The Orsay Museum: What You Need To Know

When planning a trip to Paris, most people immediately think of planning a trip to the Louvre, leaving the Orsay Museum as an afterthought.

However, the paintings at The Orsay Museum (or Musee d’Orsay) are also among the most famous in the world. I will admit I actually prefer the Orsay to the Louvre, since I’m a sucker for impressionist art and the size is much more manageable. The Orsay is situated inside an old train station with a more open layout and lots of natural light, which I find to be quite refreshing compared to the mazelike, stuffy Louvre.

What Paintings Will You Find Here?

Do these look familiar? The Orsay Museum houses mostly impressionist art, so come here if you are a fan of Monet, Van Gogh, Manet, Degas, etc. If your not sure which type of art you like, you can take this brief quiz to see if the Louvre or the Orsay is more your style.

The Orsay also holds collections of sculptures, architecture and decorative arts, and photography.

Opening hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday : from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday : from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Rooms begin closing 30 minutes before museum closing time
The Orsay museum is closed on Monday and the following French holidays: December 25 and May 1

Price

Adult: € 11
Reduce price: € 8.50 (18-25 years who are not nationals of the European Union)
Under 18 : free
18-25 years old from European Union : Free
You can buy your entrance ticket online or at the museum for admission on the day or later.