museum
Musée d'Orsay
A Belle Époque train station turned museum, Orsay holds the world's largest Impressionist collection.
History & context
A former train station opened for the 1900 World's Fair, the building was saved from demolition and became, in 1986, the museum of 19th-century art.
Its collection spans 1848–1914: realism, impressionism, post-impressionism, art nouveau.
Key facts
- Built
- Station 1898–1900 · museum 1986
- Architect
- Victor Laloux · Gae Aulenti (refit)
- Style
- Beaux-Arts
- District
- 7th — Left Bank
Why visit
- ·The world's largest Impressionist collection
- ·Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas, Cézanne
- ·View through the giant clock onto the Seine
- ·Stunning Belle Époque building
- ·Pair with the Orangerie in one day
What to see
- ·The grand clock
- ·Water lilies and dancers
- ·Van Gogh's Starry Night
- ·Manet's Olympia
Practical tips
- ·Free first Sunday of the month
- ·Late opening Thursdays until 9:45pm
- ·Combine with the Orangerie
Good to know
- ·Closed on Mondays.
- ·Late opening Thursdays until 9:45pm — best to avoid crowds.
- ·Hours and prices may change: check musee-orsay.fr.
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Head straight to the 5th floor for the Impressionists first — morning light there is perfect.
With family
The old train-station hall fascinates kids: find the big clock on the 5th floor with a great Montmartre view.
Frequently asked
＋Louvre or Orsay?
＋Do I need to book?
Itineraries with this place
Nearby
Louvre Museum
The world's largest museum and former royal palace, the Louvre holds 35,000 works including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
Tuileries Garden
Paris's first public garden, designed by Le Nôtre, between the Louvre and Concorde.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The literary heart of the Left Bank, home to Sartre, Beauvoir, Hemingway and legendary cafés.