The Impressionist mindset: the moment is fleeting, light, movement and change surrounds us, the fragility of time is ever present and the pleasure of the moment should bring joy to the artist and subject alike. These guys (and girls) were on to something.
An empty park on a rainy day in Paris
My second day in Paris was raining, which offered me the glorious composition of Paris in a different light. I love Paris in the rain (it's not just cliché, it really is beautiful). I decided to utilize this rainy day to visit the Musée d'Orsay. If you have never been to this museum, it is an absolute MUST. A tip for the wise, purchase your tickets online and skip the line that starts to form before the doors open. Also I recommend getting to the museum right around opening to enjoy the Impressionist Wing before the throngs of tourists arrive. While the entire museum is spectacular, the 5th floor (The Impressionists) is really the crown jewel of the collection. Shhh, you're not allowed to take pictures...
"La Classe de danse" by Edgar Degas
Monet, Sisley, Boudin, Manet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne...the rogue masters creating (arguably) not only the most iconic and identifiable art ever, but also the most strikingly beautiful pieces you can ever see in person. It is a must.
One panel featuring the lily pond at dawn by Monet at the Musée de l'Orangerie
With your ticket to the Musee d'Orsay, you also have the pleasure of visiting the Musée de l'Orangerie (just across the river). This museum was commissioned by Monet. He wanted to create a space where a viewer can actually immerse themselves in his garden at Giverny (or his vision of the garden), where he painted some of his best known works. This museum or rather installation consists of two large oval rooms where four panels stretch around the entire interior of each. You understood that correctly, two large oval rooms with soft light entering through oval skylights, with full length Monet murals surrounding the viewer. It is breathtaking and absolutely worth a visit.