To be upfront about it, Musee d’Orsay is my least favorite of the big 3 art museums in Paris. The palatial Louvre is unmatched in the breadth covered and the endless rooms to wander. Plus it is home to some of my favorite works of art, I’m partial to Baroque and Neoclassicism. The contrarian Pompidou has one of my favorite views of the city. Plus I find contemporary art museums more fun most of the time. But even though I am not big on Impressionism, I can’t deny the appeal of the architecture at Orsay. A grandiose Beaux-Arts train station converted into art galleries with a dramatic view over the main hall, an ornate clock, and of course the iconic clock windows overlooking the Seine. Which all contribute to it being one of the most popular art museums in the world.
Musee d’Orsay is, in short, the museum of Impressionist Art. Formally, it covers French art from 1848 to 1914, Impressionism through post Impressionism, bridging the Louvre to the Pompidou. The museum is filled with thousands of pieces, some of the most famous works of the period. It honestly feels like all of the most famous Impressionist works are there.
The top floor features the main Impressionist Gallery, flanked by Café Campana and what has become a photo op room with the cinematic clock window. A walk through the main collection is a parade of all the greats, Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Pissaro, Manet, Gauguin, Degas, Cezanne. A celebration of light dancing, ephemeral moments immortalized in paintings. City scenes, gardens, the art of leisure, the show of promenade.
It’s particularly special to be seeing this art in the city of Paris. Seeing the landmarks outside in the paintings, the ones that continue to stand tall and inspire people today.
The second floor wraps around the main hall with two terraces of sculptures that overlook the hall, and galleries on each side with decorative arts, art nouveau, symbolism and naturalism. Here is the best view of the gilded Victor Laloux clock on one end, and an opportunity to get up close to the Gates of Hell on the other side with a section dedicated to Rodin.
The ground floor feels most like its train station past. The former platforms are now home to late 19th century sculptures, while the waiting rooms on either side hold galleries with portraits, selections from other art movements of the time, and earlier works of big names like Cézanne, Degas and Renoir, as well as the temporary exhibition space.
Admission to the museum also grants access to the museum restaurant, and two cafes, one on the 5th floor with a cinematic view of one of the large clock windows, and one on the ground floor, offering a reprieve from the crowds of a bustling museum.
the details
| Address | Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing |
| Website | https://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr |
| Tripadvisor | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187147-d188150-Reviews-Musee_d_Orsay-Paris_Ile_de_France.html |
| @museeorsay | |
| Hours | 09:30-18:00 Tuesday – Sunday, closed Mondays, open late until 21:30 on Thursdays, free admission on the first Sunday of the month |
| Price | $$ – regular admission tickets are 16€ online (14€ at the window) |
| Aesthetic | spectacularly ornate Beaux-Arts architecture, offering a visually interesting background for the Impressionist masterpieces |
good to know
Go here for: the premier collection of Impressionist art, and to admire the architecture
Don’t miss: during the summer season, the terrace on the roof is open with an incredible view of the Seine and the Tuileries and Louvre across the river
Amount of time to spend: 2-3 hours should be enough to get through the museum for a first time visit, longer if you’re looking to visit the restaurant or cafes.
When to come: your best bet to avoid the crowds is to come at opening
Getting here: it’s a short walk from the Solférino metro station (ligne 12) and the RER station Musée d’Orsay (ligne C) drops you off right by the museum
Other things to note: During peak seasons, best to book a timed entry ticket online ahead of time.
Last visited: September 2024
Last updated: March 2025