Renoir Exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay: "Luncheon of the Boating Party" Displayed in France for the First Time in 20 Years

Paris – May 26, 2026: The Musée d’Orsay is hosting the exhibition “Renoir and Love. Happy Modernity (1865–1885)” until July 19, 2026, focusing on the first 20 years of the Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The highlight of this exhibition is the painting “Luncheon of the Boating Party (Le Déjeuner des canotiers),” which is on display in France for the first time in 20 years since 1985.

“Luncheon of the Boating Party” was created between 1880 and 1881 and depicts a lively scene of friends and artists enjoying lunch together on the banks of the Seine. This work is considered one of the most famous paintings in the world and demonstrates Renoir’s ability to portray everyday scenes with vivid colors and flowing brushstrokes.

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

In addition to “Luncheon of the Boating Party,” about 50 works from the early part of Renoir’s career are on display, including “La Grenouillère” (1869), “The Walk” (1870), and “Dance at Bougival” (1883). The exhibition places particular emphasis on large-scale works, highlighting Renoir’s innovative approach to depicting everyday life.

For visitors who want to delve deeper into the theme, the Musée d’Orsay offers a variety of related programs. On June 5, 2026, there will be a special event focused on “Luncheon of the Boating Party.” In addition, concerts and lectures are planned to enrich the exhibition experience.

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

For those unable to visit in person, the Musée d’Orsay YouTube channel features a short introduction video about the exhibition and “Luncheon of the Boating Party.”

This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to experience Renoir’s work from a new perspective and to appreciate his deep engagement with 19th-century contemporary life.