MUSEE DORSAY

Situated close to the Louvre Museum is one of the other most famous museums in Paris, the Musée d'Orsay. Located inside a restored former railway station, the Gare d'Orsay, the museum houses an unusual collection of artwork from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Visit the museum to take a look at its collection of decorative art objects, sculptures, furniture and more. Discover the star of the show, France’s treasured national collection of spectacular masterpieces from 1848 to 1914. Observe the masterpieces by famous painters such as Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Gauguin, Renoir and many others. Admire well-known works of art such as the stunning stained glass windows and the famous Orsay clock. You can also opt for a self-guided tour, an audio tour or a guided tour to explore the museum and view its collections. With our Best Europe tour packages, you will see the interiors of the museum reflect the superb artworks and intricate design elements picturizing various historical occurrences.

Apart from its permanent collection, this museum in Paris also hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, performances, café readings and films from time to time for visitors.

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Highlights

• Explore Musée d'Orsay, a museum located inside a former railway station, the Gare d'Orsay, near the Seine river.
• Take a look at its unusual collection of decorative art objects, sculptures and furniture from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Feel captivated looking at the D'Orsay Museum's photographic treasures, an impressive collection of historical photographs.
• Admire masterpieces by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Degas, Monet, Renoir and others.
• Watch some of the famous artworks such as Bal du Moulin de la Galette, Small Dancer Aged 14 and more.Suggested Read: Romantic Places In Paris At NightAlso Check Out: Cool Things to Do in Paris at Night

How To Reach

• By Car: Musée d’Orsay is located 2.6 km from the city centre. It will take 15 min via Quai François Mitterrand to reach by a hired car or taxi.
• By Bus: Take bus no. 68, 68, and 87 to reach Henry de Montherlant and walk for 3 minutes to reach the destination. You can also take bus no. 73 and get down at Musée d’Orsay and walk down for 4 minutes. If you have taken bus no. 84 or 94, you will need to get down at Solferino–Bellechasse and walk for 6 minutes to reach the museum.
• By Metro: Take line no. 1 to reach Tuileries Metro station and walk for 3 minutes to reach the museum. You can also take line no. 12 to reach Rue du Bac station and walk for 6 minutes to reach Musée d’Orsay.
• By RER: The closest RER station is Musée d'Orsay station, and you will need to take line C to reach there. From the station, the museum is a 9-minute walk.

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Best Time To Visit

Musée d’Orsay is an all-year-round attraction, and you can visit any day of the year except for all Mondays, 1st May and 25th December.

• Best day in the week: The best day in the week to visit is on a Thursday when the museum is open for longer hours, and being a weekday, the place is not very crowded.
• The best time of the day: The best time of the day to visit the museum is either first thing in the morning at its opening hours or late afternoon. These are the hours during which there is less queue at the entrance and you will not need to wait for long to gain entry.

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Other Essential Information

Exhibitions at Musée d’Orsay

Exhibits at the Musee d'Orsay is something that allures all tourists coming over to Paris. This exhibition lets the visitors explore various parts of the museum and draw insights from each of the relics on display. The museum of Musee d'Orsay even borrows artefacts from other nearby museums at the time of the exhibition. 

Apart from exhibitions, the Musee d'Orsay is also widely held for hosting a wide range of functions like concerts, festivals, film screenings, and art shows. All these happenings at the Musee d'Orsay make it more appealing for tourists. 

Some of the popular exhibitions that have been organized at the Musee d'Orsay are as follows:

1. The Land of Monsters

The land of monsters has been one of the most popular exhibitions that has been taking place in Musee d’Orsay. This year the exhibitions are scheduled from 10th of March to 28th of June. This exhibition was started by Leopold Chauveau who happened to be a famous illustrator, sculptor, and author at the same time. 

2. James Tissot

James Tissot made his artistry debut in the 1850s because of his passion for Japanese art and craft. An era of modernity made it way into the air of Paris with his creatives. You can come over to this exhibition from 24th of March to 19th of July this year and check out some of the bold experiments of Tissot’s painting techniques and use of materials. 

3. Aubrey Beardsley

Aubrey Beardsley happened to be one of the most popular english illustrators and engravers who made it large in a very less time. Despite the fact that he was able to explore his passion for a short time, he quickly moved ahead through his amazing publication and creations. Aubrey Beardsley exhibition is going to be organised from 15th of June to 13th of September this year. 

4. Leon Spilliaert

The Leon Spilliaert exhibition is going to be held from 15th of June to 13th of September. The theme of the exhibition is going to be light and solitude. Leon Spilliaert has been a person dealing with his troubling solitude and infinite perspectives.

He started drawing creatives based on his metaphysical questions and flemish culture. His uncategorizable works became popular in no time and he was able to gain a good name in between the top illustrators of that time.

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The Architecture of Musee d'Orsay

The architecture of Musee d’Orsay happens to be one of the main attractions that entice one to behold the intricate design elements. The museum was originally a train station and was constructed for the train line that used to run in between Paris and Orleans. It was also presented at the time of world fair in the year 1990 when the whole world was amazed by its magnificent architecture. In the year 1970, it was decided to demolish the train station and give it a new makeover so that a luxury hotel can be curated behind its walls. But the decision was again turned down and finally, in the year 1974, it was converted into a museum. Musee d’Orsay has a stunning display of artisanship in both its outdoors and indoors.The design was crafted by three young architects of those times who had a motive to segregate the sub-roof space of the train station to two new floors.

The initial construction has a 138 meters long hall which is now converted into the main artery museum. The main entrance features the great glass awning and you will still be able to get the impression of the museum being an old railway station. Glass was used on the window panes at that time to allow the natural light to find its way in the structure and make available for a real impression of brightness.

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Tips to Visit Musée d'Orsay in Paris

• Cloakrooms are available at the entrance where visitors can drop off their coats, small luggage, and other items free of charge.
• You can take photographs inside the museum without the use of flash.
• Before visiting, check the website for schedules of concerts, performances, cafe readings and films.
• You can download the museum guide if you are planning on a self-guided tour.
• Those who prefer a printed guide can avail of the same free of cost at the museum reception desk.
• You can connect to the museum Wi-Fi which is free for all.
• Wheelchairs, strollers, folding seats and usable canes are available in the museum if your family needs them.

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