What is an Orangerie?

Since the 16th century, European royal houses began to grow citrus in their gardens. The oranges oranges and other citrus fruits were fashionable and, also, a symbol of power. Importation was complicated and very expensive, so these delicious fruits were reserved for aristocrats. In the gardens it was common to see orange trees and these crops were known as "Orangerie".Orangerie".

In the 17th century, large transparent glass surfaces were built to protect the citrus fruits from inclement weather and low temperatures in winter. These constructions with large windows were also called "Orangerie".Orangerie". The Orangerie de Versailles, built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1688, was copied by the great European royal houses. French gardeners used pruning techniques as well as water and nutrient retention to keep the orange trees in bloom all year round.

Orangerie Versailles

An Orangerie was a sign of distinction in aristocratic residences during the 17th and 13th centuries, a perfect union between nature and culture. They were not only greenhouses but also places for the arts, festivities and banquets. Many of them became leisure palaces. The most spectacular Orangerie date from the Baroque period.

Among the best known are the Orangerie of Versailles, the Orangerie of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and the Zwinger in Dresden as well as the Orangerie of Potsdam, Düsseldorf and Strasbourg.

In Paris there is the Musee de l'Orangeriebuilt in 1852 and converted into a museum at the beginning of the 20th century. This museum now houses a collection of impressionist paintings including some masterpieces by Monet as well as works by Cézanne, Picasso, Matisse and Renoir, among others.

Orangerie of Vienna

The Orangerie Schönbrunn was built in 1754 by Nikolaus Pacassi. Not only did it serve as a conservatory, the emperor used this palace for court celebrations, and this tradition has been preserved to this day. The palace orchestra dresses every evening in historical costumes to perform works by Mozart and Strauss.

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Cover photo by http://www.konzerte-wien.com/images/illustrationen/historische.jpg