Musee d'orsay
The Musée d'Orsay is one of the most renowned art museums in Paris and our favourite, it is celebrated for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces and a rich diverse collection of artworks.
Solférino
6 min walk
Your RER station is:
Musée d'Orsay
3 min walk 
63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87, 94
Located on the Left Bank of the River Seine, the Musee d’Orsay is a former railway station converted into a delightful museum in 1986 to house a fabulously diverse art collection.
The French government's decision to change what was once a very grand railway station (Paris - Orleans) into a museum back in the late seventies has proven to be an inspirational one, creating one of the city of Paris' finest exhibition spaces.
The building itself is a delight and a credit to its architect Victor Laloux. I wonder what he would think of it now? His railway station now playing host to the likes of Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, Manet, Matisse and Van Gough.
The museum's collection which covers the period form the end of the 19th century until the First World War includes a fabulous collection of paintings from the 'Impressionists', sculptures, art deco furniture and much more.The balconies of the Musse d'Orsay also offer great views over the river Seine towards the Louvre.
You can see a small sample of what's on dislay in our slideshow below...
An overview of the Musée d'Orsay:
Location: The Musée d'Orsay is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It is housed in a former railway station, the Gare d'Orsay, which was inaugurated for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair). History: The Gare d'Orsay served as a railway station until 1939 and was later used for various purposes, including as a mail sorting center and a theater. In the 1970s, the French government decided to convert the building into an art museum to alleviate overcrowding at the Louvre and to showcase artworks from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Musée d'Orsay opened its doors to the public in 1986. Architecture: The Musée d'Orsay is renowned for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, characterized by its grand central nave, ornate ironwork, and glass roof. The museum's interior layout preserves elements of the original railway station, including the platforms and clocks. Renovations and expansions have been undertaken over the years to enhance the museum's facilities and exhibition spaces. Collections: The Musée d'Orsay boasts an impressive collection of artworks spanning the period from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photography, and furniture. The museum's collection is particularly renowned for its holdings of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with works by masters such as Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat. Highlights: Some of the most famous works housed in the Musée d'Orsay include Monet's "Water Lilies," Manet's "Olympia," Renoir's "Bal du moulin de la Galette," Degas' "The Dance Class," Van Gogh's "Starry Night Over the Rhône," and Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." The museum also features notable collections of Symbolist art, Art Nouveau, and decorative arts. Exhibitions and Events: In addition to its permanent collection, the Musée d'Orsay hosts temporary exhibitions, special events, lectures, and educational programs throughout the year. These exhibitions explore various themes and movements in art history, providing visitors with new perspectives on the museum's collections. Visitor Experience: The Musée d'Orsay offers a rich and immersive cultural experience for visitors, with audio guides, guided tours, and multimedia resources available to enhance the museum experience. The museum's café and restaurant offer opportunities for relaxation and refreshment amidst the stunning surroundings of the former railway station. Overall, the Musée d'Orsay is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs, offering a comprehensive overview of 19th and early 20th-century art movements and showcasing some of the most iconic masterpieces of Western art history. |
Official website www.musee-orsay.fr/
Rates Adults: € 16 Concessions: € 12 Late opening rate on Thursdays 12,00 € Free for those with reduced mobility + carer. Free entry with the Paris Museum Pass and the Paris Pass Tip: The queues for the Musée d'Orsay can sometimes be very long so book ahead on the website or buy a Museum Pass; then go directly to entrance C. Otherwise, like most of Paris's major attractions try and get there early.
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Jardin des Tuileries (390 m) Musée de l’Orangerie (500 m) Musée des Arts Décoratifs (600 m) Place de la Concorde (700m) Louvre Museum (730m) |