The Impressionists in Paris collections can be seen in 5 museum. But not all presentations are created equal. Firstly, they are not all of equal importance, and secondly, they all have a particular origin. So we’ve classified all these works by the museum in which they are to be found, with the author and the name given to them, indicating at the end of the list the originality of each collection. It’s up to you to choose what suits you best to visit!

Note on visiting the Impressionist museums
These museums, of which there are 5 in Paris, are in great demand, and the flow of visitors is regulated. To avoid potentially long queues, it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance. Below, we’ve provided direct access to the museum(s) you’ve chosen to visit with also options for cheaper combined tickets:
Booking Museum Orsay
Booking Orangerie Museum
Booking Rodin Museum
Booking Marmottan Monet Museum
Booking Petit Palais Museum

The Impressionists in Paris at the Orsay Museum

The Musée d’Orsay in Paris (a former railway station) houses one of the world’s most renowned collections of Impressionist paintings, showcasing the works of artists who revolutionized art in the late 19th century with their depictions of light, movement, and daily life. Here are some of the major Impressionist artists and their notable paintings in the Musée d’Orsay’s collection:

1. Claude Monet:
   • The Gare Saint-Lazare (1877) – A vibrant scene of the bustling train station in Paris, capturing light and steam in a modern setting.
   • Poppy Field (1873) – A serene countryside view near Argenteuil, with a field of red poppies under a soft sky.
   • Women in the Garden (1866) – Monet’s portrayal of women strolling in a sunlit garden, known for its lush greenery and light effects.
2. Pierre-Auguste Renoir:
   • Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (1876) – One of Renoir’s most famous works, depicting a lively outdoor dance in Montmartre, bathed in sunlight and shadow.
   • Girls at the Piano (1892) – A gentle, intimate scene of two young girls playing music.
   • Dance in the City and Dance in the Country (1883) – Paired scenes contrasting urban elegance and rural simplicity.
3. Édouard Manet:
   • The Luncheon on the Grass (1863) – A groundbreaking work that caused a scandal for its depiction of a nude woman seated with clothed men, mixing traditional and modern themes.
   • Olympia (1863) – A provocative and modern portrayal of a reclining nude woman, engaging the viewer directly.
   • The Gare Saint-Lazare (1873) – A modern scene with a woman and child at the train station, focusing on the modernity of Paris.
4. Camille Pissarro:
   • Apple Harvest (1886) – A rural scene depicting peasants at work, notable for its harmony and earthy color palette.
   • Boulevard Montmartre at Night (1897) – An urban view of Paris at night, capturing city life with vibrant lighting.
5. Alfred Sisley:
   • Flood at Port-Marly (1876) – A reflective scene of flooded streets, capturing the delicate reflections and soft light.
   • Poplar Avenue, Moret-sur-Loing (1888) – A quiet landscape with tall trees lining a countryside path, showcasing Sisley’s skill in natural light.
6. Berthe Morisot:
   • The Cradle (1872) – An intimate portrait of a mother and her child, filled with tenderness and soft brushstrokes.
   • Young Woman in Evening Dress (1879) – A delicate portrait capturing the elegance of a young woman with expressive, fluid strokes.
7. Gustave Caillebotte:
   • The Floor Scrapers (1875) – A depiction of urban labor, showing workers scraping a wooden floor with remarkable realism.
   • Paris Street, Rainy Day (1877) – A unique perspective on a rainy Paris street, known for its composition and depth.
8. Paul Cézanne (though he leaned toward Post-Impressionism, his early works are closely tied to the movement):
   • The House of the Hanged Man (1873) – A muted landscape capturing rural isolation with early hints of Cézanne’s geometric exploration.
   • Still Life with a Fruit Dish – A study in balance and form, showing his shift toward the structured style that would lead to Cubism.
9. Other Artists and Works
   In addition to these, the Musée d’Orsay also holds pieces by other Impressionists and their circle, including Mary Cassatt, Armand Guillaumin, and Frédéric Bazille. These artists each brought their own unique perspective and brushstroke style, capturing everyday life, nature, and Parisian scenes from a fresh, emotive perspective.

The Musée d’Orsay’s Impressionists collection illustrates the evolution of this groundbreaking movement, bridging the gap between traditional and modern art and setting the stage for 20th-century movements such as Post-Impressionism and Modernism.

The Impressionists at the Orangerie Museum in Paris

The Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris is famed for its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with a primary highlight being Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. This museum, housed in a beautiful 19th-century building in the Tuileries Gardens, provides an immersive experience that showcases not only Monet’s monumental works but also other iconic Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Here are some of the most notable Impressionist works in the Orangerie Museum:

1. Claude Monet:
   • Water Lilies Cycle (Les Nymphéas, 1914-1926) – The crown jewel of the Orangerie, Monet’s Water Lilies series is displayed in two specially designed oval rooms, providing a panoramic, immersive experience. These paintings capture his garden pond in Giverny at different times of day, with colors and reflections changing in each panel. These large-scale works are among Monet’s last and most ambitious projects, representing his deep interest in light, water, and the natural world.
2. Pierre-Auguste Renoir:
   • Young Girls at the Piano (1892) – A tender and intimate scene showing two girls playing piano, characteristic of Renoir’s warm and soft approach to light and color.
   • Gabrielle and Jean (1895-1896) – A portrait of Renoir’s young son Jean with their family maid Gabrielle, capturing familial intimacy with vivid, impressionistic colors.
3. Alfred Sisley:
   • The Flood at Port-Marly (1876) – Depicting the town of Port-Marly during a flood, this painting highlights Sisley’s mastery in capturing light and reflection, with subtle colors that evoke the calm aftermath of the storm.
4. Paul Cézanne (Post-Impressionism, with ties to the Impressionists):
   • The Bathers (1894–1905) – One of Cézanne’s explorations of form and nature, showcasing a group of bathers in a landscape. Though more structured than Impressionist works, this painting captures Cézanne’s progression from Impressionism to Post-Impressionism.
5. Marie Laurencin (connected to the broader Impressionist circle):
   • Group of Women (1900s) – Known for her soft and delicate style, Laurencin’s works are often included in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, with graceful figures and pastel colors.
6. Maurice Utrillo (not a pure Impressionist, but his works reflect the movement’s influence):
   • Paris Street Scenes – His depictions of Montmartre and other Parisian neighborhoods reflect Impressionist themes, though his technique combines Post-Impressionist and Expressionist elements. His works at the Orangerie capture the vibrancy and nostalgia of early 20th-century Paris.
7. Chaim Soutine (also bridging Impressionism and Post-Impressionism):
   • Still Life and Landscapes – Soutine’s landscapes and expressive still lifes evoke the colors and brushwork reminiscent of the Impressionists, albeit with a darker, more intense tone that aligns him with the Expressionist movement.
8. Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection
   In addition to the Impressionist works, the Orangerie holds the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection, a significant assembly of Post-Impressionist and early 20th-century modern art. This includes works by Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, and André Derain. Though these artists are not Impressionists, their works illustrate the evolution of modern art from the foundations laid by the Impressionists.

The Musée de l’Orangerie is an essential destination for appreciating the immersive, large-format Water Lilies cycle by Monet and understanding the trajectory of French art from Impressionism through Post-Impressionism and into early modernism. The museum’s unique layout and intimate setting allow visitors to experience these iconic pieces up close, creating an unforgettable artistic experience.

Musée Marmottan Monet

The Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris is a hidden gem for Impressionist art lovers, with the world’s largest collection of Claude Monet’s works as well as an impressive array of paintings by other major Impressionists. Originally a private mansion, the museum became renowned for its vast collection of works from Monet’s life and other Impressionist masterpieces. Here are some of the highlights of its Impressionist collection:

1. Claude Monet:
   • Impression, Sunrise (Impression, Soleil Levant, 1872) – This iconic painting gave the Impressionist movement its name. Depicting the port of Le Havre at sunrise, its hazy, atmospheric style showcases Monet’s revolutionary approach to light and color.
   • Water Lilies Series (Nymphéas) – The museum has several Water Lilies paintings that Monet created in his later years in Giverny, capturing the changing reflections and light over his garden pond.
   • Japanese Bridge (Le Pont Japonais) – Depicting the arched bridge in Monet’s garden, this piece is a masterful study of water, flowers, and light.
   • The House Seen from the Rose Garden (La Maison vue du jardin aux roses) – Another of Monet’s pieces from Giverny, it shows his home surrounded by flowers, reflecting his love for nature.
   • The Train in the Snow (Le Train dans la neige) – This painting captures a train steaming through a snow-covered landscape, blending realism with Monet’s attention to light and atmosphere.
2. Berthe Morisot:
   • The Cradle (Le Berceau, 1872) – One of Morisot’s most famous works, showing a mother watching over her sleeping child. Known for its tenderness and delicate brushstrokes, it’s an iconic piece of Impressionist portraiture.
   • Young Girl with Doll – A charming scene of a child holding a doll, showcasing Morisot’s focus on domestic life and her soft, fluid technique.
   • Woman at Her Toilette – This piece illustrates Morisot’s skill in capturing intimate moments with refined, luminous color work.
3. Edgar Degas:
   • L’Absinthe – While not housed permanently at Marmottan, some works by Degas occasionally feature in exhibitions, such as his studies of Parisian life and dancers.
   • Ballet Rehearsal – Known for his ballet scenes, Degas’ work focuses on capturing movement and light, with his pastel and oil techniques breaking new ground in Impressionist portraiture.
4. Pierre-Auguste Renoir:
   • Portrait of Julie Manet – Depicting the daughter of Berthe Morisot, this portrait shows Renoir’s signature warm tones and gentle brushwork.
   • Young Girl with a Cat (Jeune fille au chat) – Renoir’s ability to capture softness and warmth shines through in this delicate portrait of a young girl with her pet.
5. Camille Pissarro:
   • The Climbing Path, L’Hermitage, Pontoise – Pissarro’s landscapes of rural France are represented at Marmottan, showcasing his use of light and color to depict the countryside’s natural beauty.
   • The Harvest – Another of Pissarro’s studies of rural life, this piece captures peasant workers and shows his dedication to naturalism within the Impressionist style.
6. Other Impressionist and Related Artists:
   • The museum also has pieces by Gustave Caillebotte and Alfred Sisley, each contributing to the Impressionist depiction of city and nature. Works by Édouard Manet and early Post-Impressionist painters sometimes feature as well, bridging the Impressionist movement with later developments in modern art.

Beyond individual works, the Musée Marmottan Monet offers an intimate glimpse into Monet’s evolution as an artist, particularly with his later Water Lilies works that paved the way toward abstract art. The museum’s specialized collection offers insight into the Impressionist movement and Monet’s profound impact on it, making it a must-visit for art lovers.

Petit Palais Museum and the Impressionists

The Petit Palais in Paris, also known as the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts, has a notable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. While the Petit Palais is not solely dedicated to Impressionism, it houses important works by renowned artists of the movement. Here are some highlights of its Impressionist collection:

1. Claude Monet:
   • Sunset on the Seine at Lavacourt (Soleil couchant sur la Seine à Lavacourt) – This piece captures the soft, glowing colors of sunset on the Seine, a recurring theme for Monet, showcasing his talent for capturing the effects of light on water.
   • Path in the Ile Saint-Martin, Vétheuil (Chemin dans l’île Saint-Martin, Vétheuil) – Depicting a serene path in the countryside, this painting reflects Monet’s exploration of rural landscapes and natural beauty.
2. Camille Pissarro:
   • The Roofs of Old Rouen, Grey Weather (Les Toits rouges, effet de neige) – An intricate cityscape view of Rouen’s rooftops under overcast skies, this painting is a great example of Pissarro’s focus on urban and rural scenes, often with a soft atmospheric touch.
   • The Seine at Rouen, Sunset – Capturing the river Seine at Rouen, this work highlights Pissarro’s Impressionist technique with subtle reflections of light on water and an emphasis on atmospheric effects.
3. Alfred Sisley:
   • The Road from Versailles to Saint-Germain (La Route de Versailles à Saint-Germain) – Known for his landscape work, Sisley painted tranquil scenes like this one, where a road is lined with trees and soft light filters through, giving a calm sense of rural life.
4. Gustave Caillebotte:
   • Portrait of Richard Gallo – Though Caillebotte is best known for his urban Parisian scenes, this portrait showcases his unique approach to realism and Impressionism. His keen attention to light and shadow adds depth to his portrayals of the Parisian bourgeoisie.
5. Paul Cézanne (bridging Impressionism and Post-Impressionism):
   • Portrait of the Artist’s Father, Reading (Portrait du père de l’artiste, lisant) – This early work by Cézanne shows his interest in form and color. Although he would later move toward Post-Impressionism, the influence of Impressionism can still be felt in this introspective piece.
   • Still Life with Onions (Nature morte aux oignons) – While Cézanne was not strictly an Impressionist, his still lifes in the Petit Palais collection demonstrate his revolutionary approach to structure and color, paving the way for Cubism.
6. Édouard Manet:
   • The Spring (Le Printemps) – Though not a full-time Impressionist, Manet was closely linked to the movement, and this piece depicts a young woman in springtime. His loose brushwork and modern subject matter reflect the essence of Impressionism.
7. Berthe Morisot:
   • The Fable – Morisot’s brushwork and choice of light tones capture the delicate beauty of a woman in an introspective moment, making her one of the most significant female artists within the Impressionist circle.

The Petit Palais offers a unique experience by blending Impressionist art with works from other periods, showcasing the movement within a broader context of French art history. Its Impressionist collection, while modest, provides an intimate look at key artists and their contributions to the evolution of modern art. This setting gives viewers insight into how Impressionism connected with other art styles, highlighting its role as a transformative movement in the art world.

For anyone interested in exploring Impressionism alongside other artistic influences, the Petit Palais offers a curated but impactful collection in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building that’s a work of art itself.

Rodin Museum

The Musée Rodin in Paris is primarily dedicated to the works of the sculptor Auguste Rodin, showcasing his sculptures, drawings, and personal art collection. While the museum doesn’t hold an extensive collection of Impressionist paintings like other Parisian museums, Rodin was closely connected to the Impressionist movement and admired many artists within it. As a result, the Musée Rodin includes a few select Impressionist pieces, largely from Rodin’s personal collection, as well as occasional exhibitions highlighting the connections between Rodin and the Impressionist artists.

1. Claude Monet:
   • The museum has held temporary exhibitions of Claude Monet’s work, especially focusing on Monet’s depictions of nature, which resonate with Rodin’s love for organic forms. Though not permanently housed, Water Lilies and other Monet landscapes have been showcased in connection with Rodin’s fascination with light and natural settings.
2. Pierre-Auguste Renoir:
   • Young Girl with a Red Hair Ribbon (Jeune fille au ruban rouge) – One of the few paintings by Renoir in the permanent collection, it exemplifies Renoir’s soft brushwork and tender portrayal of female figures, which Rodin admired for their sensitivity to form and light.
   • Rodin and Renoir shared a friendship and mutual admiration, often influencing each other in their approach to capturing human emotion and beauty.
3. Edgar Degas:
   • Dancer at Rest (Danseuse au repos) – Degas and Rodin shared an interest in capturing movement and the human form, making Degas’s works a natural fit in Rodin’s collection. Though primarily a sculptor, Degas’s Impressionist sketches and paintings of dancers parallel Rodin’s approach to dynamic forms.
4. Camille Pissarro:
   • The museum has displayed select Pissarro works in special exhibitions, as his pastoral scenes and urban views complemented Rodin’s love for capturing life’s nuances. Although none of his works are held permanently, exhibitions have featured Pissarro’s studies of light and atmosphere that align well with Impressionist values.

Rodin was not an Impressionist painter but was heavily influenced by the movement, particularly in his approach to capturing light, texture, and movement in his sculptures. Rodin’s work focuses on realism and emotional intensity, but he shared the Impressionists’ dedication to capturing fleeting moments and natural forms. He often collaborated and interacted with artists like Monet and Renoir, whose works inspired elements of his artistic vision.

The Musée Rodin thus serves as an interesting venue to explore how Impressionist values influenced Rodin’s sculptural work and how his relationships with Impressionist painters informed his artistic philosophy. While the museum’s permanent collection has only a limited number of Impressionist paintings, it provides a unique perspective on the interplay between Impressionism and sculpture.
Both museums also house Impressionist works, with paintings, sculptures, and drawings that give insight into the artistic innovations of the period.