ORANGERIE

Where else could you find orange trees ? 

In the Orangerie, of course.

Actually the Orangerie is where the King's gardeners would keep the fruit trees in the winter, a very large greenhouse although today it is Musée de l'Orangerie, home to the Impressionist artist Monet's  large wall murals.


Claude Monet  left quite a legacy and you can visit these murals specifically in the Orangerie inside of the Tuilerie Garden, a perfect space considering Monet built his own gardens in Giverny. His gardens not only gave him pleasure but served as his art's subject matter. 

In the oval shaped rooms light is actually diffused by large fabric screens hanging overhead. These protect Monet's masterpieces which he assembled on site. 

The murals wrap the room in serene natural splendor.  








Pictured are his famed water lily murals of his Japanese garden
pond.

The closer you get, you see how intricate the mural is...

Brother and Sister, Jim and Sally my traveling companions have the perfect backdrop 

If you haven't read about Monet's Giverny, do click on BREATH OF FRESH AIR)
Besides Monet's murals downstairs in the museum you will find an amazing collection by Fumio Asakura. More on his collection and   Jean Walter's & Paul Guillame's collection containing Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso and Utrillo next.  

Stay tuned for this week's entry as the Grand Palais is not to be missed...