Private Guided Tour of Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity
From March to July 2026, the Musée d’Orsay presents one of the most significant Impressionist exhibitions of the decade: Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity (1865–1885), organized as part of the museum’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Dedicated to the decisive twenty years in the career of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the exhibition explores how love — understood as a social, emotional, and deeply modern force — became the central subject of his art. Through a remarkable selection of masterpieces, the show reveals Renoir’s unique vision of intimacy, tenderness, and human connection within the vibrant public spaces of 19th-century Paris.
Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity Exhibition 2026 in Paris Details
When: 17 March – 19 July 2026
Where: Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France
What: Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity (1865–1885) — a major exhibition reexamining Renoir’s contribution to Impressionism through the theme of love, co-organized with the National Gallery and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
Why You Should Visit
Between the mid-1860s and the 1880s, Renoir developed a luminous, fluid style bursting with color and life. Unlike many of his contemporaries, his paintings reject drama and pessimism in favor of joy, sensuality, and human warmth.
This exhibition shows how Renoir placed love at the heart of modern life — not as grand tragedy or moral lesson, but as everyday experience unfolding in theaters, cafés, gardens, guinguettes, and riverside restaurants. His scenes of couples, friendships, families, and social gatherings celebrate freedom of movement, emotion, and desire at a time when bourgeois conventions still governed intimacy.
By revisiting these familiar masterpieces through a new lens, the exhibition reveals just how radical Renoir’s vision truly was.
What You’ll See during a Private Tour of the Exhibition
- A major gathering of Renoir’s masterpieces from 1865–1885, many reunited in France for the first time since 1985;
- Iconic large-format works, including Dance at the Moulin de la Galette, Luncheon of the Boating Party, and Mother Anthony’s Cabaret;
- Intimate paintings and studies exploring relationships between men and women, families, and friends;
- Scenes set in modern Parisian public spaces, reflecting new social freedoms and evolving moral codes;
- A fresh interpretation of Renoir’s dialogue with 18th-century fêtes galantes, reimagined for modern life.
La Promenade, 1870
© Image courtesy of the J. Paul Getty Museum
Why Go with Carsons Travel Concierge?
Carsons Travel Concierge elevates your visit with:
- A private guided tour of Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity led by an expert guide;
- Sold-out tickets to the “Renoir and Love” exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay;
- Contextual insight into Renoir’s technique, themes, and social vision;
- A relaxed, crowd-managed visit through the Musée d’Orsay galleries;
- Luxury add-ons: pair your visit with a bespoke Paris itinerary including Impressionist-themed walks, private Seine experiences, or fine dining overlooking historic Paris.
This is not simply an exhibition — it is an invitation to rediscover love, light, and modern life through one of Impressionism’s most joyful masters.
FAQ – Plan Your Visit
Is the exhibition ticketed?
Yes. Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity (1865–1885) is a ticketed temporary exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay and is expected to be in high demand due to its international loans and anniversary significance.
Can you visit without a guide?
Yes, individual tickets are available. However, a private guided tour offers deeper insight into Renoir’s artistic intentions, social context, and the subtle symbolism of love, modernity, and public life in his work.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted for personal use at the Musée d’Orsay, though restrictions may apply to specific loaned works. Always follow gallery signage.
Is the exhibition suitable for first-time visitors to Impressionism?
Absolutely. The exhibition is accessible and engaging for newcomers while offering fresh perspectives and scholarly depth for seasoned art lovers.
Can the visit be combined with other experiences?
Certainly. Your Renoir exhibition visit can be paired with Impressionist-themed walks, private Seine experiences, fine dining, or a broader Paris art itinerary curated around your interests.
An Art Journey Beyond the Exhibition
Extend your Paris stay with curated experiences inspired by modern art and design:
- Private modern art tours across Paris;
- Private Impressionism-focused museum tours;
- Art walks along the Seine and historic leisure districts;
- Fine dining and luxury hotel stays near the Left Bank.
Let us curate your Renoir experience in Paris.
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