May 17, 2006, marks the grand re-opening date of the Orangerie Museum (4 years behind schedule!). 

The former orange grove in the Tuileries Gardens has been housing Monet’s famous “Nympheas” (”Water Lilies”) since 1927.  The paintings are permanently fixed on the oval walls of the building, so any renovation or demolition had to occur around the paintings themselves.

Six years and $36 million after renovations started, the Orangerie is a new and improved home for the famous paintings:  the second story has been destroyed in order to allow natural light to bathe the Nympheas in the light they craved.  It is a brighter, more open space, but still is home to many Cezannes, Renoirs, Picassos, Modiglianis, Mattises and some of the best of Chaim Soutine.

Above all, this is the most beautiful shrine to the immense Monet paintings in the world.  It is definitely a “must-see” on any tourist’s itinerary!

Closed on Tuesdays.  Open 12:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. for individuals.

Cost:  6.50 euros

Photo:  Ed Alcook for the New York Times