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
One of the most beautiful museums in the world. One can spend a complete day (or weeks if one is passionate about arts) at this place. Very impressed by the collection, from sculptures to paintings, encompassing worldwide pieces.
The crowd is civilized generally speaking but line can sometimes be wider than long lol
MD Nguyen - a week ago
Wow!!! Just wow!!! One of the Must See places in this beautiful city of Love and Lights!!! Paris is my favorite city in the world and this is one of the many reasons why!!! Starry Night is here!!!! Many other amazing pieces of art are houses in this amazing museum!!! Plan on a full day here and make sure to have a meal in the iconic restaurants located here🇫🇷❤️💯
Tasteful Travels - a week ago
In some ways, I found the Musée d’Orsay even more interesting than the Louvre when it comes to art. It’s smaller, more navigable, and offers a stunning collection that’s easier to appreciate without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re interested in art, you can easily spend at least 3 hours here and I would definitely recommend booking more time to fully enjoy the experience.
Sebastjan Sitar - in the last week
One of my favorite stops in Paris to see the art I enjoyed learning about in school many years ago.
The museum’s collection is both vast and diverse, spanning centuries and styles with the most impressionistic art collection that I’ve seen to date they had so many Monet van Gogh and degas paintings. Each gallery is thoughtfully curated, providing not just art but context, history, and inspiration.
Additionally, the building is beautiful as well. You can tell that it was an old train station but amazing to see how they made it into a museum.
If you only have time for one museum, I would choose this over the Louvre.
Spice Lussier - 3 weeks ago
I enjoyed this museum more than the Louvre. It has Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and so many more artists and paintings you will easily recognize. These paintings are iconic and it is humbling to see them in the flesh. Order tickets before your visit to avoid lines. We chose not to do the audio guide and it allowed us to visit in the order we wanted. Pay attention to the days they are closed when you are planning.
Dez Newcomb - 2 weeks 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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Accommodations near Musée d'Orsay (Art Museum):
Photo Gallery
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Ornate clock inside the Musée d'Orsay cc licensed photo by Eurapart - stoked to get 100,000 views! -
Photo Credit: Rob Oo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Pierre Blaché - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Eric@focus - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Pierre Blaché - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Gael Varoquaux - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr
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