Orsay Museum (Musée d'Orsay)

With its position in the 7th arrondissement, just across the river from the Jardin des Tuileries, the Orsay Museumis easy to visit during a day of sightseeing in central Paris. Tickets are available on site, but you can avoid any wait by booking a skip-the-line ticket or a guided museum tour in advance. Or, opt for an enhanced experience that combines an art walking tour with a Orsay Museumskip-the-line ticket.

Once inside, you'll be immersed in the world of Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, and other masters of the 19th and 20th centuries. Works include Degas'The Ballet Class and Van Gogh'sStarry Night. In addition to the paintings, don't miss the museum's large clock, which you can look through for a view of the Right Bank.

• Do not bring suitcases, backpacks, or other travel bags; they are not permitted inside and cannot be left in the cloakroom.

• Note that security is sometimes heightened at this popular site. The museum follows security measures per French authorities, and this can lead to delays.

• Wheelchairs and pushchairs can be borrowed from the cloakroom, while large strollers and baby carriers are not allowed.

Paris is best seen on foot, so try to visit the Orsay Museumduring a stroll along the Seine. Otherwise, the museum can be reached via public transit from the Rue de Bac, Solférino, or Assemblée Nationale metro stations or the Gare du Musée d'Orsay RER station.

The museum is open from 9:30am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours until 9:45pm on Thursdays. If you have the flexibility to go on Thursday evening, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding crowds. Also keep in mind that Paris is busiest in summer.

If you get hungry for something light, sandwiches and salads can be purchased at Café de l'ours, but for a more thematic dining experience at the museum, visit one of its two restaurants. At Café Campana, enjoy classic Parisian brasserie fare in a dreamy underwater environment inspired by Emile Gallé, a French artist and influencer of Art Nouveau. Or go upscale at the Restaurant du Musée d'Orsay, where French cuisine related to museum events is served in an elegant, chandelier-lined room with gilded detailing and large windows.

To fully appreciate the Musée d'Orsay, allocate 2–3 hours on average, considering your interest level in art. Enthusiasts can explore Impressionist, post-Impressionist, and decorative artworks, while those with limited time could cover highlights in an hour or two. To optimize your experience, consider a private guided tour with skip-the-line admission.

To enjoy the least crowded experience at the Musée d'Orsay, visit Thursday evenings when the museum offers extended hours. Additionally, Wednesday and Friday mornings are quieter to visit, allowing visitors to explore the museum's extensive collections in a more serene and relaxed environment.

Yes, you're welcome to take photos and film videos at Musée d'Orsay for personal use. Just remember to turn off your flash. Some artworks might have photo restrictions, clearly marked. If you're planning commercial or group photography, get permission beforehand. Be sure to store all camera stands and lighting gear in the cloakroom.

Yes, the Musee d'Orsay is accessible with provisions like wheelchairs, canes, and folding seats. Strollers with metal frames aren't allowed, but there are strollers in the cloakroom. Elevators and ramps ensure access for reduced mobility visitors and strollers. Additional services include adapted audioguides with induction loops and French Sign Language (LSF).

Yes, for an additional fee, the Musée d'Orsay offers one daily guided tour, which provides insights into the collections by focusing on key masterpieces. Visitors can also rent an audio guide covering the museum’s major exhibitions. For a personalized and flexible experience, book a private tour through an external provider.

The Musee d’Orsay is closed on Mondays, May 1, and Dec. 25. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended late-night hours on Wednesdays. Plan your Paris trip accordingly to ensure a delightful experience while exploring the museum's exceptional collection of art and history.