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

Paris – 05/26/2026: At the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the exhibition “Renoir and Love. The Happy Modernity (1865–1885)” is ongoing until July 19, 2026, dedicated to the first twenty years of the Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A highlight of this exhibition is the painting “Le Déjeuner des canotiers” (The Luncheon of the Boating Party), 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 everyday life with bright colors and fluid brushstrokes.

The exhibition highlights Renoir’s role as a significant painter of 19th-century modern life. Between the 1860s and 1880s, he developed a painting style characterized by lightness, light, and color, focusing on the 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 Bouvigal” (1883). Special attention is given to the presentation of large-format paintings, emphasizing Renoir’s innovative approach to representing everyday life.

For visitors interested in exploring the theme further, the Musée d’Orsay offers a rich accompanying program. On June 5, 2026, an event titled “Le Déjeuner des canotiers” will be held, dedicated specifically to this work. Additionally, concerts and further lectures 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. The ticket costs 16 euros, reduced 13 euros, and on the first Sunday of the month, admission 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 introduction to the exhibition and the painting “Le Déjeuner des canotiers” on its YouTube channel.

This exhibition represents a unique opportunity to experience Renoir’s works in a new light and appreciate the depth of his engagement with 19th-century modern life.