Musée d’Orsay – Paris : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to the extraordinary Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France! The national museum houses an impressive collection of art from the mid-19th to mid-20th century, and is one of the most-visited museums in Paris. Here, guests can spend hours exploring the various paintings, sculptures, photographs and other works of art that make this amazing museum one of a kind. But, to get the most out of your visit, it is important to learn some interesting facts, information and travel tips about the Musée d’Orsay. With our help, you will be able to experience the museum like a pro. So, let’s get started!

Interesting Facts About Musée d’Orsay – Paris

1. The Musée d’Orsay was once a railway station known as the Gare d’Orsay. The museum was created from this former train station built in the late 1800s.

2. The building houses a complete Impressionist collection from the late 19th century to early 20th century. It is home to some of the world’s most famous Post-Impressionist painters, including Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.

3. Musée d’Orsay is on the banks of the Seine river. It has a large clock tower which stands at a height of 98 ft, and houses 12 bells for the hourly chimes.

4. In 1992, the museum opened to the public with its incredible collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and items from the Art Nouveau period.

5. The basement of the museum is home to an auditorium and a cinema, both of which are used for concerts, film showings and other events.

6. Musée d’Orsay was voted one of the best museums in Europe by TripAdvisor in 2017.

7. The museum is also home to the clock known as the Musee d’Orsay Big Watch. It was designed in the 19th century by the French sculptor Dagnan-Bouveret and has become an iconic symbol of the museum.

8. The Musée d’Orsay Gift Shop is said to be the biggest of any museum in Paris and is filled with great souvenirs from the museum’s collection.

9. Musée d’Orsay is the second-most visited museum in Paris after the Louvre, and it is credited with helping to revive the French economy in the 1980’s.

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History & Information About Musée d’Orsay – Paris

Musée d’Orsay is an art museum in Paris, France, located on the Left Bank of the Seine. It is housed in the former General Railway Station, originally built for the Universal Exposition of 1900. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1915, including paintings, sculpture, furniture, and photography. It houses the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. Musée d’Orsay was officially opened in December 1986 by the then French President François Mitterrand. Since opening its doors to the public, the museum has become one of the most visited sites in the world. It is one of the most popular attractions in Paris, with over 3 million visitors a year. The museum is also home to many other historical artifacts, such as a dozen of nineteenth-century trains, a permanent display of clocks and watches, and a selection of medieval and Renaissance sculptures. A bookshop, café, and gift shop are also available at the museum.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Musée d’Orsay – Paris

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1. Plan Your Trip:

Make sure you plan your trip to Musée d’Orsay in advance for the best experience. Set aside enough time to explore the museum’s collections and to take in all the sights. You may want to check out the current exhibitions, special programs, and events taking place at the museum before booking your visit.

2. Purchase Admission Tickets:

Admission tickets for the Musée d’Orsay are available online, at the ticket office on site, or at the other designated points of sale. Tickets for the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions can be bought as a value pack, which allows you to save money in the long run.

3. Book a Hotel:

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Paris, book a hotel near the museum to make visiting the museum all the more convenient. There are several hotels located a short walk away from the Musée d’Orsay, ranging from upscale 5-star accommodations to budget-friendly options.

4. Eat and Drink:

Before or after your museum visit, you can enjoy the selection of food and drink options available at the museum’s cafes and restaurants. The café located inside the museum has an extensive selection of light meals, pastries, and coffees, as well as beer and wine. There are also several places to eat around the museum.

5. Explore the Museum:

Once you’ve purchased your ticket, spent some time in the museum’s different galleries. The museum is home to a massive collection of artworks, including works from the impressionist, post-impressionist, multimedia and other art periods. Make sure to take your time to explore the museum and to take in each of its remarkable pieces.

6. Pick Up Souvenirs:

At the end of your visit, grab some souvenirs to take back home from the museum’s gift shop. The shop stocks a large selection of souvenir items, such as books, posters, postcards, and even replicas of classic works.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Musée d’Orsay – Paris

Q: What is the Musée d’Orsay?
A: The Musée d’Orsay is a museum located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France, on the Left Bank of the Seine. It is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900.

Q: What is the main collection at Musée d’Orsay?
A: The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1915, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters including Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh.

Q: How do I get to the Musée d’Orsay?
A: The Musée d’Orsay is easily accessible by metro (Line 12, Solferino stop). It is also accessible via the River Seine and is a short walk from other major attractions in Paris such as the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden and the Orangerie Museum.

Q: Are there any admission fees or special discounts?
A: Yes, admission fees for the Musée d’Orsay vary depending on the type of visit. Special discounts are available for children aged over 12, people from 18 to 25 years old from the European Union, and people with disabilities.

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