Musée d'Orsay (Art Museum)
Musée d'Orsay, located in a former railroad station, is one of the most popular art museums in Paris
The Musee d'Orsay is a magnificent art museum situated on the left bank of the Seine River running through the heart of Paris. If you are visiting Paris as a tourist, then stopping off at the Musee d'Orsay is an absolute must, in fact if you have decided that you have to visit the world famous Louvre museum then you should most definitely visit the Musee d'Orsay in order to really get the full experience of significant art works within Paris.
The Musee d'Orsay was originally a railway station known as the Gare d'Orsay, completed in 1909 and served as the main terminus for the trains servicing the railways to south western France up until 1939. The building has been used over the years for many different purposes including as a partial mailing room during the Second World War, as a backdrop and set for several films including Franz Kafka's The Trial and as a sort of headquarters for the Renaud-Barrault Theatre Company.
In 1970 plans were put in motion to demolish the entire building and the green light was given to commence demolition, however, the timely intervention of the then minister for cultural affairs, Jacques Duhamel, prevented its demolition in order to make way for a new hotel. Instead the building was added to a list of historic buildings and saved for many generations to come.
In 1974 it was suggested that the building be converted into a museum in order to create a bridge between the Louvre and the modern art museum and so the Musee d'Orsay was born and is today one of the most popular museums in Paris. Extensive work was carried out on both the exterior as well as the interior of the museum however the original railway station look was maintained in terms of the huge, rather cavernous space which provides vast amounts of light, perfect for viewing works of art.
Nearby attractions: Jardin des Tuileries, Le Musée des Arts Decoratifs and Musée de l'Orangerie
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes, however entry is free with a mandatory reservation on the first Sunday of every month.Musée d'Orsay (Art Museum) Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 9:45 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris, France
Phone: 01 40 49 48 14
Official Website: Musée d'Orsay (Art Museum)
Musée d'Orsay (Art Museum) Reviews
Rated out of 5
Wonderful museum of Impressionism art. A definite visit if you go to Paris for art lovers. There is quite a few sculptures as well to enjoy.
Tips: buy tickets in advance online from their official site. All kids under 18 are free.
Start on the fifth floor (where all Impressionism works are) towards the front of building then go to back and descend for furniture floors (3 and 4 floors), then the lowest two floors have sculptures and paintings before impression period.
David EB - 2 weeks ago
Absolutely loved this museum. I recommend starting in the impressionist art because there are a ton of gems here and it can be easy to get overwhelmed and tired. We went through the art eras that we appreciated the most and then were able to cruise through the other art and sculpture during the second half of the day. Came during the free Sunday visit and highly recommend to purchase tickets ahead of time to skip the crazy long wait lines
Bindu F. - 4 weeks ago
Probably the best museum in Paris that you can enjoy without being overwhelmed. So many paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Renoir and other impressionists that lived and created art in Paris and France.
We visited on Sunday afternoon. There was no waiting time. Buying in person is 2 euros cheaper than buying online.
Aizhamal Nurmamat kyzy - a week ago
Fewer visitors than the Louvre, but I think it is better. Go straight up to the top floor to see the impressionists and post impressionists first, as these galleries fill up quickly with people taking selfies next to masterpieces. It can be confusing getting around, with lots of side rooms. As a former railway station the huge main space is brilliant. If you can afford it, have lunch in the main restaurant, or go up to the top floor and have a cafeteria meal behind a massive clock face.
Ian Cross - 2 weeks ago
Great museum. Must visit if you already visited the louvre. Great building as it was a train station before and huge collection of pieces and artworks.
Most importantly is to dine at the restaurant with beautiful luxurious decoration and at the cafe where you will be at the back of the building clock.
Mohammed Al-Kuwari - a month ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M12 | Solférino Station | 4 minutes |
| RER-C | Musée d'Orsay | 0 minutes |
How to get to Musée d'Orsay (Art Museum) by Metro / RER
By Metro: Exit Metro Line 12 at Solférino Station and walk north on Rue de Bellechasse to the museum entrance.
By RER C: The exit at Musée d'Orsay Station is located right in front of the entrance to the musum.
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Photo Gallery
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Ornate clock inside the Musée d'Orsay cc licensed photo by Eurapart - stoked to get 100,000 views!
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