Saturday, February 10, 2007

l'Orangerie

Well, here it is, my visit to l'Orangerie. First of all, take a look at the line. It was a super long wait, about 45 minutes, and I went without my coat. I hate checking my coat, so I thought, I would leave it at home. Bad idea. I froze and was more than a little anxious about catching a cold.
After the wait, I had to fight with the woman at the ticket office for my reduced fair because I do not have a card saying I am a teacher (teachers get in at a reduced rate to some museums, others are free). She was rather mad I only had an attestation from the university and not a professional card. Because I was feeling rather feisty, I told her I was upset about it too, but everything takes ages in France. I know, not the best approach when you want someone to do you a favor, in this case, letting me in for free, but I couldn't help it because I was cold and a little irritated from the windy, wet wait.
But all the hassle was worth it to see this. Monet's finest in a wonderful setting. I wish I could take everyone to this museum because just seeing pictures of how these panels are displayed is not enough. There are eight, huge wall length paintings of Monet's water lilies in beautiful white oval rooms with great light, even on a overcast day.
There was no way I could take any pictures that would do the rooms or the paintings justice. Apparently, Monet painted these in order that they be displayed in exactly the way they are displayed. The paintings are curved along with the wall. It was just fantastic museum experience. Honestly, I felt like I was surrounded by art and nature.
I have to also give a big thumbs up to the audio guide. I usually don't like using them because I find myself just listening to the words and not really looking at the paintings, but this is the one exception which I was glad I rented one because it told of how the museum was built and how it was redesigned to accommodate Monet's masterpieces.
I am definitely planning on going back to this museum if for no other reason than to just enjoy the Monet rooms. However, the permanent collection has a lot of nice paintings of Renior, Matisse, Cezanne, Picasso, Utrillo as well as another artist I know nothing about but who I found very appealing, Laurencin.
And just to end this post on a romantic note because Valentine's day is around the corner, The Kiss by Rodin which is in front of the entrance of the museum.

12 comments:

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

Oh - I have been waiting for this post- I feel so stupid - I did not even know this Monet work existed until the other day and here you are posting it - it looks arresting!!! Thank you for the photos!!!
Yes, being nasty or forthright back is not the best way to get things done but it sounds like it worked for you so - good job - you are becoming French!!
I saw the alabaster colored "Kiss" at the Musee Rodin - I wish I had a miniature for my mantel.
Merci encore for your blog!!!

Unknown said...

P.F.-I liked the alabaster Kiss much better. For some reason, it seems so much more sensual and intimate. I am not a romantic, but that statue really touches me.

Didn't you just love the Rodin?!

blueVicar said...

Wow! Beautiful! I'm just imagining the stories these paintings could tell about all of the folks that come and gaze upon their beauty...

Meilleurs voeux!!

Pardon My French said...

I think this was the last museum visit I did as well...thought it was worth the wait and enjoyed the other paintings in addition to the water lilies. Nice post and I enjoyed the pictures.

Lisa Johnson said...

Beautiful pictures! I've only been to Paris once and I only had a week. I had one day where I had planned a few things to do and one was to go to l"Orangerie. Unfortunately, I got horribly lost and couldn't find it. But I did find the nicest little cafe that I ended up at instead. And thus began my coffee addiction...

hellomelissa said...

thanks so much for sharing. the art historian in me LOVED the oval monet room. sorry about the long wait!

Beenzzz said...

Wonderful pictures. I really like the last one because I am a true romantic at heart! :)

Lotus Reads said...

Oh, Angela, I'm so jealous you got to do this, honestly! I can only imagine what it must have been like to experience those beautiful and large Monet paintings...someday, I hope to be able to do it, too, someday!

I don't know anything about Laurencin either, but you've got me curious now so I'll go look him up.

Thanks for great virtual tour around the Monet rooms, Angela. It's been great!

Geggie said...

Wow! That is so lovely! Beautiful. So glad you enjoyed it.

Elizabeth Tarney said...

Awesome. Soooo love the Monet!

Unknown said...

wow - looks amazing... I'm sure you thought it was worth the wait!

I'm so behind as I'm job searching lately..

Just me said...

Gotta love the lines here in France.

I have never been to an art museum. Isn't that terrible?