The Orsay Museum

This former Art-Nouveau railway station houses a superb collection of world-renowned fine art, with a strong focus on 19th-century French art. Its Impressionist and post-Impressionist collections are just bewildering and by far the richest in the world. It's a celestial experience to see Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin and Van Gogh all in one place! The rooms are opulent, with sculptures, statues, furniture, and paintings. Anyone interested in art should make this their first destination, not just for the heavenly works of art, but equally for the delightful interior of the ancient railway station.

All three floors will occupy you for hours; a whole afternoon would not suffice to see it all. Many people rush through so as to check the must-see item off their list, but this gem deserves your time and will reward you tenfold with its treasures.

You can visit the Musée d'Orsay by Métro (getting off at Solférino station), by RER (getting off at Musée d'Orsay) or by bus numbers 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84 and 94.

The bookshop and museum store are open every day (except for Mondays) from 9:30 a.m. till 6:30 p.m., and stays open late on Thursdays until 9:30 p.m. Refreshments are available from the Café Campana, Café de l'Ours, and the restaurant. You can buy small snacks in front of the museum as well.

If you want to avoid lines, then reserve your tickets in advance and come through entrance C. Tickets can either be bought at the museum, at tourist information points, from the Auditorium Ticket Office, or online from Ticketnet or Fnac. Two guided tours are available. The first, the Masterpieces of Musée d'Orsay, will take you through the most famous and important art pieces, but unfortunately children under 13 years of age cannot participate. The second tour is Nineteenth-century Art, which will take you on an artistic journey from Van Gogh to Matisse. The audio guide costs €5 and is in English, French, Spanish, and Italian. Taking pictures or filming in the museum is strictly forbidden and freehand pencil sketches must not exceed 11.8"" x 23.6"" (30×60 cm). Copying needs authorization.

Opening Hours

Tue - Wed, Fri - Sun: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thu: 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 p.m.

Admission

Full rate: €12 (€9 without special exhibits)
Reduced rate: €9.50 (€6.50 without special exhibits)

Under 18, 18-25 year old EU residents & first Sunday of the month: free

Contact

Phone: +33 1 4049 4814

• Official website of the Musée d'Orsay

• Musée d'Orsay at Wikipedia