Museum Expeditions on a Rainy Day: June 16-20, 2026

This report documents museum visits conducted between June 16 and 20, 2026, focusing on the unique atmosphere of art institutions in major global cities during rainy weather. Museums, as indoor spaces, are less affected by external conditions, and the tranquility of a rainy day enhances immersion in the artworks. This record highlights the 'location,' 'founding year,' 'architecture,' 'collection,' 'representative spaces,' and 'visitor flow' of each museum.

The selected museums—Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, and Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul—each offer a distinct architectural and artistic experience. A rainy day visit minimizes external distractions, allowing for deeper engagement with the art and the serene environment within. This fosters a more intimate dialogue between the visitor and the art.

Musée de l'Orangerie: Monet's Water Lilies in the Tuileries Garden

Located at 20 Quai des Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France, the Musée de l'Orangerie sits at the western end of the Tuileries Garden, adjacent to the Seine River. It is easily accessible, approximately a 3-minute walk from Concorde Metro Station (Line 1). The building, originally an orangery for the garden's orange trees, was converted into a museum in 1927 to house Claude Monet's monumental 'Water Lilies' series. The museum's two oval-shaped galleries on the first floor are specifically designed for these eight large-scale works, allowing natural light to illuminate them and create an immersive experience. The collection also includes works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters such as Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse. The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, closed on Tuesdays and certain holidays. Admission is €12.50 for adults, free for those under 18. An estimated visit duration is 1-2 hours.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: A Vast Repository on Fifth Avenue

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, situated at 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA, is a grand Beaux-Arts edifice on Fifth Avenue, bordering Central Park. With over 150 years of history, it boasts a collection of more than two million artworks spanning ancient Egyptian artifacts, Renaissance masterpieces, and contemporary art. Key highlights include the Temple of Dendur, the European painting galleries, and the Asian art sections. The museum's vastness encourages exploration, with visitors often discovering new paths and focusing on specific areas of interest. The rooftop garden offers panoramic views of Central Park and the New York skyline. The Met is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM, closed on Wednesdays. Adult admission is $30, with suggested donation for New York State residents. While a visit can last several hours, a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour is suggested for a brief overview.

Mori Art Museum: Contemporary Art with a City View in Roppongi Hills

The Mori Art Museum is located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, at 6-chōme−10−１ Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan. Founded by real estate developer Minoru Mori, it focuses on large-scale international contemporary art exhibitions, alongside a permanent collection of art from Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. Its high-rise location offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo, which become an integral part of the exhibition experience, especially during sunset or at night. The museum's design integrates art with the urban landscape, extending to public art installations throughout the Roppongi Hills complex, such as Louise Bourgeois' 'Maman.' The museum is open Monday, Wednesday-Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM, and Tuesday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Adult admission is ¥2,000, including access to the Tokyo City View observation deck. An estimated visit duration is 2 hours.

Leeum Museum of Art: Architectural Dialogue in Hannam-dong, Seoul

The Leeum Museum of Art, at 744-29 Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea, is a leading institution showcasing Korean art from ancient artifacts to contemporary works, as well as significant international modern and contemporary art. The museum comprises three distinct buildings designed by renowned architects Mario Botta (Museum 1), Jean Nouvel (Museum 2), and Rem Koolhaas (Black Box). Museum 1, with its red terracotta brick and spiral staircase, houses traditional Korean art. Museum 2, featuring rusted steel and glass, displays modern art. The Black Box offers a futuristic, adaptable space for contemporary exhibitions. This architectural diversity fosters a dialogue between traditional and modern artistic expressions. The museum is located in the cultural hub of Hannam-dong, a 5-minute walk from Hangangjin Station (Line 6). It is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission varies by exhibition, typically ₩12,000-₩18,000 for adults, and online reservation is required. An estimated visit duration is 1.5-2 hours.

Conclusion of Rainy Day Museum Expeditions

The expeditions from June 16-20, 2026, highlighted the unique appeal of museum visits on rainy days. Each institution—Musée de l'Orangerie, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Mori Art Museum, and Leeum Museum of Art—offered distinct experiences, from the serene immersion in Monet's 'Water Lilies' to the vast historical panorama of the Met, the urban artistic synergy of Mori, and the architectural elegance of Leeum. Rainy weather minimizes external distractions, allowing for a deeper focus on the art and the contemplative atmosphere within the museum. This provides an opportunity for introspection and shared experiences, particularly for couples. It is advisable to check each museum's official website for the most current operating hours, admission fees, and transportation details before visiting.