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
The place is quite big and if you plan to thoroughly go through the museum's all floors I recommend allotting 3-4 hours.
The museum itself has many interesting and popular artworks from different times, including contemporary times (exhibitions on second floor). The exhibition hall with Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh was very crowded though.
Kristaps Prūsis - a month ago
One of the most unique and enjoyable museums. Hard to beat the impressionist collection. Really interesting layout in an old train station and the exhibits are arranged on different levels. Book your ticket in advance to avoid a long wait.
Aaron Ochse - 3 weeks ago
Definitely a must see. Get your timed tickets in advance though, the line can be pretty long. A wonderful selection of a variety of artists, the building itself is a beautiful set piece and definitely a recommendation. Arrive before hand to explore the avenues around it because there's a lot to see.
Neko Ramsay - a month ago
Get a reserve ticket early in the morning. Bathrooms on site. While many go to the places that are most photogenic, there are lots of pieces tucked away in corners that are not surrounded by others. Take some time to see the amazing views of Paris from the windows!
Devon Martin - 2 months ago
A great museum with sculptures, paintings, and crafted models from different times. I appreciated the Impressionism painting exhibition on the top floor the most. Guided tours and audio-guided tours are available. Don’t miss the beautiful view of Paris through the windows!
Arkadiusz Jędrzejewski - 2 months 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: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr
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