Orsay Museum Renoir Exhibition: "Le Déjeuner des canotiers" Shown in France for First Time in 20 Years

Paris – 26 May 2026: Musée d’Orsay is hosting the exhibition “Renoir et l’amour. La modernité heureuse (1865–1885)” until 19 July 2026, which focuses on the first 20 years of Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The highlight of the exhibition is “Le Déjeuner des canotiers” (“Luncheon of the Boating Party”), which is on display in France again for the first time since 1985.

“Le Déjeuner des canotiers” was created between 1880 and 1881 and depicts a lively scene of friends and artists enjoying lunch on the banks of the Seine. The work is considered one of the most famous paintings in the world and demonstrates Renoir’s ability to render everyday scenes with luminous, fluid brushwork.

The exhibition focuses on Renoir’s role as an important painter reflecting modern 19th-century life. From the 1860s to the 1880s he developed a light style emphasizing light and color, often depicting relationships between men and women.

In addition to “Le Déjeuner des canotiers,” the exhibition includes about 50 works from the first half of Renoir’s career, including “La Grenouillère” (1869), “La Promenade” (1870), and “La Danse à Bougival” (1883). It places particular emphasis on large-scale paintings to highlight Renoir’s innovative approach to portraying everyday life.

For visitors wishing to explore the themes further, the Musée d’Orsay offers a range of accompanying programs. On 5 June 2026 an event centered on “Le Déjeuner des canotiers” will take place, and concerts and lectures complementing the exhibition are also scheduled.

The “Renoir et l’amour” exhibition is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with late opening until 9:45 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission is €16, with a reduced rate of €13. The first Sunday of each month offers free admission to all visitors. Advance booking is recommended to reduce waiting times.

For those unable to visit in person, the Musée d’Orsay provides short videos about the exhibition and “Le Déjeuner des canotiers” on its official YouTube channel.

The exhibition offers a special opportunity to experience Renoir’s work from a new perspective and to appreciate the depth with which he explored modern 19th-century life.