Exhibition "Renoir Draftsman" Musée d’Orsay from March 17 to July 05, 2026

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Discover “Renoir Draftsman”, a unique exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay, from March 17 to July 5, 2026. Explore more than a hundred previously unseen drawings and sketches, revealing Renoir’s creative process, his varied graphic techniques, and the evolution of his style. An exceptional immersion into the artist’s intimate world.

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Renoir Draftsman Exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay

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What to expect

Discover the exhibition “Renoir the Draftsman” at the Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay, one of the essential temples of art in Paris, is hosting an exceptional exhibition dedicated to the drawings of Pierre-Auguste Renoir from March 17 to July 5, 2026. Titled “Renoir the Draftsman,” this event offers a unique dive into the graphic universe of the artist, often overshadowed by his fame as an Impressionist painter. For the first time, the public can explore over a hundred works, including some that have never been exhibited before, revealing Renoir’s intimate creative process and his mastery of various graphic techniques.

The Intimacy of a Master of Drawing

Renoir is often celebrated for his paintings, but his drawings constitute a true artistic treasure. The exhibition highlights the richness of his work on paper, ranging from pencil and charcoal to pen and ink, as well as pastel, watercolor, gouache, and sanguine, a technique he particularly favored for representing flesh and the human body. These graphic works showcase his constant concern to capture light, movement, and form, and help better understand the evolution of his style over the years.

Discovering Renoir’s drawings means entering the intimacy of his studio, observing his trials, compositional research, and understanding how his preparatory sketches influenced his paintings. Each drawing is a testament to his artistic curiosity and quest for harmony and beauty in depicting the human body and scenes of life.

Why This Exhibition is a Must-See

The “Renoir the Draftsman” exhibition is one of a kind. It offers a rare opportunity to see works from private collections and international museums, brought together for the first time in Paris. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a student, or simply curious, this immersion in Renoir’s graphic world is an enriching experience.

The selection of works allows visitors to follow Renoir’s transition after the Impressionist years, when his style became more classical and expressive. By discovering his drawings, visitors can appreciate not only the finesse of his line but also the intensity of his gaze on bodies and faces, revealing a sensitivity that has inspired generations of artists.

Moreover, this exhibition is a chance to deepen your knowledge of art history. Long criticized for his supposed weakness in drawing, Renoir here demonstrates his mastery and inventiveness, redefining his role in modern art and shedding new light on his influence on artists such as Pierre Bonnard and Pablo Picasso.

Practical Information to Plan Your Visit

The exhibition takes place at the Musée d’Orsay, located on the left bank of the Seine, in Paris’s 7th arrondissement. Housed in a renovated former train station, the museum is an iconic venue offering an ideal setting to appreciate Renoir’s works. The building’s architecture, with its large glass roofs and luminous atmosphere, perfectly complements the experience of discovering the drawings.

Opening hours are designed to allow everyone to fully enjoy the visit. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with a late opening on Thursdays until 9:45 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays. It is strongly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for late openings or weekends, to avoid queues and guarantee your access to this exceptional exhibition.

Prices and Tickets

Entrance fees are designed to remain accessible to the widest audience. Booking online also allows you to plan your visit flexibly and take advantage of options such as combined tickets for other museum exhibitions.

Advance purchase is particularly recommended, as the exhibition promises to attract many visitors. By booking ahead, you not only secure your entry but also save time and can organize your day to explore the entire permanent collection of the Musée d’Orsay.

Associated Events and Activities

To enrich visitors’ experience, the exhibition is accompanied by lectures and symposiums. An inaugural lecture is scheduled for April 3, 2026, where the curators will present their curatorial choices and the significance of Renoir’s drawings. A symposium titled “Revisiting Renoir” will be held on May 15, 2026, allowing experts to discuss the impact and evolution of his work. Finally, a series of four lectures called “The Renoir Adventure” will cover various aspects of the artist’s life and work, from critical reception to his influence on subsequent generations.

These activities provide an additional dimension to the exhibition, enabling visitors to deepen their understanding and fully appreciate Renoir’s creative genius.

An Experience Not to Be Missed

Booking your visit to the “Renoir the Draftsman” exhibition is a rare opportunity to discover a lesser-known but fascinating facet of the artist. Between intimate drawings, preparatory sketches, and works never before shown to the public, every visit is an immersion into Renoir’s world. The Musée d’Orsay offers an exceptional setting to contemplate these artistic treasures, combining architectural heritage and internationally renowned collections.

Don’t miss this unique chance to see Renoir in a new light and get closer to the graphic universe of a master whose talent continues to influence modern art. Book your tickets now to guarantee access and enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience in Paris.

Schedule

Available every day except on Monday
Schedule: 9:30 am

Give your group a unique immersion in Renoir’s universe!

Are you organizing an event for a group of more than 10 people?

Discover “Renoir Draftsman” at the Musée d’Orsay and dive into the master’s unseen drawings. Book now by filling out our form for a culturally enriching and unforgettable group experience.

Feel free to contact us at +33 1 48 74 05 10 for any requests.

Common questions

Where is the exhibition held?

At the Musée d’Orsay, located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, on the banks of the Seine.

What makes this exhibition unique?

It is the first exhibition entirely dedicated to Renoir’s drawings, featuring over a hundred works from around the world, some never exhibited before.

Which works are presented?

Among the iconic pieces are Les Baigneuses, Maternité, and Jeune femme penchée sur un balcon, as well as numerous sketches and studies.

What types of graphic techniques are exhibited?

The exhibition showcases charcoal, pencil, graphite, pen and ink, as well as pastels, watercolors, gouaches, and red chalk (sanguine), Renoir’s favorite technique for depicting flesh and nudes.

Who can visit the exhibition?

All audiences are welcome, whether you are an art enthusiast, student, or simply curious.

Are there any special events?

Yes: inaugural conference on April 3, 2026, “Revisiting Renoir” symposium on May 15, 2026, and a series of four lectures “The Renoir Adventure” throughout the exhibition.

How long does the visit usually last?

A full visit can last between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on your interest in Renoir’s drawings and techniques.

Is advance booking required?

It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for evening openings or weekends, to guarantee entry.

Is the exhibition suitable for children?

Yes, children can discover the works, but it is advisable to accompany the younger ones to explain the techniques and historical context.

Are guided tours available?

Special conferences and guided tours are offered during the exhibition to better understand Renoir’s creative process.

What does the exhibition reveal about Renoir?

It reveals Renoir’s artistic intimacy, his mastery of graphic techniques, and the evolution of his style after Impressionism.

Can visitors take photos?

Photography is generally not allowed to protect the works, but some exhibitions may offer specific areas or authorized photo opportunities by the museum.