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Orsay Museum

Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Man looking at a self portrait of Van Gogh

Credit Shutterstock.com / Bumble Dee

Last updated: 10 March, 2024

This brilliantly converted Belle Epoque train station is now a temple to art from 1848 to 1914, and it’s looking better than ever after a revamp for the museum’s 25th anniversary.

Downstairs, sculptures sit where trains once pulled in, and rooms pit Symbolists against Realists. On the top floor, the crowd-pulling Impressionists and Post-Impressionists include Monet, Manet, Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin and Van Gogh. The mezzanine levels feature Rodin sculptures, early photography and superb Art Nouveau decorative arts. At any one time, around 3,000 artworks are on display. Check out their Wikipedia page for a list of 24 selected collection highlights.

Logistics

Price from: £14

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest metro station is Solférino. It’s a 1-minute walk from there.

Be prepared for crowds, especially in the Impressionist galleries. The museum organises regular guided tours of the collection in English (see website for details). Audio guides are also available to rent (for small fee) at the entrance in multiple languages, with commentaries on over 300 artworks in the permanent collection.

The top-floor Café Campana, given a funky redesign by the Brazilian Campana brothers, is great for a light lunch. The first-floor restaurant serves more formal meals in gilded surroundings, under chandeliers.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays. It’s open late on Thursday, when crowds are fewer.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Orsay Museum Skip-the-Line Impressionists Guided Tour

Paris

Viator

Don’t miss the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist and Post Impressionist art! The Musée d’Orsay is home to some of the world’s most iconic artworks, created by now legendary artists such as Monet, Manet, Renoir and Van Gogh. Follow your guide on a 1h45' journey through one of the most exciting periods of the history of art, and discover one of the most dazzling museums in Paris. Small groups and electronic headsets allow for a relaxed and intimate visit.

Price €70

Min age 0

Rating 4.68 / 5 [864 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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#1 Orsay Museum Guided Tour | Satisfaction Guaranteed! | 6ppl Max

Paris

Viator

Join us on a 2.5 hour semi-private (6 guest maximum) tour of the Musée d’Orsay. With our expert guides, explore the must-see works hanging in the Musée d’Orsay, Paris’s gallery dedicated to 19th century art and the Impressionists. Jump right into the sculptures and paintings in this world renowned gallery. Consider our Thursday evening option to beat the crowds if possible.

Price €132

Min age 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [741 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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#1 Louvre & Orsay Museum Tour | Satisfaction Guarantee | 6ppl Max

Paris

Viator

This semi-private (6 guest maximum) Louvre and Musée d’Orsay guided museum tour, allows you to experience Paris’s two major museums all in a half day. And they said it couldn’t be done! Join our guides and spend 5.5 hours immersed in the treasures of these two iconic museums with one of our energetic and enthusiastic guides.

Price €238

Min age 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [506 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Orsay Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included)

Paris

Viator

Join us on a 2.5 hour exclusive guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay. With our expert guides, explore the must-see works hanging in the Musée d’Orsay, Paris’s gallery dedicated to 19th century art and the Impressionists. Jump right into the sculptures and paintings in this world renowned gallery. Consider our Thursday evening option to beat the crowds if possible.

Price €132

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [423 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Orsay Museum Skip-the-Line Private or Small-Group Guided Tour

Paris

Viator

Enjoy a tour of the Musée d'Orsay with a private guide with skip-the-line access to this popular attraction on the Seine waterfront. Discover Impressionist works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and so many more as you learn about the rich history surrounding the artworks and their artists. Select a departure time when booking, including a possible Thursday evening slot. *Please note that the museum entrance tickets are not included in the tour price. You can buy them directly on the museum website or we will send you the link once you have booked the tour. Be careful to the dates as the museum entrance tickets are sold only 3 months in advance.

Price €85

Min age 0

Rating 4.14 / 5 [347 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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