In short
Overlooking the left bank of the Seine, the Musée d'Orsay houses artistic production from the mid-nineteenth century to the start of the First World War. Its imposing central nave of iron and glass combines the beauty of industrial archaeology with the pictorial evolution of a revolutionary creative era.
Era: Founded in 1986 (building from 1900)
Architecture: eclectic and industrial
Artistic movements: realism, impressionism, post-impressionism, neo-impressionism and divisionism
Best time: Thursday evening for extended opening hours
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Opening hours and prices at the Musée d'Orsay
Find out how and when to access the Royal Galleries and plan your cultural visit without any surprises.
Opening hours
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From Tuesday to Sunday 09:30 - 18:00
Thursday until 9.45pm, last entry 1 hour before
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Ordinary closures
Monday, May 1st, December 25th
Prices
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Adults from €14
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Reduced 11€
Accompanying minors (max 2), large families
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Free entry Free
Minors under 18, disabled people with companion, EU Under 26s
What to see at the Musée d'Orsay
Observe the richness of an immense collection where each gallery holds precious treasures from every corner of the earth.
Van Gogh's Bedroom
Admire the famous 1889 canvas full of intense colors and double perspectives.
Claude Monet's Incredible Poppies
Observe one of the icons of the Impressionist movement, imbued with light and nature.
Edgar Degas's Dance Class
Let yourself be struck by the photographic style and the realism of the young dancers.
The Masters of Impressionism
Explore the upper rooms filled with legendary paintings such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s The Ball at the Moulin de la Galette, Édouard Manet’s Luncheon on the Grass, and Paul Cézanne’s Bathers.
The Post-Impressionist Revolution
Discover the expressive power of masterpieces by unique artists including Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhone, Paul Gauguin's Arearea, and Georges Seurat's monumental circus.
Visiting the Musée d'Orsay
Follow these quick tips to navigate this gigantic museum complex with ease.
Best moment
In the morning at nine thirty when the doors open.
Crowding
Raised to the fifth floor, more fluid in the lower rooms.
Suitable for children
Yes, for the giant sculptures and the old railway structure.
What not to miss
The large model of the city under the transparent pavement.
Type of experience
Bright, dynamic, deeply connected to color and painting.
What to expect
Large, airy spaces, very high roofs and a linear path.
How to visit the Musée d'Orsay
It's best to start on the ground floor and then go directly up to the top floor, where the Impressionist masterpieces are concentrated; which is also the route of the guided tours.
Need to know
- The structure was born as a railway station for the Universal Exhibition.
- In 1970 the building was at risk of demolition for a hotel.
- The museum houses the largest Impressionist collection in the world.
- The interior design was designed by Italian designer Gae Aulenti.
Practical advice
- Always book your ticket online to skip the long lines.
- Go up to the fifth floor immediately to avoid the crowds.
- Use the central escalators to move quickly.
- Visit the museum on a Thursday evening for greater peace of mind.
How to get to the Musée d'Orsay
The museum is located on the left bank, facing the Tuileries Garden.
Line 12 stops at the convenient Solférino station.
Line C serves the Musée d'Orsay underground stop.
Lines 68, 69, 73 and 84 stop in front.
Cross the Seine by walking along the scenic Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor.
Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007
Official Transport Paris
- Paris Metro Map
- RER tickets and fares
- Taxis in Paris (numbers and alternatives)
History of the Musée d'Orsay
In 1900, on the occasion of the great Universal Exhibition in Paris, architect Victor Laloux completed construction of the luxurious Orsay train station. The building featured a monumental stone façade designed to blend in with the elegance of the neighboring stately buildings, concealing a state-of-the-art iron interior. For decades, the station welcomed trains from southwest France.
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As the years passed, trains became increasingly longer and electrified, making the station platforms obsolete and too short. From 1939, the station was partially abandoned, used only for suburban traffic, as a temporary post office, and even as a film set for major international directors. The structure's fate seemed sealed, destined for total demolition.
The turning point came in 1977, when President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing decided to save the historic industrial monument and transform it into a major state museum. The goal was to create an ideal bridge between the classical art collections of the Louvre and the contemporary art collections of the Centre Pompidou. The interior design was entrusted to Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who created a unique limestone exhibition route.
The Musée d'Orsay was officially inaugurated in 1986, receiving immediate critical and public acclaim. The large windows of the former railway vault proved perfect for illuminating the Impressionist paintings with natural light, which were designed to be admired in the sunlight. Today, the museum is an unsurpassed model of architectural restoration.
Curiosities about the Musée d'Orsay
Unusual historical details and little secrets hidden within the walls of the old Parisian station.
The Ballroom: On the second floor is the old ballroom of the station hotel, which has remained intact with mirrors, gilded stucco and colossal chandeliers.
The restaurant clock: behind one of the two giant dials on the external facade there is now an elegant café where you can have lunch while looking out over the city.
Sculptures saved: The large rhino statue on the outside plaza was at risk of being melted down before being saved by the museum.
Messages on the walls: during the restoration, old graffiti written in charcoal by railway workers from the early twentieth century were found on the steel beams.
Musée d'Orsay tickets and tours
Find accommodation near the Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d'Orsay overlooks the Seine, bordering the Invalides (of which it is part) and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. If you prefer to get around on foot, we recommend booking accommodation in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a backpack or is there a cloakroom?
backpacks are permitted. Suitcases and trolleys larger than fifty-five centimeters are not permitted, and there is no storage.
Can I take photos inside the rooms?
Yes, photography for personal use is free throughout the museum, but no flash or tripods are required.
Is there a restaurant inside the property?
Yes, you'll find the historic Restaurant du Musée d'Orsay on the first floor and a café under the clock.
How long does it take to see it all?
A thorough visit generally takes about two hours, focusing on the main collections.
Is the property wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entrance has dedicated ramps and there are elevators inside to move between floors.
Can tickets be purchased on site?
The on-site ticket office sells very few remaining tickets. It's best to always purchase your time slot online. This is one of the things you should book before leaving for Paris.
What day is the museum closed?
The exhibition halls remain closed on Mondays for weekly rest and maintenance.
Is it near the Orangerie Museum?
Yes, just cross the Seine on the pedestrian bridge to reach the Orangerie in five minutes.
