Musée d’Orsay
Orsay Museum
Housed in a grand former railway station, this world-class sanctuary holds the premier collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces from 1848 to 1914. It features iconic works such as Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait and Monet’s The Poppy Field.
Visitor Informations
Official Site
Information
Plan your visit and book your tickets. Getting Here ↗ Book Your Tickets ↗
Opening Hours
9:30 am ~ 6:00 pm
Mon Closed / Thu until 9:45 pm Visit Official Site ↗
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Must-see Artworks
The Musée d’Orsay is world-renowned for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Masterpieces such as Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhone and Claude Monet’s Blue Water Lilies define the museum's artistic significance. Visitors can also marvel at iconic works like Renoir’s Bal du moulin de la Galette and Degas’s The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer, which capture the vibrant spirit and technical innovation of the late 19th century.
Select an artwork to explore more.
Artworks
Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles
On View +
Niveau supérieur, Salle 36
Claude Monet
Rouen Cathedral: The Portal and the Tour Saint-Romain, Full Sunlight
On View +
Niveau supérieur, Salle 34
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Historical Overview
The Musée d'Orsay, set within a grand repurposed railway terminal in central Paris, stands as the preeminent sanctuary for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Spanning the pivotal era from 1848 to 1914, its extensive galleries showcase the evolution of Western creativity through a rich tapestry of mediums—ranging from fine painting and sculpture to photography and decorative arts. It is a premier cultural landmark where the genius of legendary artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Millet converges in a single, cohesive narrative.
Architecture
Originally conceived as the Gare d'Orsay for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the building itself is a marvel of industrial engineering, constructed with 12,000 tonnes of metal and 35,000 m² of glass. The site’s transformation into a museum was set in motion in 1977 by President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing and realized in 1986. Under the visionary guidance of Gae Aulenti, the interior was masterfully redesigned to balance its monumental history with a sophisticated modern exhibition space.
- Architectural Significance: Yes (Composed of 12,000 tonnes of metal and 35,000 m² of glass)
- Museum Founded: 1986 (Inaugurated by President François Mitterrand)
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When to Visit
For more details, visit the official website ↗
General Hours
9:30 am ~ 6:00 pm
Tuesday ~ Sunday
Last admission: 5:00 pm (Museum), 5:15 pm (Exhibitions)
Rooms close: 5:30 pm
Late Nights
9:30 am ~ 9:45 pm
Thursday
Last admission: 9:00 pm
Rooms close: 9:15 pm
* Special evening rate from 6:00 pm
Closed
Monday
Holidays: 5/1, 12/25
Admission
Admission Fee
- Permanent Collections: Paid Admission
- Late Opening Rate: A special discounted rate applies on Thursdays for visits starting from 6:00 pm.
- Check the official website for detailed rates ↗
⚠️ Admission varies by visitor category and is subject to change, so please check the official website for current information.
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Complimentary Admission
- Enfant & Cie: Paid (Reduced rate for up to 2 adults accompanying a child under 18 for EU residents).
- Under 18s: Free
- 18-25 EEA Residents: Free (For EU/EEA citizens and long-term residents under 26).
- Disabled Visitors: Free (For disabled visitors and one accompanying person).
- Jobseekers & Teachers: Free (For jobseekers and holders of a valid Pass éducation).
- Museum Members: Free (For members of the Société des Amis du Musée d'Orsay and American Friends).
- Full Eligibility Guide
Special Free Access Days
- 1st Sunday of the Month: Free for all visitors, but a time-slot reservation is mandatory.
⚠️ Mandatory Reservation Notice
To ensure guaranteed admission, online time-slot booking is highly recommended for all visitors, including those eligible for free entry.
💡 Pro Tips for Your Visit
- You can enjoy free and unlimited internet access throughout the museum by connecting to the [Musee_Orsay_Public] Wi-Fi network.
- While a free self-service cloakroom is provided for personal items like coats and small bags, please note that large backpacks, motorcycle helmets, oversized umbrellas, and suitcases exceeding 56 x 45 x 25 cm cannot be stored.
- Wheelchairs, folding seats, canes, and strollers can be borrowed free of charge at the museum in exchange for a valid form of ID.
- A specialized blue bag containing sensory items like noise-canceling headphones and stress relief tools is available to enhance the visitor experience.
- The museum prohibits the entry of prams, large strollers, and baby carriers with metal frames for safety and space management.
- Elevators and access ramps are strategically located to ensure full accessibility for visitors with limited mobility and those using strollers.
- Paid audio guides featuring over 300 commentaries are available in ten languages, including Korean, English, and French, to assist your tour.
- Hearing-impaired visitors can utilize audio guides equipped with induction loops for a more accessible exploration of the permanent collections.
- All internal dining venues, including the Restaurant and various cafés, are accessible only to visitors holding a valid museum entrance ticket.
- The Musée d'Orsay restaurants and cafés do not accept individual reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
[TICKET_WIDGET:973980/orsay_admission]
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#Impressionism #Vincent van Gogh #Claude Monet #Orangerie Museum #Louvre Museum #Musée d’Orsay
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