Renoir at the Musée d’Orsay in 2026: two major exhibitions in Paris

In the heart of Paris, the Musée d’Orsay honors Renoir with new highlights. Faithful amateurs and the curious alike will find a lively look at a major painter. From then on, the visit promises a sensitive stroll, designed for all rhythms.

Renoir, a season at the Musée d’Orsay

According to the information made available to the public, the season is divided into several sections. In addition, a calendar provided by the museum will help everyone get organized. In this way, the main theme remains clear, even for first-time visitors.

A painter of light, Renoir traversed modernity through figures, dance and the outdoors. On the other hand, the hanging should avoid clichés, so as to let the touch and colors speak for themselves. What’s more, unexpected combinations could renew the view of regular visitors.

What the route promises

The tour will feature sensitive portraits, festive scenes and open landscapes. In this way, everyone will be able to move from one view to another, without losing the thread. Last but not least, the rhythm of the tour should provide useful breathing space.

“To see Renoir is to measure how joy can be a serious matter.”

From now on, the Musée d’Orsay’s mediation systems will situate the works in their time. What’s more, a family visit will remain simple, thanks to clear reference points. As a result, everyone will be able to relate a room to a concrete story.

In some cases, loans are available to complement the picture rails, depending on the period. In this way, a chronological tour will help you feel the evolution of the gesture. In short, the eye circulates, then compares, without getting lost.

• Book a time-stamped ticket to avoid queuing.
• Check out Thursday nights for quieter venues.
• In high season, we recommend mornings or late afternoons.
• Try out the audioguide or the app to follow the themes.
• Provide a light changing room and regular breaks.

Renoir, insights and debates

Yet Renoir fascinates and questions. As a result, the Musée d’Orsay is committed to contextualizing the artist’s work, especially at the turn of the 20th century. In this way, the social and technical context takes its place alongside the masterpieces.

Some see it as the joy of everyday life. Others point out the tensions linked to the body, gender and the model. What’s more, precise labels provide keys without judging.

This framework helps us to read the works without anachronism. In this way, cross-views nourish a visit that is both sensitive and informed. The words of visitors also feed this dialogue, discreetly but surely.

Preparing your visit

Firstly, for the Musée d’Orsay, time-stamped tickets are still the easiest way to get in. So remember to group your tickets together if you’re coming as a tribe. Secondly, leave some time for waiting at the checkpoints.

Secondly, off-peak hours help to reduce visitor numbers. In short, a Thursday night or an early-morning opening reduce the number of visitors. Also, a short break between two rooms helps you stay on track.

Practical tips for your outing

Last but not least, the Musée d’Orsay is accessible by several public transport lines. PRM access and elevators are available at the entrance. Seats are available along the way, so you can take a breather for a few minutes.

Then, opt for a lightweight bag to save time at the checkpoint. Then, plan regular breaks to keep the children’s attention. That way, your eyes will stay fresh in front of the large formats.

As a result, the bookshop and cafés prolong the experience without hurrying. And at the Musée d’Orsay, anyone can return to a particular room on another visit. So a second visit often prolongs the pleasure effortlessly.

• Musée d'Orsay