Musée d'Orsay
4.8
(108.6k)The Musée d'Orsay is an art museum on the Left Bank of the Seine, housed in the former Gare d'Orsay railway station, which was built for the 1900 World's Fair. It primarily features French art from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. The museum holds the world's largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces.
Address
Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris, France
Opening Hours
9:30 AM – 9:45 PM (Thu)
Phone
+33 1 40 49 48 14
Worth it?
Worth it if you appreciate art housed in a stunning architectural space
Skip if you're not keen on 19th and early 20th-century European art
Location
Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris, France
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Highlights
The building itself is a masterpiece, with a grandiose iron and glass vault that allows for abundant light and air, and a central clock that creates a grand atmosphere.
The 5th floor houses the spectacular Impressionist collection, featuring works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cézanne.
A 1:100 scale model of the Paris Opera and surrounding area is encapsulated under glass flooring, allowing visitors to understand the city planning of Paris at the time.
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Who it's for
This museum is ideal for art lovers, especially those interested in Impressionist and post-Impressionist works, and families looking for a culturally enriching experience. It's a good alternative to the Louvre if you want a slightly less overwhelming visit.
Know before you go
The museum is closed on Mondays.
Photography without flash is allowed inside the museum.
Consider visiting on a Thursday evening for potentially shorter queues.
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Reviews
4.8
Exceptional
5 ReviewsVisitors consistently rate the Musée d'Orsay highly, often calling it their favorite museum in Paris due to its manageable size and incredible collection, particularly the Impressionist masterpieces. Buying tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues.
Fun facts
The museum was officially opened in 1986 by then-president François Mitterrand.
The building was originally a railway station, Gare d'Orsay, and was almost demolished in the 1970s before being listed as a Historic Monument.
In 2022, the museum was the sixth-most-visited art museum in the world.
