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
Love this museum!! Had one day in Paris to spend so I decided to visit this museum. Went to a 3rd party website to grab a ticket because it was already full booked for the day. I have to say I love this museum better than the Louvre! If you pre-booked the ticket then you can get in real quick. They have great art so would definitely recommend!
Nauvall Juliansyah - 3 weeks ago
It’s just beautiful, the building, the history of it, the art collections! I loved it! In my opinion it was better than the Louvre, and not as crowded as that one. Better to buy tickets at least with 2 days ahead. I sorted pretty fast with Headout app, but don’t leave it on last minute.
Laura - 2 weeks ago
We got there right at opening on a Saturday morning. No advance ticket because we weren't sure of our schedule until That morning. Our line was maybe ten minutes longer than persons With tickets and our wait was maybe twenty minutes total.
The museum was beautiful as always , though I was very sad about the construction on the INSIDE because it created a different view from the top floor but it was still lovely. I especially enjoyed that in all the scaffolding/blocking materials, there was on every floor Amazing history of the museum and of Paris.
I love the way all of the exhibits are laid out so spacious with plenty of room to wander and to get beautiful photos as well.
My only true regret was that the 5th floor patio was closed completely (possibly due to rain? Though it was very light). If you ever get the opportunity to spend time on that patio ...the views are Spectacular!. Guess I'll just have to go back.
Mallorie McManus - 3 weeks ago
I think it might have just become my favourite museum in Paris! No long, snaking, unending queues thankfully but the exhibits promise to wow and amaze just the same. You get a sense that you stepped into a very important collection of history that is well designed and easy to navigate. Ample rest places and bold pieces, it was a truly enjoyable experience for me.
The Van Gogh self portrait and lots of other prominent pieces are housed here. A must see, especially for fans of Impressionists paintings.
For those who are keen for a photo op, head all the way up to find the giant clock. Taking photos there especially during or close to sunset gives you lovely and brilliant silhouette photos.
Nicole Yang - a month ago
4 stars is generous but i liked the conversion of the building. As for the art, all the good stuff is 5 floors up, the lifts weren’t working and the toilets are a big trek too. There were too many people, the viewing rooms are small and there is nowhere to sit. Essentially they need a new team here to organise and manage everything but i did enjoy the building 😀
Rob1nson - 3 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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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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