Musée d'Orsay travel guide

The Musée d'Orsay, nestled in the heart of Paris along the Seine River, has a rich and fascinating history. Originally built as a railway station, Gare d'Orsay, the building was inaugurated for the Universal Exhibition in 1900.

Later, with the advent of longer train carriages, the station became obsolete and was repurposed as a mailing center during World War II. In 1977, the French Government decided to transform it into a museum to bridge the gap between the Louvre and the National Museum of Modern Art. Architectural work began in 1980, led by ACT architecture group, and the museum officially opened its doors in December 1986.

The Musée d'Orsay now stands as an iconic monument, housing an extensive collection of art from the mid-19th to early-20th century, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

Housed within an ornate Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900, the Musée d'Orsay's stunning architecture is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other museums. Its expansive, airy interior, characterized by an enormous clock face, is as captivating as the art it houses. The museum's collection is another unique feature. It focuses on French art dating from 1848 to 1914, providing a comprehensive overview of the period. It is world-renowned for its rich collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, featuring works by artists such as Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.

Another unique attribute is the museum’s thematic organisation. Instead of arranging their collection strictly by period or style, the Musée d’Orsay’s curators have grouped artworks into categories like 'Opera at the time of the Third Republic,' or 'The Representation of Labor,' giving a fresh perspective on the artworks. Lastly, the museum’s Café Campana, designed by the Campana brothers, is a model of contemporary design within the historic setting, offering stunning views of Paris and the Seine.

Located in 7th arrondissement of Paris, the iconic Musée d'Orsay is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Paris or as a stop on your countrywide road trip in France.

Paris is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Paris offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit the iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Champ de Mars, and Sacré-Cœur.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Paris has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Paris - a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in France!

Musée d'Orsay is located in Paris, France, and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. If you are arriving by plane, Charles de Gaulle Airport is approximately 14.42 miles (23.2 km) away from Paris. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to the city, where Musée d'Orsay is located.

If you’re already in Paris, you can take a bus, taxi or even walk to the art museum. The exact address of the attraction is 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris, France, France.

You can also rent a car and drive to Musée d'Orsay. With a rental car you will enjoy freedom to explore Musée d'Orsay and other top attractions in Paris at your own pace.

With your travel plans in place and these guidelines in mind, you're all set for an unforgettable experience at Musée d'Orsay!

The best time to explore Musée d'Orsay is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather in Paris is pleasant and the crowds are less dense. These moderate temperatures make it comfortable for tourists to wait in line and explore the museum's outdoor areas. Also, during these periods, the museum stages special exhibitions, adding a unique dimension to the visitors’ experience. On Thursdays, Musée d'Orsay stays open until 9:45 pm, offering a quieter, more intimate setting. It's worth noting that the museum is busiest on Tuesdays when other Parisian museums are closed, and during French school holidays. Therefore, planning your visit on a weekday, early in the morning when the museum opens at 9:30 am, or later in the evening can help avoid the largest crowds. Remember, Musée d'Orsay is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

No visit to Paris is complete without a trip to Musée d'Orsay, one of the most iconic attractions in France drawing large crowds of visitors every year. To make the most out of your visit at this unique art museum, consider booking a tour in advance to avoid the lines and guarantee a seamless experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Musée d'Orsay starting from 16 EUR below.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Paris and top attractions like Musée d'Orsay with a perfectly planned holiday package. Our travel packages include everything you need to explore Musée d'Orsay and beyond. Whether you're looking for an adventure-filled getaway or a relaxing retreat, our holiday packages to Paris, France, offer a variety of activities and experiences to suit all types of travelers.

Continue reading to find the best travel plans and tips for discovering this one-of-a-kind art museum in France.

Discovering France's captivating landscapes and the iconic Musée d'Orsay becomes a breeze with a rental car. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 8 reputable rental car companies near Charles de Gaulle Airport and the city of Paris, making transportation seamless and efficient.

France's rental car companies cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Paris and beyond.

For budget-conscious travelers, Sixt currently boasts the most affordable rates, starting at just 30.86 EUR per day or 215.99 EUR per week. Conveniently located at 195 Boulevard Voltaire, 75011 in Paris, this rental option ensures you can explore France's wonders without breaking the bank.

Wake up well-rested to a new day of exploring in Paris by staying at a top-rated hotel in the heart of the city. With the city's most famous attractions like the stunning Musée d'Orsay just a stone's throw away, you'll be in the perfect location to effortlessly immerse yourself in Paris.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Musée d'Orsay below.

Paris offers a diverse range of top attractions. From museums and architectural wonders to sculptures and natural wonders, the city has something for everyone. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Paris, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Arc de Triomphe.

Eiffel Tower is a bucket-list lattice tower and top attraction in Paris, attracting numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 5 out of 5 stars in 322,389 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Eiffel Tower is Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France.

Another appreciated attraction in Paris is Louvre Museum. This is just like Eiffel Tower, one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars among 250,811 visitors, it’s also one of the highest rated. The exact address of this art museum is Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France.

Arc de Triomphe is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Paris. This triumphal arch and top attraction in Paris has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 193,235 visitors. Visitors usually spend a moment at Arc de Triomphe creating core memories of the city. This attraction is located at the address of Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Paris below.