In Paris’s 16th arrondissement, the Musée Marmottan Monet brings together the world’s largest collection of paintings by Claude Monet, with more than 100 works in a dedicated gallery below the main rooms. See Impression, Sunrise, the painting that gave Impressionism its name, alongside works by Berthe Morisot and other artists. The museum occupies a former hunting lodge, with connected rooms across several floors and benches for taking time with the art. It is a quieter-scale alternative to Paris’s biggest museums, with temporary exhibitions adding another reason to visit.
Monet’s paintings, from sunrise to water lilies
The Musée Marmottan Monet holds the largest collection of Claude Monet paintings in the world. More than 100 works trace his art across different subjects and periods. Among the best-known is Impression, Sunrise, the 1872 painting credited with giving the Impressionist movement its name. The collection also includes Monet’s water lilies and paintings of his home and garden at Giverny.
Much of this collection came to the museum through a bequest from Michel Monet, the artist’s son and heir. The works are displayed in a purpose-built gallery on the lower level. Its open layout gives the paintings room to be viewed together, while benches let you pause with a particular work instead of moving straight on.
More than Monet
The collection extends beyond Claude Monet. Berthe Morisot is represented by paintings, pastels and watercolours, and the museum also holds works by artists including Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley and Paul Gauguin. Some of these works came from Monet’s own collection.
Older works are part of the museum’s holdings too, including French, English, Italian and Flemish illuminated manuscripts from the 13th to 16th centuries. The range makes a visit worthwhile even if you have already seen Monet’s paintings elsewhere in Paris: here, his work sits among pieces by fellow Impressionists and objects from the museum’s earlier collections.
A former hunting lodge turned museum
The museum is housed in a former hunting lodge associated with the Duke of Valmy. The building later became the home of art historian Paul Marmottan, whose art collection and residence were donated to the Académie des Beaux-Arts. A later bequest from Michel Monet brought the artist’s paintings to the museum and shaped the collection for which it is now known.
The galleries connect across several floors. Take time to explore beyond the lower-level Monet room: the museum also displays works by other artists and items from its earlier collections. Temporary exhibitions change regularly, so check the museum’s website before your visit if you want to plan around a particular show.
FAQ
How long does a visit to the Musée Marmottan Monet take?
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to tour the museum.
What is the Musée Marmottan Monet known for?
It holds the world’s largest collection of Claude Monet paintings, with more than 100 works, including Impression, Sunrise.
Is the Musée Marmottan Monet free for children?
Admission is free for children under 18.
When can you visit for free?
The museum offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month after 5pm.
Where is the Musée Marmottan Monet?
It is at 2 Rue Louis Boilly in Paris’s 16th arrondissement.
