Henri Rousseau, The Ambition of Painting

The Musée de l'Orangerie, located in the Jardin des Tuileries, is hosting an exceptional temporary exhibition dedicated to Henri Rousseau, an iconic figure in modern art. From 25 March to 20 July 2026, this artistic retrospective brings together some fifty major works, several of which are on loan from the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. This transatlantic partnership highlights the role of art dealer Paul Guillaume, who acted as an intermediary between Rousseau and collector Albert Barnes, and was a fervent promoter of the artist.

Rediscovering Le Douanier Rousseau

Often confined to the naive image of the “Customs Officer”, Henri Rousseau reveals himself here as an ambitious, innovative painter who was deeply engaged with his era. The exhibition explores his exotic landscapes, symbolic portraits, urban scenes and public commissions, demonstrating his great stylistic diversity. Thanks to technical analyses carried out by the 'Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France (C2RMF)', visitors can discover the secrets of his painting technique and the materials used by the artist.

A look at the modern art market

The exhibition also examines Rousseau's place in the 20th-century art market, through collection strategies, distribution channels and recognition mechanisms. Iconic works such as La Bohémienne endormie (MoMA, New York) enrich this journey, offering an immersive museum experience. This cultural event is an invitation to rediscover a visionary artist, supported by the biggest names in art criticism and international collecting.

Even more exhibitions in Paris Region.