How to enter the Musée d'Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay is one of the most important museums in Paris, located in the heart of the city on the left bank of the Seine. The museum houses a vast collection of artworks from the period 1848-1914, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative art objects.

The museum was inaugurated in 1986 and was set up inside the former Orsay railway station, built at the end of the 19th century in Beaux-Arts style. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece and represents an exceptional example of French industrial architecture of that time.

What to see at Musée d'Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay's collection includes works by some of the greatest artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, and Cézanne. Among the museum's most famous works are Manet's "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe", Monet's "La Gare Saint-Lazare", and Van Gogh's "Starry Night".

In addition, the museum also houses a vast collection of sculptures, including works by Rodin and other important French artists of the time.

How to visit Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay is open every day except Monday, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. On Thursdays, closing time is extended until 9:45 pm.

To avoid long queues at the museum entrance, it is possible to purchase tickets online in advance or use the Paris Museum Pass, which allows access to over 50 museums and monuments in the city. Additionally, the museum also offers guided tours and audioguides in various languages to help visitors discover the history and artworks on display.

• Address: Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
• Website: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/
• Ticket price: 14 euros (full), free for visitors under 18 years old and for some categories of visitors with disabilities or special needs

Useful information for your visit

Before visiting Musée d'Orsay, there are some pieces of information that might be useful to know:

Opening hours and days

• The museum is open every day except Monday.
• The opening hours are from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, except on Thursdays when the museum stays open until 9:45 pm.
• However, please note that admission to the museum may close up to an hour before closing time.

Ticket reservation

It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance. You can purchase tickets online on the official museum website or through third-party websites. Please note that some websites may apply a commission on the reservation.

How to get to the museum

Musée d'Orsay is located in the center of Paris, near the Seine and the Tuileries Garden. It is easily accessible by public transportation:

• Metro: Line 12 (Solférino stop) or Line 1 (Tuileries stop)

• RER: Line C (Musée d'Orsay stop)
• Bus: Lines 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 94

What to bring with you

Before entering the museum, you will have to go through security checks. Make sure not to bring prohibited items such as knives or pepper spray.

In addition, keep in mind that the museum is quite large and will require time to be visited. Bring water and a light snack if you think you might need a break during your visit.

What to see at the Musée d'Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay is one of the most important museums in Paris and houses a vast collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. If you are planning a visit to the museum, here are some of the works you can't miss:

1. Monet's Water Lilies

Monet's Water Lilies are among the most famous works at the Musée d'Orsay. These paintings depict the artist's garden in Giverny and are characterized by vivid colors and free brushstrokes. The museum houses several versions of the Water Lilies, including the large canvas displayed in the oval room.

2. Renoir's Bal au moulin de la Galette

Bal au moulin de la Galette is an emblematic painting of French Impressionism. It depicts a group of people dancing in a public garden in Montmartre. The painting is notable for its liveliness and attention to detail in the representation of the characters' clothing and faces.

3. Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles

The Musée d'Orsay also houses a vast collection of Post-Impressionist works, including some masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh. One of the most interesting pieces in the collection is Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles, a painting that depicts the room where the artist lived during his stay in Arles. The painting is notable for its vivid colors and strong emotional presence.

4. Manet's Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe

Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe is one of the most controversial paintings at the Musée d'Orsay. It depicts two men having a picnic with a naked woman among them. The painting caused a lot of controversy when it was first exhibited in 1863, but today it is considered a masterpiece of French Impressionism.

5. Degas's La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans

La Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans is a bronze sculpture by Edgar Degas that represents a young ballerina from the Paris Opera. The sculpture is notable for its attention to detail in representing the fabrics and textures of the ballerina's clothes.

• These are just some of the works you can admire at the Musée d'Orsay. Make sure to dedicate enough time to your visit to appreciate all the wonders on display!

Tips for your visit

Here are some useful tips for your visit to the Musée d'Orsay:

Book in advance

The Musée d'Orsay is one of the most visited museums in Paris, so it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance. This way you will avoid long queues and be able to quickly access the collections.

Arrive early or late

If you haven't booked in advance, I recommend arriving early (before opening) or late (after 3pm). During these times there will be fewer people and you'll have a better chance of enjoying the artworks without being disturbed by crowds.

Wear comfortable shoes

The Musée d'Orsay has many rooms to visit and you'll be walking a lot during your visit. Wear comfortable shoes to avoid foot pain and fully enjoy the experience.

Choose a thematic route

The Musée d'Orsay houses a vast collection of artworks, so it can be difficult to choose what to see. I suggest opting for a thematic route, such as "Impressionism" or "Art Nouveau". This way you can focus on specific works and deepen your interest in a particular artistic period.

Charge your phone before the visit

The Musée d'Orsay has many artworks to admire and you may be tempted to take many photos. Remember though that flash is prohibited and that your phone battery may run out quickly. Make sure you have a full charge before your visit or bring a portable charger with you.

• Book tickets in advance
• Arrive early or late
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Choose a thematic route
• Charge your phone before the visit

In summary, booking tickets in advance, arriving early or late, wearing comfortable shoes, choosing a thematic route, and charging your phone are all useful tips to fully enjoy your visit to the Musée d'Orsay.

Conclusion

The Musée d'Orsay is one of the most beautiful and interesting museums in Paris, with a vast collection of artworks ranging from the neoclassical period to Impressionism. By following these tips, you'll be ready to successfully tackle your visit to the Musée d'Orsay and fully enjoy the artworks that await you!