The Musée d'Orsay: a leading feature of the Parisian art scene

No visit to Paris is complete without stopping by the Musée d'Orsay! Located on the left bank of the Seine in the former Orsay railway station built for the 1900 World's Fair, this museum is a true delight for art lovers. From Impressionist paintings to sculptures, decorative arts, and photographs, there’s something for everyone. Walk beneath the grand glass roof and admire masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Degas, while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the museum. Whether you are visiting with family, friends, or on your own, the Musée d'Orsay perfectly complements a trip to the Louvre or the Musée du Quai Branly. A key part of Paris’s cultural landscape, it bridges the gap between Impressionism and modern art, offering new discoveries at every visit. Check out our guide to Parisian monuments to visit to help you prepare for your cultural break.

The history of the Musée d'Orsay

Orsay railway station

Prior to becoming a museum, the building was, in fact, an impressive railway station. Designed by Victor Laloux for the 1900 World's Fair, the station stood out for its Beaux-Arts style, its richly decorated facades and its large glass roof. It brought visitors to the World's Fair right into the heart of the capital, just a stone's throw from the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries. The elegance of the station and its modern facilities made it an icon of French innovation that appealed to travellers and Parisians alike.

Decline and conversion into a museum

The station ceased to serve as such in the 1930s because the platforms were too short to accommodate the new long-distance trains. The building was then repurposed to serve various functions, including postal sorting centre, temporary theatre and film set, but over time, the building fell into disrepair and was even threatened with demolition in the 1970s. The decision was finally made to convert it into a museum to bridge the gap between the Louvre (ancient arts) and the Centre Pompidou (modern and contemporary art) and the building was saved at the last minute. After almost 10 years’ work, the Musée d'Orsay opened in 1986. The renovation combined a certain respect for history with an element of modernity, highlighting the metal structure, large glass roofs and original architectural details while at the same time creating a museum that was perfectly suited to exhibiting 19th-century works.

The role of the museum today

The Musée d'Orsay Paris is now recognised throughout the world. It attracts over 3 million visitors a year and is one of the most visited museums in Europe. It has become a temple to the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, while also hosting a rich programme of temporary exhibitions that explore other aspects of artistic creation from 1848 to 1914. This vibrant, accessible venue is an unmissable feature of the Parisian cultural scene, where history and modernity meet beneath the majestic glass roof of the former railway station.

The Musée d'Orsay’s collections

Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting

Life at the museum centres around its Impressionist collections, featuring works by the greatest names in French and European painting:

• Claude Monet, with his Water Lilies, his luminous landscapes and his views of Saint-Lazare station.
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir, with his joyful scenes of Parisian life, such as Bal du Moulin de la Galette.
• Édouard Manet, a trailblazer of Impressionism whose Olympia still shocks and fascinates today.
• Vincent Van Gogh, whose swirling colours and self-portraits make for a moving experience.
• Paul Cézanne, a major figure in modern art whose portraits, still lifes and landscapes exploring shapes and volumes are displayed here for visitors to admire.
• Edgar Degas, master of dancers and scenes of modern life.

Each room immerses visitors in one of the movements that revolutionised the history of art. 

The museum's other treasures

There's much more to the Musée d'Orsay than just paintings. In fact, it is also home to the following:

• Sculptures such as L'Âge mûr by Camille Claudel and some iconic pieces by Auguste Rodin.
• Decorative arts, with items of furniture and designer pieces that bear testimony to the refinement of the period.
• 19th-century photography, still in its infancy but already highly creative, with images depicting Paris, its inhabitants and its industrial development.

Every visit has something new and exciting in store, even for those who are already familiar with the museum. Stop to examine a detail in a sculpture, admire the meticulous craftsmanship of a piece of furniture or lose yourself in an old photograph, with something new to discover around every corner.

Temporary exhibitions and events

The museum regularly hosts major temporary exhibitions, often in partnership with international institutions. These events are an opportunity for visitors to rediscover artists from a new angle and to highlight lesser-known figures. A programme of talks, guided tours and workshops completes the offering, making your visit even more fun and interactive, as well as highlighting the museum's role as a dynamic and innovative cultural player and making every visit unique!

The museum's architecture and spaces

The great nave and the iconic clock

The great central nave is undoubtedly the most impressive part of the museum. Measuring 138m in length, it retains the majestic appearance of the former railway station, while the natural light filtering through the glass roof illuminates the sculptures and galleries. Upstairs, the monumental clock that remains from the building’s past life as a station has become a favourite photo spot among visitors thanks in part to the magical view of the Seine to be enjoyed behind its dial.

Themed rooms

The museum is organised chronologically and by theme, allowing visitors to follow the evolution of art from 1848 to 1914, through Realism, Symbolism, Naturalism, Impressionism and then post-Impressionism. Each room tells a story and provides context to the works on display, making for a rich and structured visitor experience.

Terraces and panoramic views of the Seine

The Musée d'Orsay also offers exceptional panoramic views, with some of its terraces affording direct views of the Seine, the Louvre and even Montmartre in the distance. These outdoor spaces are the perfect place to take a break, enjoy a moment of contemplation or snap an unforgettable photo, helping to connect the beauty of the works on display to that of the Parisian monuments.

Terraces and panoramic views of the Seine

The Musée d'Orsay also offers exceptional panoramic views, with some of its terraces affording direct views of the Seine, the Louvre and even Montmartre in the distance. These outdoor spaces are the perfect place to take a break, enjoy a moment of contemplation or snap an unforgettable photo, helping to connect the beauty of the works on display to that of the Parisian monuments.

Visiting the Musée d'Orsay – Practical information

Opening times

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30am to 6pm and until 9:45pm on Thursdays - ideal for those looking to appreciate the works in quieter surroundings. 

Prices and tickets

Tickets are priced at €16, with discounts for young people, teachers and groups. Admission is free for 18-25 year olds who are residents of the European Union and for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month. We recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets online to avoid queues.

Access and transport

The museum is very easy to get to:

• Metro station: Solférino (line 12)
• RER C: Musée d'Orsay stop
• Several bus lines (63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87 and 94)

Or why not take a tour of Paris on a hop-on-hop-off bus, which will take you right to the entrance of the museum while admiring of the capital from the panoramic upper deck along the way - a highly enjoyable way to begin your cultural visit that offers a new perspective on some of the city’s most iconic monuments. Simply get off at stop 5, Musée d'Orsay, on the blue route, for a good dose of art and history combined.

Facilities

Onsite you'll find cafés, restaurants, bookshops, cloakrooms and audio guides, all designed to ensure an enjoyable visit, whether you come alone, as a couple or as a family. These services also mean you can stay for longer, take your time and really get the most out of your visit.

Need some inspiration for exploring Paris?

The Musée d'Orsay is a must for anyone keen to explore Paris’s art history and culture, but it is nevertheless only one facet of the city's heritage. Complete your tour of the city with a visit to the Louvre, the Centre Pompidou and some iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, and maybe even learn 10 fun facts about the Eiffel Tower. From its artistic and architectural masterpieces to its iconic monuments, Paris has some wonderful surprises in store.

The Musée d'Orsay is much more than a museum: it is a chance to immerse yourself in the history, beauty and creativity of the 19th century. Its Impressionist collections make it the only one of its kind in the world, while its architecture, inherited from the former railway station it now occupies, provides a spectacular setting. No stay in Paris is complete without a visit to this must-see attraction. To get a feel for the city as a whole, complete your experience with a tour of Paris by bus and admire the City of Light from a completely new angle.