Musée d'Orsay
Discover a world of 19th and 20th-century European art, from Impressionist masterpieces to Van Gogh, housed in a magnificent former railway station, t...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds right at opening (9:30 AM)
Musée d'Orsay
Best Time
Fewer crowds right at opening (9:30 AM)
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a world of 19th and 20th-century European art, from Impressionist masterpieces to Van Gogh, housed in a magnificent former railway station, the `Musພ d'Orsay`.
"A truly captivating experience, offering a more intimate encounter with art than other major Parisian museums."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Always buy your `musee d orsay tickets` online to skip lines and secure your entry time .
⏰ Arrive Early or Late
Beat the rush by arriving 30-40 minutes before opening or after 3 PM for a calmer visit .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Clock & Parisian Views
Fifth Floor
Capture iconic photos through the museum's massive, ornate clock face, offering breathtaking views of the Seine and Montmartre.
Impressionist Masterpieces
Upper Levels
Immerse yourself in a world of light and color with famous `orsay museum paintings` by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Manet.
Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhone
Level 5, Gallery 71
Witness the vibrant genius of `van gogh musee d orsay` with his iconic 'Starry Night Over the Rhone' and other powerful works.
The Architecture of a Former Station
Throughout the Museum
Explore the stunning Beaux-Arts architecture of the former `Gare d'Orsay`, a monumental railway station transformed into an art haven.+1
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Musée d'Orsay Tickets Early
Strategize Your Visit to Beat Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Always buy your `musee d orsay tickets` online to skip lines and secure your entry time.
⏰ Arrive Early or Late
Beat the rush by arriving 30-40 minutes before opening or after 3 PM for a calmer visit.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The museum is vast; use an online `musee d orsay maps` to prioritize your must-see `orsay museum paintings`.+1
📸 Don't Miss the Clock View
Head to the fifth floor for the famous `musee d orsay clocks` photo op and panoramic city views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Always buy your `musee d orsay tickets` online to skip lines and secure your entry time.
⏰ Arrive Early or Late
Beat the rush by arriving 30-40 minutes before opening or after 3 PM for a calmer visit.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The museum is vast; use an online `musee d orsay maps` to prioritize your must-see `orsay museum paintings`.+1
📸 Don't Miss the Clock View
Head to the fifth floor for the famous `musee d orsay clocks` photo op and panoramic city views.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be on your feet for hours exploring the extensive collections of `d orsay museum paintings`.
🍽️ Try Café Campana
Enjoy a meal or coffee at Café Campana for its stunning Art Nouveau design and clock views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the `Musພ d'Orsay` for its stunning collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, often finding it more manageable and enjoyable than the Louvre. The unique setting within a former train station and the iconic clock views are frequently highlighted, though some note that it can still get very crowded, especially at peak times.
"I'm using Paris Museum Pass, just join the line via Entrance C.
This is one of the coolest art museums in Paris, it’s a must-visit if you’re Van Gogh's fan or simply into art. What makes it really special is that the building itself used to be a huge train station, it was the Gare d’Orsay, built around the early 1900s. Instead of tearing it down, they turned it into a museum, which means you get this amazing mix of old industrial architecture and art all in one place.
Inside, the museum is packed with incredible artworks, mostly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You’ll find tons of famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings here, artists like Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cézanne. If you love those bright, colorful paintings or want to get a feel for the art that changed the world, this is the spot.
Besides paintings, the museum also has sculptures, decorative arts, and photography. It’s pretty manageable in size, so you don’t get overwhelmed like in some bigger museums.
The museum sits right on the left bank of the Seine, close to the Louvre and the charming Saint-Germain area. So, it’s easy to fit it into a day of exploring Paris.
It's recommended to visit here. :)"
Ivan Tan
"I didn’t get the ticket in advance but it was very easy to get in. There was only a few people in front of me at purchase point and no wait to get in.
Quite crowded inside but if you navigate yourself well you can find moments where people passed by and the spots become quiet.
Insane collections. Love love love their pieces. Highly recommend coming here for the Paris visit.
I would plan at least 2 hours for being in here so you dont rush around. It was wonderful!"
Bo Nawacharee
"The Musée d’Orsay is one of the most beautiful museums in Paris, especially if you’re a fan of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. I visited it on the first Sunday of the month, when entry is free — but be aware, these free slots go fast! I recommend booking your ticket at least a month in advance if you want to visit on a free Sunday. Otherwise, you can easily buy regular tickets on their official website.
The museum itself is stunning — located in a former railway station, it has such a unique charm. You’ll find masterpieces from artists like Van Gogh (yes, “Starry Night Over the Rhône” is there!), Monet (including his Water Lilies), Manet, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne, as well as works from naturalist and symbolist painters. The collection is incredibly rich and beautifully curated.
One of my favorite parts is the giant clock on the top floor — not only is it a gorgeous photo spot, but you also get a breathtaking view of Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur through it.
Whether you’re into art or just want to explore one of the most iconic museums in Paris, Musée d’Orsay is definitely worth the visit."
Jessica Bechaalani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Around
The `Musée d'Orsay` is conveniently located on the Left Bank of the Seine. You can reach it via Metro (Line 12, Solférino station), RER C (Musée d'Orsay station), or bus (lines 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 94). It's also a pleasant 15-minute walk from the Louvre.
Yes, the `Musée d'Orsay` is generally accessible. It has elevators and ramps to navigate between floors. Wheelchairs are often available for loan at the entrance. Check the official website for specific accessibility details before your visit.
While technically possible as they are a short walk apart, it's generally not recommended for a truly enjoyable experience. The `Musພ d'Orsay` alone can take 3-6 hours,
+1 and the Louvre is even larger. Many travelers suggest dedicating separate days to each to fully appreciate their collections.
🎫 🎟️ Tickets & Entry
Standard adult `musee d orsay tickets` typically cost around €16. It's highly recommended to purchase your `orsay museum tickets` online through the official website (billetterie.musee-orsay.fr) to select a timed entry slot and avoid long queues.+1
If you have the Paris Museum Pass, a separate `orsay museum reservation` for a time slot is generally not required for standard entry, except for the free first Sunday of the month.+1 However, always double-check the official website for the latest policy updates, especially during peak seasons.
Entry to the `Musພ d'Orsay` is free on the first Sunday of each month. However, this is also when the museum is most crowded, and booking a time slot in advance is essential and opens later than regular tickets.+1
The `Musພ d'Orsay` is typically open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. It has a late-night opening until 9:45 PM on Thursdays. The museum is closed on Mondays. Always verify current hours on the official website before your visit.
Entry is generally free for visitors under 18, and for EU citizens aged 18-25. Reduced rates may apply for certain groups. Always check the official `musee d orsay price` details on their website for specific eligibility and current rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 3 hours to explore the `Musພ d'Orsay`. If you're an art enthusiast or want to see all the major `orsay museum paintings`, plan for 4-6 hours.
It's impossible to see everything in just 2 hours.
Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces, including 'Starry Night Over the Rhone' and 'Self-Portrait', are primarily located on the fifth floor of the `Musພ d'Orsay`. Use the museum map to easily navigate to his dedicated galleries.
Yes, audio guides are available for rent at the museum in several languages, including English. Some travelers also recommend using third-party audio guides like Rick Steves', though exhibit locations can occasionally shift.+1
Don't miss iconic `d orsay museum paintings` such as Monet's 'Water Lilies' and 'Poppy Field', Renoir's 'Bal du moulin de la Galette', Manet's 'Olympia', Degas' 'The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer', and Van Gogh's 'Starry Night Over the Rhone'.
The `Musພ d'Orsay` frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and has offered immersive experiences like a VR tour. Check the official website for current special exhibitions and whether the VR experience is available during your visit.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
Yes, the `Musພ d'Orsay` offers several dining options. The most famous is Café Campana, known for its stunning views through the iconic clock. There's also the more formal Restaurant Musée d'Orsay, which some Redditors have praised as delicious.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition areas of the `Musພ d'Orsay`. However, you can usually bring a small bottle of water. It's best to consume any snacks or larger meals at the designated cafes or outside the museum.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Photography without flash is generally permitted in the permanent collections of the `Musພ d'Orsay` for personal use. However, flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are usually prohibited. Special exhibitions may have different rules, so always look for signage.
The most popular spot for photos of the `musee d orsay clocks` is on the fifth floor, looking out through the large clock face towards the Seine and Montmartre. Be prepared for a short wait, as this spot can get crowded.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Plan short bursts: Focus on a few key galleries or artists to avoid art fatigue.
* Seek out the clock: The `musee d orsay clocks` offer a fun photo opportunity and a break from viewing art.
* Engage with stories: Talk about the stories behind the `d orsay museum paintings` or the artists' lives to make it more engaging.
* Consider a scavenger hunt: Create a simple list of famous paintings or objects for kids to spot.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget-friendly tips:
* Free First Sunday: If your trip aligns, take advantage of free entry on the first Sunday of the month, but be prepared for extreme crowds and book your time slot well in advance.
* Paris Museum Pass: If you plan to visit multiple museums, the Paris Museum Pass can offer significant savings on `musee dorsay ticket` costs and other attractions.
* Pack snacks: While there are cafes, bringing your own water and small snacks can save money.
* Walk: The museum is centrally located, making it walkable from many areas, saving on transportation costs.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Recommendations for enthusiasts:
* Allocate ample time: Plan for 4-6 hours, or even two shorter visits, to fully absorb the collections.
* Utilize audio guides: Enhance your understanding of the `orsay museum paintings` and artists.
* Explore temporary exhibitions: Check the museum's schedule for special exhibitions that often complement the permanent collection.
* Focus on specific movements: Dive deep into the nuances of Impressionism, Symbolism, or Art Nouveau, which are all well-represented.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mastering the Musée d'Orsay Experience
Consider using an audio guide or doing some research beforehand to identify key `orsay museum paintings` you want to prioritize.
Navigating the Former Train Station
The `Musພ d'Orsay` is housed in the magnificent former `Gare d'Orsay`, a Beaux-Arts railway station built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition.
Architectural Marvel & Parisian Views
Stepping out onto the balcony just to the right of this clock provides one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, stretching all the way to Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Impressionist & Post-Impressionist Treasures
Key artists include Claude Monet, with his luminous 'Water Lilies' and 'Poppy Field'; Pierre-Auguste Renoir's vibrant 'Bal du moulin de la Galette'; and Edgar Degas' captivating ballet dancers. The museum also houses significant works by Édouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, and Georges Seurat. A particular draw is the impressive collection of `van gogh musee d orsay` works, including 'Starry Night Over the Rhone' and several self-portraits, offering a deep dive into his distinctive style and emotional intensity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit