American Friends Musées d’Orsay et de l’Orangerie

11/04/2024

After an eventful gala weekend, AFMO members and patrons enjoyed exclusive visits to two remarkable exhibitions at Musée d’Orsay: “Caillebotte. Painting men”and “Harriet Backer. The music of colors”.

Gustave Caillebotte’s modern explorations of masculinity contrast beautifully with Harriet Backer’s intimate, luminous interiors, forming a unique dialogue that celebrates Impressionism’s far-reaching influence and innovation.

For more information about AFMO, please visit our website and other social medias, linked in bio.

11/01/2024

After a successful gala weekend, AFMO is delighted to announce an exciting lineup of exclusive tours and visits scheduled for November. Members and patrons will have the opportunity to engage with museums, galleries, and art fairs.

Stay tuned for more details, and don’t miss the chance to be part of these enriching cultural experiences with AFMO. For more info, visit our website and other social medias, linked in bio.

10/24/2024

As part of our annual celebration of French-American friendship, HE Denise Campbell Bauer welcomed us back to the US Ambassador’s residence for an exclusive cocktail event prepared by the students of

Merci to our sponsors for their continuous supports.

📸 , Francois-Xavier Watine

10/22/2024

From October 17th-20th, AFMO guests arrived from different corners of the world in celebration of and .

This year, the AFMO annual benefit weekend began with a welcome cocktail held at . The guests not only enjoyed an elegant reception, but also a private viewing of the newly opened “Heinz Berggruen. A Dealer and his Collection” exhibition.

We are very grateful for their continued supports.

10/02/2024

AFMO members are invited to a selection of events and private tours this October, including the AFMO annual benefit weekend.

For more information, please visit our website (link in bio).

09/19/2024

07/29/2024

Museum with a view. Celebrating Olympic friendship in style.

07/12/2024

2024, The Impressionist Season. Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894). «Les Soleils, Jardin du Petit Gennevilliers»

Gustave Caillebotte, an important figure in the Impressionist movement, often drew inspiration from his surroundings, and his garden at Petit Gennevilliers was a frequent subject. This particular work captures the lush, natural beauty of the garden with meticulous detail, showcasing Caillebotte’s skill in rendering light and texture. The composition includes a house and other buildings in the background, adding a sense of depth and domestic tranquility to the scene.

Emile Zola’s notion that « the work of art is a corner of nature seen through a temperament » resonates deeply with Caillebotte’s approach. The painting renders a scene that goes beyond mere representation to express the personality and emotions of its creator.

For Caillebotte, the role of an artist, like that of the gardener, is as much to magnify as to subject nature to his well, paralleling the horticultural passions of his friend Claude Monet. Both artists shared an enthusiasm for gardening, which significantly influenced their artistic outputs, infusing their canvases with the colors and forms cultivated in their gardens.

From October 8th, 2024 to January 19th, 2025, Musée d’Orsay will present the exhibition « Caillebotte. Peindre les hommes”.

Credit: 2024, The Impressionist Season. Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894). «Les Soleils, Jardin du Petit Gennevilliers». © Musée d’Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt

07/04/2024

Did you spot the AFMO Annual Benefit Weekend in the Wall Street Journal?

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in Paris from October 17-20, 2024. Celebrate art, culture, and French-American friendship while supporting the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie. Enjoy exclusive cultural tours, gourmet delights, and the glamorous Gala evening at the Musée d’Orsay. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something extraordinary.

Thank you to the Wall Street Journal for this special partnership and supporting AFMO’s mission!

To RSVP for the weekend gala and to learn more about AFMO events and activities, visit our website, linked in bio.

06/05/2024

AFMO’s benefit Weekend in Paris offers an unforgettable celebration of French-American friendship in support of the Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie. We invite you to join us for this year’s edition, from October 17 to 20, 2024.
This exclusive celebration will feature:

- Gala evening at the Musée d’Orsay
- Opening cocktail at Musée de l’Orangerie
- Friday luncheon at the Château de Bagatelle
- French-American friendship cocktail

Guests will enjoy numerous cultural highlights, including curatorial tours, French heritage savoir-faire, engaging conversations, exclusive walks, fairs, and art galleries.

Additional highlights include tours of iconic sites such as the Musée Marmottan Monet, Fondation Custodia, Château de Versailles, and Château de Bagatelle. The guest will also enjoy special experiences of cooking classes at Le Cordon Bleu, and a pastry session at L‘Ecole Ritz Escoffier.
AFMO’s Weekend in Paris is a fundraiser designed to support and contribute to the preservation, enrichment, and promotion of the Musées d’Orsay et de l’Orangerie, their collections and educational programs. In addition to celebrating art and culture, the foundation aims to highlight French-American friendship, fostering a deeper appreciation for shared cultural heritage and artistic excellence.
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Paris. Secure your spot now and be part of this remarkable experience. Limited availability.

A portion of your weekend ticket is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.
Visit our website, linked in bio (https://www.aforsay.org/save-date-1) to sign up.

We look forward to celebrating with you in Paris.

06/01/2024

As summer approaches, AFMO members are invited to a selection of events and private tours this June, including the AFMO Springtime Open House at Musée d’Orsay and two special day trips to Normandy.

For more information, please visit our website (link in bio).

05/29/2024

Please join us for a memorable day trip to Le Havre, the birthplace of Impressionism, on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Le Havre’s rich artistic heritage and stunning coastal scenery make it an inspiring destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Known for its role in the development of Impressionism, Le Havre is where artists like Claude Monet found inspiration in its unique light and landscapes. The city’s connection to this revolutionary art movement is celebrated through its museums and historic sites, offering a deep dive into the origins of Impressionist art.

MuMA (Musée d’art moderne André Malraux):
MuMA, established in 1961, boasts the second-largest collection of Impressionist works in France, after that of the Musée d’Orsay. This remarkable museum features masterpieces by Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, and Sisley, offering a rare glimpse into the world of Impressionist art. The visit also includes the special exhibition “Photographier en Normandie (1840-1890). Un dialogue pionnier entre les arts,” highlighting Normandy’s decisive role in the beginning of photography and its interaction with Impressionist painting.

Église Saint-Joseph:
Visit the iconic Église Saint-Joseph, a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Auguste Perret. This unique church, completed in 1957, stands out with its striking concrete structure and a 107-meter-tall tower adorned with stained-glass windows that create a stunning play of light, a symbol of Le Havre’s post-war reconstruction and architectural innovation.

Auguste Perret’s Show Apartment:
The architect’s apartment offers a glimpse into his vision for modern urban living. Perret, a pioneer in reinforced concrete construction, rebuilt most of Le Havre after WWII. Furnished in a mid-century modern style, the apartment is a time capsule that provides insights into Perret’s architectural philosophy and his personal life.

With only a few spots left, secure your place now for this unique cultural experience! For more detail and registrations, please visit our website, linked in bio.

05/29/2024

This morning, AFMO patrons enjoyed a private guided tour of the exhibition ‘Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism’ at Musée d’Orsay. Led by curator Anne Catherine Abecassis, the group was offered a fresh perspective on the first Impressionist salon, the advent of an artistic movement that emerged in a rapidly changing world.

AFMO is proud to support this exhibition — in celebration of its mission, history, and bond with Musée d’Orsay. Please join us to celebrate the Impressionist season with complimentary skip-the-line admission and before-hours access to the museum and temporary exhibitions, including “Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism”.

The exhibition will run until July 14th, 2024. For more AFMO tours and events, please check our website, linked in bio.

05/18/2024

Normandy, remembrance and French-American friendship. 📍 Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Colleville-sur-Mer, Sainte-Mère-Eglise and Utah Beach. (Part Two)

The most solemn moment of our trip took place at Colleville-sur-Mer, where we paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers at the Normandy American Cemetery. Established by the US First Army and managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the American Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to the valor and sacrifice of those who fought in World War II. Dean Kehler, AFMO patron, captured the spirit of the moment, stating, « 9,388 American military personnel are buried there, and the names of another 1,557 who were never found are inscribed on the Walls of the Missing. These brave Americans lost their lives in the D-Day landings and subsequent operations to liberate occupied France and bring the war to an end. Between the playing of the National Anthem and Taps, we held a ceremony to honor the fallen and laid a wreath on behalf of the American Friends of the Musées d’Orsay et de l’Orangerie. »

That night, in celebration of French-American friendship, our hosts Nicolas and Diane hosted an elegant dinner in their 18th century château in the Cotentin « bocage ». The next morning, the group headed to Sainte-Mère-Eglise, home to the Airborne Museum and famous for the paratrooper who landed on the bell tower in the early hours of June 6. The day ended with a stroll on Utah Beach, followed by a tour of its museum and a stop at Angoville-au-Plain: the church was turned into an aid station on D Day and its benches still bear the blood stains of the wounded 80 years later. A final moving note to end a very special trip to Normandy.

Special thanks to , and our hosts.

05/17/2024

Normandy, remembrance and French-American friendship. 📍Arromanches-les-Bains, Longues-sur-Mer, Port-en-Bessin (Part One)

The final chapter of our Normandy journey was dedicated to honoring the upcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day landings. Guided by François de Bourgoing whose grandfather and father woke up to the sounds of the first wave, our experience was deeply enriched by local insights, anecdotes, and poignant family stories.

Our first day took us to Longues-sur-Mer and the only intact German battery of the Atlantic Wall, and then to Arromanches-les-Bains and the Arromanches 360 theater to relive the battle of Normandy. That evening, over dinner, we were joined by Charles Shay, a US veteran of the June 6th, 1944 landings and our guest of honor. His memories and heartfelt reflections added a deeply personal and moving layer to the historical tapestry, bridging the gap between past and present with every story shared.

Special thanks to , Charles Shay and Marie-Pascale Legrand. Many thanks as well to and .