Orsay Museum — History, Storyline, Tours & Visitor Info
Discover the world’s finest collection of Impressionist & Post-Impressionist art inside a majestic former railway station. At the Musée d’Orsay, meet Monet, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh—then explore the iconic clock windows overlooking the Seine.
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour from €52Why Visit the Musée d’Orsay?
Housed in the Beaux-Arts Gare d’Orsay (1900), this museum bridges 1848–1914— a revolutionary era in art. From shimmering Monet landscapes to intimate Degas dancers and bold Van Gogh portraits, Orsay offers masterpieces in a breathtaking setting.
The Grand Hall
A soaring station nave reborn as a temple of art—statues, natural light and dramatic vistas.
Impressionist Masters
See Monet, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Cézanne and Gauguin—up close and beautifully curated.
Quick Timeline
- 1900 — Gare d’Orsay built for the Exposition Universelle.
- 1939 — Long-distance trains cease; building begins a new chapter.
- 1977 — Decision to convert the former station into a national museum.
- 1986 — Musée d’Orsay opens to the public.
- 2011 — “Nouvel Orsay” refurbishments refresh galleries and visitor flow.
- 2025 — Ongoing upgrades, services and special exhibitions for visitors.
Top Experiences
Timed Entry Ticket
Reserve a time slot for smooth entry to permanent collections and temporary shows.
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Priority access plus expert commentary through Impressionist highlights.
Entry + Digital Audio Guide
Explore at your pace with a handy audio-guide app and prebooked entry.
Orsay + Rodin Combo
Pair Impressionist gems with Rodin’s sculptures for a rich art day in Paris.
Insider Tips
Choose Early or Late Slots
Weekday openings or late afternoons are calmer; weekends and rainy days draw more crowds.
Security & “Skip-the-Line”
Priority tickets speed entry checks, but airport-style security still applies—arrive 15–20 minutes early.
Make It a Combo
Add the Rodin Museum or a Seine cruise to round out your Left Bank day.
Visitor Cheatsheet
Opening Hours
Typical daytime hours with one late-opening evening on select days (check calendar).
Ticket Options
Timed Entry €13+ | Guided €52+ | Audio-Guide €26.91+ | Orsay+Rodin Combo €45+
What to Bring
Light day bag, headphones for audio guides, comfy shoes; cloakroom policies may apply.
How to Get There
RER C to Musée d’Orsay (2–3 min walk) • Métro L12 Solférino or L1 Tuileries (across the river).
Ready to Explore the Musée d’Orsay?
Secure your preferred time, add a guided tour or audio guide, and enjoy Paris’s most beloved art.
Get Timed-Entry Tickets from €13