Situated just across the Seine from the Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie is known primarily for Claude Monet’s monumental series of water lily paintings, Les Nymphéas. The panels are displayed as the artist intended, from floor to ceiling inside two large oval shaped rooms, and bathed in the natural light from two large skylights. As recently as In 2000, the Orangerie closed its doors for improvements and renovations, reopening in 2006. The museum also houses an important collection of primarily early 20th century art including Picasso, Modigliani, Soutine, and Braque. Under the directorship of Claire Bernardi, the Musée de l’Orangerie is also gaining prominence for its ongoing series of special exhibitions.
