Musée d’Orsay in Paris: Is it worth a visit?

March 20, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

Musée d’Orsay is without a doubt one of the most beautiful museums in Paris and absolutely worth a visit. Located on the banks of the Seine, opposite the world-famous Louvre, here you will find an impressive collection of art from 1848 to 1914. From masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir to sculptures and early photography – in this museum you will feast your eyes.

In this blog, we’ll tell you more about what to expect while visiting Musée d’Orsay and why this museum should not be on your list during your trip to Paris.

What is the Musée d'Orsay in Paris?

Musée d’Orsay in Paris is an extraordinary museum with a unique story. Once this impressive building was a train station, the Gare d’Orsay, which opened in 1900. Not long after, the platforms proved too short for the ever-longer trains and the station finally fell out of use in 1961.

Instead of demolishing the building, it was decided to convert it into a museum of 19th- and 20th-century art. Today you admire not only world-famous paintings, but also sculptures, photography, films and architecture. The special station structure is still visible and creates a unique atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. Nice detail: part of the underground tracks is still used by the RER C trains.

The layout of Musée d'Orsay: here's how to get the most out of your visit

Musée d’Orsay is conveniently arranged over three floors, making it easy to walk through the different art periods. Each floor has several rooms, with some completely dedicated to one artist.

Want to explore the museum in chronological order? Then follow this route:
1. First floor: Artworks made before 1870.
2. Top floor: Impressive Impressionist works by Monet, Renoir and others.
3. Middle floor: Post-impressionist art

By following this order, you can clearly see how art developed during that time. Musée d’Orsay thus offers not only a wonderful collection, but also a logical and pleasant to follow overview of a special art period.

Top pieces not to be missed at Musée d'Orsay

During your visit to Musée d’Orsay, there are a number of works of art that you really must have seen. You will find them scattered throughout the different floors:

1. First floor:

Rodin – The Bronze Thinker

2. Middle floor (post-impressionism):

1. Van Gogh – The Bedroom
2.Van Gogh – Self-Portrait

3. Upper floor (impressionism):

1. Monet – The Poppy Field
2.Monet – Rouen Cathedral
3.Manet – Déjeuner sur l’herbe
4.Renoir – Bal du Moulin de la Galette
5.Degas – Little dancer of fourteen (sculpture)

These works provide a wonderful picture of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces that make Musée d’Orsay so special.

The historic clocks of Musée d'Orsay

One of the most striking and photogenic elements in Musée d’Orsay are the magnificent historic clocks. These enormous station bells are reminders of the time when the building served as a train station, Gare d’Orsay.

The clocks still adorn the facade as well as the interior of the museum and offer a unique view of the city of Paris. The large clock on the top floor is especially popular with visitors. Through the glass you look out over the Seine and can even see the Sacré-Cœur in the distance.

In addition to the impressive art collection, these historic clocks are definitely worth admiring. They give the museum a special atmosphere and make your visit to Musée d’Orsay extra special.

How long does a visit to Musée d'Orsay take?

For a visit to Musée d’Orsay, it is best to set aside 2-3 hours. This will give you enough time to view the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and other works of art at your leisure.

Do you really want to see everything and take your time at the famous works of Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir? Then 3 to 4 hours is ideal. Do you have less time? With a well-planned itinerary, you can also admire the highlights in 1.5 hours.

In short, how long you stay depends on your interest, but count on at least a couple of hours to fully enjoy this wonderful museum.

Enjoying snacks and drinks at Musée d'Orsay

After your visit to Musée d’Orsay, relax in one of the museum’s two wonderful restaurants. Both locations have a unique atmosphere and are definitely worth a visit.
One restaurant is located directly under the impressive station clock – a special place to settle down with a coffee or a light lunch.

The other restaurant is located in the former ballroom of the old Hôtel d’Orsay. This magnificent ballroom was designed by architect Victor Laloux, who was also responsible for the original train station. You lunch here among elegant chandeliers, large mirrors and beautiful baroque ceiling paintings. The classical atmosphere takes you back in time for a moment and makes this restaurant not only a place to eat, but also a sight in itself. A perfect end to your visit to Musée d’Orsay.

Tickets for Musée d'Orsay in Paris

For Musée d’Orsay, it is wise to order your tickets online in advance. This way you avoid long queues and are assured of admission at your desired time.

Opening hours Musée d'Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. On Thursdays, you can stay extra long because the museum is open until 9:45 p.m. then.

Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit well so you have enough time to see all the impressive works of art.

Location Musée d'Orsay

Musée d’Orsay is centrally located in Paris, on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Louvre. The museum is easily accessible by foot, public transportation or bicycle.

Address:

Musée d’Orsay
1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur
75007 Paris, France

How to get to Musée d'Orsay easily?

Musée d’Orsay is centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation. Here are the most convenient options:

1. Train (RER):

Take RER line C and get off at Musée d’Orsay station (right next to the museum).

2. Metro:

Line 12 – Solférino stop (5-minute walk).
Line 1 or 8 – Concorde stop (about 10-minute walk).

3. Bus:

Lines 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84 and 94 stop near the museum.

These connections get you to Musée d’Orsay quickly and easily!

Is Musée d'Orsay worth it? Our experience

After our visit, we can say: Musée d’Orsay is absolutely worth a visit. The impressive collection with works by Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir made a big impression. The unique location in the old train station and the beautiful station clocks really give the museum something extra.

One downside we found was the crowds, especially at the famous paintings. Our advice: go early in the day for a more relaxed visit. But one thing is for sure – this museum is not to be missed during your trip to Paris!

Our 3 tips for your visit to Musée d'Orsay

After our visit, we are happy to share these tips for getting the most out of your museum experience:

1. Buy your tickets online in advance – This way you avoid long queues and are assured of admission at your desired time.

2. Go early in the morning – It’s a lot quieter then and you can see the masterpieces such as those by Van Gogh and Monet at your leisure.

3. Take your time in the ballroom restaurant – A unique experience among chandeliers and beautiful ceiling paintings, perfect to end your visit.

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