Renoir Exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay: "Le Déjeuner des canotiers" for the First Time in 20 Years in France

Paris – 26.05.2026: At the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the exhibition “Renoir and Love. Happy Modernity (1865–1885)” is on display until July 19, 2026, dedicated to the first twenty years of the impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. One of the highlights of this exhibition is the painting “Le Déjeuner des canotiers” (The Lunch Party), which is exhibited in France for the first time since 1985.

“Le Déjeuner des canotiers” was created between 1880 and 1881 and shows a lively scene on the banks of the Seine, where friends and artists gather for a shared lunch. This work is considered one of the most famous paintings in the world and reflects Renoir’s ability to depict the everyday with vibrant colors and fluid brushstrokes.

The exhibition highlights Renoir’s role as an important painter of 19th-century modern life. Between the 1860s and 1880s, he developed a pictorial style characterized by lightness, light, and color, focusing on relationships between men and women.

In addition to “Le Déjeuner des canotiers,” the exhibition includes about fifty works from the first half of Renoir’s career, including “La Grenouillère” (1869), “La Promenade” (1870), and “La Danse à Bougival” (1883). Special attention is given to the presentation of large-format paintings, which emphasize Renoir’s innovative approach to representing everyday life.

For visitors who want to deepen their understanding of the subject, the Musée d’Orsay offers a varied program of activities. On June 5, 2026, there will be an event titled “Le Déjeuner des canotiers” dedicated especially to this work. Additionally, concerts and other lectures are scheduled to complement the exhibition.

The exhibition “Renoir and Love” is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 9:45 p.m. Admission costs 16 euros, with a reduced price of 13 euros, and on the first Sunday of each month, entry is free for all visitors. It is recommended to book in advance to avoid waiting times.

For those who cannot attend in person, the Musée d’Orsay offers a brief glimpse of the exhibition and the painting “Le Déjeuner des canotiers” on its YouTube channel.

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience Renoir’s works in a new light and appreciate the depth of his commitment to 19th-century modern life.