by The Orsay Museum is a popular tourist destination in Paris, France. The museum is housed in a former railway station and contains a large collection of art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the artists whose work is featured at the museum include Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Paul Gauguin.
The Orsay Museum is a popular tourist destination in Paris, France. The museum is housed in a former railway station and contains a large collection of art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the artists whose work is featured at the museum include Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Paul Gauguin.
With over 3 million visitors annually, the Orsay Museum is one of Paris’s most popular tourist destinations. Whether you are an art lover or simply enjoy exploring new places, a visit to the Orsay Museum is sure to be an enriching and memorable experience.
Table of Contents
- What is the Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Museum)?
- Musée d’Orsay History
- Musée d’Orsay Permanent Collections
- Visiting Musée d’Orsay
- Musée d’Orsay Tickets
- Hours of Operation
- How to Get to the Musée d’Orsay Museum
- FAQ
- What is the Musée d’Orsay famous for?
- Is Orsay Museum free?
- Find Things to Do in Paris
- Find Accommodation
- Explore Paris With Our Guides & Reviews
What is the Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Museum)?
The Musée d’Orsay is one of the most important museums in Paris, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in French art from the late 1800s. The collection is housed in the beautiful Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station completed in 1900.
The beautiful museum features paintings, sculptures, furniture, photography, and glasswork from the Impressionist, Realist, and Symbolist movements. You’ll definitely want to spend some time exploring this amazing collection!
Musée d’Orsay History
Built-in the late 19th century, the Gare d’Orsay was originally constructed as a transport hub for visitors attending the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1900.
Situated at a stunning location on the banks of the Seine, it was one of the first pavilions to be constructed for that landmark event and remains so even to this day. Surrounded by such cultural landmarks as the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries, it has remained an important part of life in Paris ever since.
After World War II, however, the station fell into disuse and eventually closed its doors to trains in 1939. Following this period of inactivity, it was converted into a boardinghouse for German war prisoners returning home after the war had ended and became known as Museé d’Orsay.
Today, this historic building stands as both a testament to its past use and a testament to Paris’ enduring spirit and culture. In short, it is truly one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see destination for anyone visiting this beautiful French capital.
See Related: Panthéon & Basilica of Saint-Denis: Priority Entrance
Musée d’Orsay Permanent Collections
Musée d’Orsay is one of the most well-known museums in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The museum houses a wealth of art from the crucial 1846-1914 period, including masterpieces by renowned impressionist artists such as Monet, Carpeau, Carpeaux, and Guérimard.
The Musée d’Orsay is one of the biggest art museums in Europe, housing impressive permanent collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists like Berthe Morisot, Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh.
The museum’s large permanent collection takes up over three floors of the sprawling building and features countless works by these renowned painters as well as several other notable artists.
Whether you are an experienced art lover looking to explore some truly exceptional pieces or simply hoping to soak up some culture on a rainy day in Paris, a visit to the Musée d’Orsay is truly a must-see.
Visitors can enjoy access to the permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions, as well as priority entrance through a special gate.
With its incredible artistic treasures and fascinating history, this world-class museum will impress all who come through its doors. So be sure to stop by the Musée d’Orsay the next time you find yourself in the City of Lights.
See Related: Assemblée Nationale
Visiting Musée d’Orsay
Here are some things that you should know when visiting the museum such as admission tickets, hours of operation, and how to get there.
Musée d’Orsay Tickets
Details for museum tickets are as follows:
- Standard admission: 8 euros.
- Reduced price: 5,50 euros.
- Free under 26 years old.
See Related: Tchandra
Hours of Operation
The hours of operation for the museum are 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Thursday evenings until 9.45 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays, as well as on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
During the hours of operation, visitors can explore the museum’s exhibitions and collections at their own pace. There are also a variety of public programs offered throughout the week, including tours, talks, and hands-on activities for kids. Whether you’re looking to soak up some culture or spend an afternoon with the family, the museum is sure to have something for everyone.
How to Get to the Musée d’Orsay Museum
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
The Musée d’Orsay is located at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It’s easy to get to the museum by public transportation, and there are a few different options depending on your starting point.
If you arrive from Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can take the RER B to Gare du Nord. Follow signs for line 4 of the Metro and get off at Chatelet-Les Halles. Then, take line 14 toward Olympiades and get off at Mabillon or Duroc. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the museum.
If you are coming from Orly Airport, you can take the RER B to Denfert-Rochereau station. Then transfer onto line 6 of the Metro and get off at Solférino. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the museum.
Alternatively, visitors can take buses or metros from surrounding areas to get to the museum. Bus stops on Rue de Lille, Quai Voltaire, and Rue de Richelieu are nearby. The closest metro stations are Assemblée Nationale or Solférino. No matter how you choose to get there, a visit to this iconic Parisian landmark is sure to be a memorable experience.
FAQ
What is the Musée d’Orsay famous for?
The Musée d’Orsay is most famous for its impressionist and post-impressionist art, which includes works by Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Cézanne.
Is Orsay Museum free?
Tickets are free for all visitors without reservation on the 1st Sunday of the month. On other days, standard admission is 8 euros per person.
Related Resources