Renoir exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay: "Luncheon of the Boating Party" presented in France for the first time in 20 years

Paris – 26.05.2026 : At the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the exhibition “Renoir and Love. The Happy Modernity (1865–1885)” runs until July 19, 2026 and is dedicated to the first twenty years of the Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A highlight of this exhibition is the painting “Luncheon of the Boating Party” (Le Déjeuner des canotiers), which is being shown in France for the first time since 1985.

“Luncheon of the Boating Party” was created between 1880 and 1881 and depicts 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 represent everyday life with bright colors and flowing brushstrokes.

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

In addition to “Luncheon of the Boating Party,” the exhibition includes around fifty works from the first half of Renoir’s career, notably “La Grenouillère” (1869), “The Stroll” (1870) and “Dance at Bougival” (1883). Particular attention is paid to the presentation of large-scale paintings that underscore Renoir’s innovative approach to representing everyday life.

For visitors wishing to delve deeper into the theme, the Musée d’Orsay offers a varied program. On June 5, 2026, an event titled “Luncheon of the Boating Party” will be held, devoted especially to this work. Concerts and other lectures are also planned to complement the exhibition.

The exhibition “Renoir and Love” is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 9:45 PM. Admission costs 16 euros, 13 euros at the reduced rate, and on the first Sunday of the month access is free for everyone. It is recommended to book in advance to avoid waiting times.

For those who cannot be present physically, the Musée d’Orsay offers on its YouTube channel an overview of the exhibition and the painting “Luncheon of the Boating Party”.

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to discover Renoir’s works in a new light and to highlight the depth of his engagement with 19th-century modern life.