet fan, the Musee Marmottan Monet has an excellent collection. I did not go to this museum on my recent trip so not sure how the crowds are running here.

https://www.marmottan.fr/

I always like to see the Cezanne at the Orangerie, in addition to the water lilies, of course. The last time I was there, there was a special exhibit of Grant Woods. Quite amusing that I would go all the way to Paris to see a midwest exhibit.

My girls liked the miniature rooms that I believe were of the Paris apartment of the collector that donated some of the works.

Flip a coin. The differences have been described above and both are fine choices. My daughter said the Orangerie when given the choice because she was super interested in Monet at the time while her same aged cousin said the Musee d’Orsay because she wanted more variety. And she wanted to see the clock.

The fifth floor of the d'Orsay is a must. #1 I have no explanation how this past April on a beautiful Sunday late morning how after visiting the special 1874 Inventing Impressionism (which closed in July) exhibit on the first floor; we went up to the amazing permanent impressionist collection on the 5th floor; got a picture of the clock without anyone in it and took in the beautiful art. It wasn't crowded until the end. I still pinch myself...I felt like we practically had it to ourselves. Maybe everyone was busy staying downstairs. It wasn't my first visit to the d'Orsay but it was certainly my favorite. It's really is a sight to behold. I say don't miss it! But, it is normally very crowded.

And l'Orangerie is small and manageable for Monet's amazing water lillies murals if you can do both; which you should really consider. You could make that a quick short visit.

Hi - adding my two cents and agreeing with KD. IF you only have time for one, make it the Orsay. Get a timed ticket for 9:00AM and head immediately up to the 5th floor upon entry. You'll have some time (not alone) before the throng of people invade . . . .

If you're really a Monet fan, you may want to consider the Musee Monmarton Monet across town, which has the largest collection of Monet paintings in the world.

Orsay! Both have great art and are in nice settings but Orsay offers more. Been to both several times and probably spent 3 hrs per visit on avg at Orsay and about 1 hr per visit at Orangerie.

The Orsay is IMO one of the greatest art museums in the world. The Orangerie is a monument to the brilliance of Monet. They're entirely different in terms of scope, size and variety. Both are wonderful, but only the Orsay is an essential visit. And as Pam points out, the Orangerie is perpetually overcrowded.

I would go to the Orsay for the 5th floor as your starting point.

@Pam, that’s sad to read that the Orangerie was so crowded! I sat in the oval rooms with Monet’s water lilies two different years for about 30 minutes each and almost had the rooms to myself. I remember contemplating each and thinking about what sounds, what smells, what would I feel - essentially going through each of the senses to create the atmosphere that I was inside the painting. It was a wonderful experience!

If you are a fan of Monet, I would say got to the Marmotten Museum in the 16th arr. It has the largest collection of Monet paintings, along with many other Impressionist paintings. It is also a completely different experience than the larger museum in central Paris, and much easier to get in and around than the d'Orsay. But if you are that much of a fan, I would go to all three.

IF you only have time for one, make it the Orsay. Get a timed ticket for 9:00AM

Just a note that the Orsay opens at 9:30 am (i.e. you won't be able to buy a timed.ticket for 9:00 am).

The one exception is if you buy an annual membership (Carte Avantage). Members are allowed to enter at 9 am (but don't require a timed ticket - we just go in with our card).

“Pam, that’s sad to read that the Orangerie was so crowded!”

@Jean, I was shocked. I’d not been in a few years because they were renovating the lower level so was anxious to see it. I was literally shoulder to shoulder with others and it was difficult to get even a moment in front of some of the pictures. There was a special exhibition when I was there with a number of works by Klee and Picasso and that area was jammed as well. I went in the afternoon so this is another museum I’d recommend visiting first thing in the AM. You might have some time with the waterlilies as well as the works downstairs!

PharmerPhil, I agree Marmotten Museum is wonderful. I especially enjoyed walking through the park to get there.

Orsay - We went late September 2023 to the Orsay with 5 pm timed entry tickets on a Thursday. I believe it was open late Thursday evenings. It was not crowded. The converted train station to a museum is a beautiful setting.
Orangerie - also late September 2023 - We had timed entry for the first time available in the morning on a Friday and were allowed to enter before the advertised time. Doors opened early. We were two of about 12 people at first but after 30 minutes it started to get crowded. It is small, so an hour could be sufficient. It is within walking distance to the Orsay. Try to fit in both if possible.
Marmottan - last month - October 2024 - I had timed entry when doors opened - Beautiful setting in a grand residence (once home to Paul Marmottan) I agree that the walk through the Ranelagh park from the metro or RER stations was a bonus experience. A lot of Monet for sure, and Berthe Morisot and other impressionists...Pissarro, Gauguin, etc. Right now Monet's "Impression Sunrise" is on loan in Washington DC.
Finally - anyone wanting to see French impressionist paintings should consider a trip to the Chicago Art Institute. One of the best collections in the world.