The Musée d’Orsay is a stunning museum famed for its incredible array of impressionist paintings which is located in a former train station. You’ll find pieces from Van Gogh, Monet, Manet and Cézanne and more sublime 19th century paintings in the heart of Paris, right next to the Seine.
It’s perhaps my favourite museum in Paris. The combination of the stunning interior (it’s genuinely beautiful) and its world famous impressionist pieces.
This guide will tell you more about the beautiful museum and give you practical advice on visiting (from someone who lives in Paris and visits frequently!).
A Short History of the Museum
The Musée d’Orsay goes back to the early 1900s where it was originally a Beaux-Arts railway station, Gare d’Orsay. This station was built (as were many of Paris’ famous monuments) for the 1900 Exposition Universelle.
Originally designed by architect Victor Laloux, it served as a train station until it became outdated by the 1930s. After years of different uses, including as a theatre during World War II, the government decided to transform it into a museum in the late 1970s, focusing on 19th- and early 20th-century art.
It opened in 1986, showcasing masterpieces from artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. Today, it remains a cultural landmark in Paris, celebrated for its architecture and collection.
What to See at the Musée d’Orsay
The Impressionists
The Musée d’Orsay is perhaps most famous for its collection of impressionist paintings. Housed in a separate ‘wing’ from the main museum hall, you’ll find pieces from Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Cézanne.
There’s the famous Le Bassin aux Nymphéas and the sublime Nymphéas Bleus paintings by Monet located in Room 34.
Further down you’ll find the iconic Bal du moulin de la Galette by Renoir in room 30.
Looking for Van Gogh? There’s over 25 pieces from the post-impressionist painter in the museum. La Salle de Danse à Arles, L’église d’Auvers-sur-Oise and Portrait de l’artiste are all in room 36.
Sculptures
Whilst the impressionist works steal the lime light, the museum is home to an incredible array of works from 19th century sculptors.
At the end of the main hall, on the middle level you’ll find a terrace dedicated to Rodin. Here you’ll find his famous Thinker sculpture and behind, the very impressive Gates of Hell. The latter was inspired by Dantés Inferno and features incredible detailed figures.
Carpeaux’s The Dance can be found on the ground floor in the main central hall. Carpeaux, one of the great French sculptors, was commission by Charles Garnier to complete 4 sculptures for the new Paris Opéra theatre. The public were shocked by the realistic nature of the sculptures and the outrage only ended after his death in 1875.
Art Nouveau Furniture
A little known part of the museum is a stunning (and permanent) collection of Art Nouveau furniture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
This exhibition showcases masterpieces by designers like Hector Guimard, Émile Gallé, and Louis Majorelle. It’s a quite fascinating section featuring furniture with curving forms and intricate details inspired by flowers, vines, and other natural shapes.
The View Across to Montmartre
There’s an incredible view point in the Musée d’Orsay that’s become rather iconic in recent years. Just before the rooms where you’ll find the impressionist pieces, you’ll find a round window that’s actually a face of a clock on the outside of the museum.
The view offers incredible views over the Seine to the Louvre and across to Montmartre. There’s usually a queue of tourists wanting to take photos in-front of it so prepare to wait to take your turn!
Practical Info
Opening Times
The museum is open every day apart from Mondays:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday 9:30am – 6pm
- Wednesday 9:30am – 6pm
- Thursday 9:30am – 9:45pm
- Friday 9:30am – 6pm
- Saturday 9:30am – 6pm
- Sunday 9:30am – 6pm
It’s also closed on Christmas Day, 1st January and 1st May.
Last entry is 1 hour before closing but the museum starts to close (i.e you’re politely asked to leave!) 30 minutes before closing.
Ticket Prices
Full price adult tickets cost €16. If you’re an adult accompanying an under 18 year old, it’ll be reduced to €13.
Skip the Queue with Advance Tickets
Buying advance tickets means you can skip the queues (and during peak seasons, you’ll really want to!). There are security checks but advance ticket holders get to access a separate line.
You can buy advance tickets here.
When Can You Visit for Free?
Anyone can visit the Musée d’Orsay for free on the first Sunday of the month. However you can’t just turn up – you must reserve a place and time slot online.
Even on the free Sundays, they’re generally very relaxed with the time slots. I’ve turned up a late (quite a few times!) and I’ve always gone straight in.
You can also visit outside of this if the following applies to you:
- Under 18 year olds
- EU citizens aged between 18 and 25 years old
- Those with disabilities (and 1 person accompanying)
- ICOM cardholders
Where to Eat & Grab a Coffee
There’s two restaurants within the Musée d’Orsay – one more fine dining and the other, casual bistro food. Note that you can’t reserve in advance in either of the restaurants.
Le Restaurant is the main, formal dining restrung in the museum. Situated on the first floor of the museum in the former restaurant of the Hotel d’Orsay. The decor is stunning and hasn’t changed since 1900.
The food focused on refined French classics with modern twists.. It’s a great spot for a sit-down lunch – expect between €15-20 for entrées and €25-30 for mains.
Fancy something a little more casual? Head over to Café Campana on the 5th floor, just after the impressionist wing. The stunning, modern dining space is a beautiful place to grab a bite. Expect soups, salads and Croque-Monsieur sandwiches. Find out more here.
Go on A Guided Tour
If you want to make the most of your trip to the museum then I’d recommend going on a private guided tour. This is the best way to learn more about the museum, artists and individual works in detail. Learn more and book in advance here.
Why is it Called the Musée d’Orsay?
The name is simply taken from the name of quayside that the museum is situated upon. This quayside was originally named in honour of the Charles Boucher d’Orsay who had it built.
