Musée de l'Orangerie vs. Rodin Museum: which should you visit?

Two quiet Paris art gems, both included with The Paris Pass. Here’s how to choose.

Published: July 10, 2025
rodin

Some of the most moving art experiences in Paris happen far from the big crowds—and that’s exactly where Musée de l'Orangerie and the Rodin Museum come in. One houses Monet’s shimmering water lilies in curved, meditative rooms. The other is an open-air celebration of sculpture, with The Thinker posed under the sky. Both offer a quieter, more intimate look at French art—and both are included with The Paris Pass. So which one suits your perfect art day? Let’s compare collections, gardens, vibes and more to help you decide. 

🧭 The Lowdown 

Here’s a quick overview of what each museum offers: 

Musée de l'Orangerie 

  • Home to Monet’s famous Water Lilies murals in custom-built oval rooms 
  • Features works by Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani, Picasso, Matisse and more 
  • Compact, easy to navigate in under an hour 
  • Set in the Tuileries Gardens near Place de la Concorde 
  • Calm, reflective atmosphere with minimal crowds 
  • Entry included with The Paris Pass 

Rodin Museum (Musée Rodin) 

  • Housed in the elegant Hôtel Biron and its sculpture-filled gardens 
  • Features The Thinker, The Kiss, and Rodin’s full body of work 
  • Lush gardens with roses, benches and open-air installations 
  • Indoor galleries include drawings, plaster studies, and works by Rodin’s protégés 
  • Located near Les Invalides in the 7th arrondissement 
  • Entry included with The Paris Pass 

 

🎟 Sounds good, tell me more...

rodin

A visit to Musée de l'Orangerie 

Set within the western end of the Tuileries Gardens, the Musée de l'Orangerie feels more like a quiet retreat than a major Paris museum. You enter into calm, sunlit galleries—and then walk straight into something unforgettable. 

The highlight is Monet’s Water Lilies cycle, spread across two elliptical rooms designed by the artist himself. The paintings curve around you, floor to ceiling, in calming shades of blue, violet, and green. It’s immersive, meditative, and surprisingly moving. Even on a busy day, the hush in these rooms feels almost sacred. 

Downstairs, the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection offers a curated journey through late 19th and early 20th-century modernism. Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani, and Picasso are all here, with works selected for their emotional power and colour. The layout is open, spacious, and ideal for slow strolling. 

The museum is small—easily done in under an hour—but that’s part of its charm. You don’t leave overwhelmed. You leave calm, content, and maybe a little bit dreamy. 

A visit to the Rodin Museum 

From the moment you step through the gates of the Hôtel Biron, the Rodin Museum feels like a pocket of peace in the city. Sculptures emerge from hedges. The gardens bloom. And The Thinker sits quietly at the centre, deep in thought. 

The experience unfolds in two parts: the gardens and the mansion. The gardens are spacious and beautifully designed, with open lawns, shaded benches, and dozens of Rodin’s works installed in the open air. It’s perfect on a sunny day and feels more like an elegant estate than a museum. 

Inside, the Hôtel Biron houses a stunning collection of Rodin’s sculptures, drawings, and personal artefacts. You’ll find The Kiss, The Gates of Hell, and studies for some of his most famous pieces. There are also works by Camille Claudel, Rodin’s muse and collaborator, which add another layer of storytelling and artistic tension. 

It’s an experience that feels personal, emotional, and surprisingly romantic. Whether you’re wandering alone or sharing the space with someone else, the Rodin Museum gives you room to breathe—and feel. 

🚇 How do I get there? 

Musée de l'Orangerie 

Located at the edge of the Tuileries Gardens, the Orangerie is easily reached via Metro Line 1 to Concorde. It’s also walkable from Tuileries or Madeleine stations. If you’re exploring central Paris on foot, this museum slots easily into a day that includes Place de la Concorde, the Seine, or the Champs-Élysées. 

Rodin Museum 

The Rodin Museum is located in the 7th arrondissement, close to Les Invalides. Take Metro Line 13 to Varenne or Line 8 to Invalides—both are a short walk to the entrance. The area is peaceful and elegant, with tree-lined streets and classic Parisian architecture all around. 

 

👫 Best choice for families, couples or friends 

Families 

The Rodin Museum is the better choice for families. The open-air gardens give kids space to move, and the sculptures are large, expressive, and easy to engage with—even for younger children. It doesn’t feel like a “quiet indoor” museum, and that’s a big win with little ones. 

The Orangerie is more structured and tranquil. It’s manageable in size, but quieter in tone, and may not hold younger children’s attention unless they’re already into painting. 

Couples 

Both are dreamy for couples, but for different moods. Orangerie is peaceful and romantic in a hushed, dreamy way—perfect for an early afternoon stroll followed by a walk through the Tuileries. Rodin, with its roses, shaded benches, and The Kiss sculpture, is made for slow wanderings and holding hands in the sunshine. 

Friends 

With friends, the Rodin Museum offers more to explore together. The gardens spark conversation, and the indoor galleries are varied and fascinating. The Orangerie is lovely for a shared quiet moment, but it’s a shorter visit and more introspective overall. 

 

🧒 I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities? 

The Rodin Museum definitely wins this round. The gardens provide space to roam, and the life-sized sculptures are engaging and easy to relate to. While there are no interactive exhibits, the environment itself keeps things interesting. 

The Orangerie is better suited to calm, observant children. There’s nothing hands-on, and the main attraction (Monet’s Water Lilies) is best experienced in silence. It's beautiful—but not built for high-energy visitors. 

 

♿ What’s the accessibility like? 

Musée de l'Orangerie 

The Orangerie is fully accessible, with lifts and ramps throughout. The layout is compact and modern, and the museum is rarely overcrowded. Wide pathways and calm crowds make it especially friendly for wheelchair users or anyone with limited mobility. 

Rodin Museum 

The museum’s galleries and gardens are mostly accessible, though some uneven paths in the garden and stairs in the mansion may be challenging. A lift is available, and staff are helpful. If mobility is a concern, it’s worth asking at the entrance for the best route through the site. 

🥐 Best lunch spots nearby? 

lunch

Near Musée de l'Orangerie 

Café Kitsuné Tuileries (208 Rue de Rivoli) 

A stylish café set within the gardens—great for a casual coffee, matcha, or croissant in a green oasis. 

Angelina Paris (226 Rue de Rivoli) 

A classic Parisian tea salon famous for its velvety hot chocolate and elegant lunches. Perfect if you’re in the mood for luxury with a side of millefeuille. 

Le Soufflé (36 Rue du Mont Thabor) 

Just a 5-minute walk away, this refined spot specializes in—you guessed it—soufflés, both savoury and sweet. It’s a light, elegant meal that pairs perfectly with art. 

 

Near Rodin Museum 

L’Auberge Bressane (16 Avenue de la Motte-Picquet) 

Traditional French comfort food with charm to spare. Rich mains, buttery sides, and a cosy atmosphere. 

Café Constant (139 Rue Saint-Dominique) 

An affordable local favourite with well-executed French classics and a relaxed neighbourhood feel. No reservations, so arrive early. 

Les Cocottes (135 Rue Saint-Dominique) 

Sleek, modern dining in cast-iron pots. Beautiful presentation, a great wine list, and within a short walk of Les Invalides and Rodin’s rose garden. 

 

🗺 Any other good stuff nearby? 

Around Musée de l'Orangerie 

  • Tuileries Gardens: Stay for a stroll among statues, fountains and perfectly trimmed hedges. 

  • Place de la Concorde: A historic square with the Luxor Obelisk and grand views down the Champs-Élysées. 

  • Musée d’Orsay: Just across the river, another Paris Pass gem filled with Impressionist and Post-Impressionist treasures. 

Around Rodin Museum 

  • Les Invalides: Explore the military museum or visit Napoleon’s Tomb under the iconic golden dome. 

  • Champ de Mars: Walk 15 minutes toward the Eiffel Tower and soak in the views. 

  • Rue Cler: A charming market street with food shops, florists, and cafés—perfect for a light picnic or souvenir browse. 

 

The Musée de l'Orangerie and the Rodin Museum are two of Paris’s most peaceful and rewarding art experiences. One invites you to step into Monet’s vision of serenity, while the other immerses you in Rodin’s world of movement and emotion—surrounded by greenery, sculpture, and historic charm. 

If you’re short on time, the Orangerie is compact and deeply moving. If you want to wander outdoors and experience art in the open air, the Rodin Museum offers space, beauty and a breath of fresh air. 

Both are included with The Paris Pass—so no need to choose just one. Take your time, follow the mood, and let the art speak. 

Grab your pass and start exploring the quieter side of Paris. 

Planning for the weekend? Check out our guide to the best things to do on Saturday.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with The Paris Pass® - just choose a pass to get started

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Build your unique Paris itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (2-17)
0
How many days?
What do you want to see?

Continue reading

The Apollo fountain at the Palace of Versailles.
Blog

The Louvre or Palace of Versailles - Which is Better?

Here’s a clash of the titans if ever we saw one! Limbering up in le bleu corner is the world’s largest and most popular art museum, home to some of the most iconic images in Western art, and former royal palace of some 900 years' standing... it is of course the mighty Louvre Museum! It’s opponent in this battle of the bucket-list biggies is no shrinking violet either: in le corner rouge (please pardon our French) is the picture-perfect palace of Versailles, a fairytale edifice of quite magical beauty, and perhaps the planet’s most celebrated château. But which is better? Check out our comparison of the Louvre and Palace of Versailles to discover which is bigger, which contains the finest art, which has the better grounds, and which the, er, most windows. The Louvre Name: Napoléon made significantly more of an impression on the Louvre than he did on the Palace of Versailles, grandly renaming the beloved art museum ‘Musée Napoléon’ during his reign from 1804-1815. The world’s most comically extravagant château on the other hand he treated as a mere summer residence to be used casually then unceremoniously abandoned. Lifestyles of the rich and famous, eh? Age: Built in the late 12th Century during the long reign of King Philip II, the Louvre Palace ceased to be used as a royal residence around 600 years later, paving the way for its rebirth as the Louvre Museum, which opened with its debut exhibition of 537 paintings in August 1793. The Louvre in Brief: It isn’t the world’s most popular museum for nothing, you know. Inside the Louvre is where you’ll find some of the planet’s most recognizable works of art: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace, to name but three. The ‘big three’ are complemented by another 40,000-ish pieces, ranging from Ancient Egyptian sculpture to medieval Islamic silverware, Roman statuary, Greek pottery and masterpieces by the likes of Caravaggio, Picasso, Michelangelo and Raphael. It’s basically the entire history of human endeavor in one handy location. The Louvre in Numbers Size: it’s only the largest museum on Earth, covering 652,300 square feet (60,600 square meters). The combined length of the museum’s many labyrinthine levels is around eight miles. Artworks: there are around 35,000-40,000 pieces on display at any one time, taken from a collection of in excess of 600,000 works of art from across the ages. Panes of glass: conspiracy theorists will tell you there are 666 panes in the courtyard’s central pyramid, but it simply isn’t true: in fact there are 673. Visitors: 7.8 million art-lovers flock here every year, making the Louvre the world’s most-visited art museum. The Louvre: What to Expect To say the Louvre can be a tad overwhelming would be an understatement: it’s big, it’s busy, and it would take you more than half a year to see all the beautiful art on display here. With that in mind, we recommend you grab a map and plan your must-sees in advance to maximize enjoyment and avoid wandering this cavernous palace in aimless frustration for hours on end. So yes, come for a glimpse of da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa and the museum’s’ unparalleled collection of Hellenistic masterpieces, but be aware that you’ll likely be viewing these over an ocean of heads. You might find it easier to get a good look at marginally less popular (but no less impressive) attractions like Géricault’s Raft of the Medusa, Vermeer’s Lacemaker, Caravaggio’s Death of the Virgin, and the monumental Great Sphinx of Tanis. It’s also worth taking a peep at how the other half live while you’re here: Napoleon III’s personal apartments come complete with lavish state dining rooms and a gilded drawing room in the 18th-century rococo style. It’s almost as decadent as the Louvre café’s sumptuous Mont Blanc, an unmissable culinary masterpiece that combines meringue, whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Next up... The Palace of Versailles Name: The Palace of Versailles, or Château de Versailles, should you wish to practice your French on unsuspecting locals. Age: Construction of Louis XIV’s grand vision began in 1661 and was deemed complete by 1682, though subsequent French monarchs have made extensive revisions and remodelings to the château’s original look down the centuries. The Palace of Versailles in Brief: One of the most extravagant former royal residences on the planet, the Palace of Versailles lies a short distance west of Paris and is easy (and cheap) to reach by direct train. You could easily spend a day here, wandering the palace’s vast interior and multitude of impossibly opulent rooms, pausing to admire the King’s sumptuous private apartments and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection in the famous Hall of Mirrors. Across 2,000 epic acres, this grand royal estate also features manicured gardens peppered with precious statues (many of them hundreds of years old), plus ornate fountains, royal stables and tennis courts, and more masterpieces of 16th-19th century painting and sculpture than you could shake a heavily jewel-encrusted royal mace at. The Palace of Versailles in Numbers Size: the palace covers over 700,000 square feet and sits on an estate of over 2,000 acres – well over twice the size of Central Park! Artworks: There are over 60,000 works in the Palace’s collections, spanning the history of France from the Middle Ages to the present day, with a particular focus on 16th-19th century painting and sculpture. Panes of glass: there are 2,143 windows in the Palace of Versailles, a significant job for even the most industrious window cleaner. Visitors: A regal 15 million annually. The Palace of Versailles: What to Expect Sure, there’s art here – and great art, too – but where the Louvre focuses almost exclusively on its collection, the Palace of Versailles provides a more rounded experience thanks to its lavish halls and splendid gardens. But let’s begin with the art. There are around 100 rooms filled with the stuff, drawn from a collection of some 60,000 pieces founded by Louis-Philippe in 1837 and comprising paintings from the 16th-19th centuries. But there’s more, so much more to see here! We’re talking the likes of the Hall of Mirrors, a 73-meter corridor containing 357 mirrors where Louis XIV received guests and courtiers; the Grand Trianon – a flamboyant colonnaded 17th-century confection in pink marble; and Marie Antoinette’s rustic model village and theater, the latter of which remains almost entirely unaltered since its inauguration in 1780. Designed by Louis XIV’s gardener André Le Nôtre, the epic landscaped gardens are a museum in their own right. Here’s where you can stroll paths and parterres that weave among the planet’s largest collection of outdoor sculptures (over 220 to find, fact fans!), including the awe-inspiring Dragon Pool and its 27-meter-high fountain. Save on entry to the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles and more In town for a few days? Buy a 4- or 6-day Paris Pass and you won’t have to decide which of these bucket-list titans to visit. The Paris Pass gets you entry to dozens of Paris attractions – including both the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles – for one money-saving price.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Blog

Our Guide to Transportation in Paris

Navigate your way around the city of lights like a total pro with our guide to transportation in Paris. From the métro to bike tours, we've got you covered... Paris' transportation system is remarkably straightforward and the plethora of options are all pretty affordable. Whether you’re keen to catch a bus, the Métro or even ride a Segway, here’s our guide to some of the best transportation in Paris so you can get around the city with ease. Paris Métro By Bus Maybe you’d prefer to take the bus and see the sights while travelling around Paris? Buses are also managed by RATP, who are the regional transportation authority. You can grab a map from tourist offices and Métro stations or you can check online using their app or website. A single journey by bus costs around €2, however, it’s possible to use Métro tickets on board too. Be careful though, as some of these tickets bought on the bus are solely for bus travel. These tickets are marked with “sans correspondences”. If you’re travelling with children under 4, they can travel for free on buses, trams and the Métro. Children between 4-10 years old can get a half-price book of ten tickets, so be sure to double check the travel offers before heading out. By Tram By Train By Bike Segway Tours Described as one of the coolest forms of transportation in Paris, glide through the city streets, stopping off at famous monuments such as The Orsay Museum and the Louvre Museum when you hop on a segway tour. They vary in length but typically take upwards of two hours. It's much faster than getting around on foot so a segway may be a better use of your time! Unlimited Travel in Central Paris Included in any Paris Pass package, the Paris Visite Pass (Travelcard) is valid to use on journeys in central Paris on the Métro, buses, trams and RER/SNCF (overground trains). You’ll also get to skip the queues at the ticket office as this ticket is your all-inclusive pass for getting around. We hope this guide to transportation in Paris has been of use to you, and we wish you a very pleasant visit indeed.
Go City Expert
Paris Louvre
Blog

Art & Museums in Paris

Explore the world of art and culture in Paris Paris has always been one of the most important hubs of creative inspiration and architectural masterpieces in Europe. Artists have fled to the capital to be inspired and hone in on their hidden talents since the Middle Ages and have produced renowned pieces of works from Picasso to Monet, Degas and Cezanne. Paris is brimming with galleries and museums to be explored to discover some of the world’s artistic genius and cultural sensitivity. The Louvre The Louvre was built in 1793 and contains over 35,000 pieces of art ranging from Egyptian antiques, to Renaissance masterpieces; including works from Da Vinci and Delacroix. Walk through the history of France, take in some of the artistic wonders of the world and behold the Mona Lisa in all its glory. After, unwind in the formal Carrousel gardens surrounding the iconic pyramid museum to reflect upon your visit. Musée d’Orsay Originally designed as a train station in 1900, the Musée d’Orsay became a theatre and finally, as it stands now, a museum exhibiting art from 1848 to 1915. Admire works by Delacroix, Manet, Cézanne and Renoir, among others, including Auguste Clésinger’s controversial "Woman Bitten by a Snake" from 1847. The imposing architectural masterpiece of the Museum itself sits on the bank of the Seine, opposite the Tuileries Gardens, and is a must-see in your visit to Paris. Musée de Rodin August Rodin was one of the world’s greatest neoclassical sculptors in the early 1900s. As a hugely influential artist in his contemporary scene, The Musée Rodin opened in 1919, after Rodin handed over his personal collection to the Government three years earlier. The museum now holds a number of sculptures, paintings, drawings and works by other artists such as Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. Situated in Hôtel Biron, the museum is definitely worth a visit to expand your cultural appreciation of the early 20th century Parisian art scene. Espace Dali The surrealist artist Salvador Dali is one of the most recognised artists in the world from his ground-breaking masterpieces in cubism to impressionism. His enduring popularity means his works are as much appreciated to this day as they were before. L’espace Dali in Montmartre takes you through his metaphysical, religious and scientific inspirations, visible in his works. The museum is a must-see to learn about Dali’s individual artistic expression that challenged the art scene of the 1920s. Musée des Égouts de Paris The Paris sewer system dates back to 1370, and its design is the one of a kind. Attracting as many curious visitors as ever down the windy 500m paths alongside the Seine, The Musée des Égouts offers a tour down the tunnel’ s underground system illustrating how the sewage system has changed from its invention to today. Not for the claustrophobic, this underground museum provides a unique perspective into a lesser known part of Parisian social history.
Go City Expert
Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Guided Climb
Louvre Museum

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off 1-Day Tour
Tours de Notre-Dame de Paris