Musée D’Orsay
Musée D’Orsay
5 minutes read•Published on 05-10-2024
The Musée d'Orsay, a famous museum that is placed in Paris, France, used to be a railway station from 1898 to 1900. Today, it is known for its large collection of French art pieces, with works from well-known artists like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. In 1977, the French Government decided to transform the old railway station into what's now the Musée d'Orsay. This transformation was completed, and the building opened as a museum in December 1986. A wide variety of art styles, from the period 1848 to 1914, are showcased here - this includes paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photographs. With this extensive collection, it is counted among some of the biggest art museums in Europe.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the Musée D’Orsay with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The Musée d'Orsay is a well-known art museum located in Paris, France. It's famed for its monumental collection of French art and the historical building in which it's housed. This museum was not always a museum. It used to be a railway station known as the Gare d'Orsay, built for the 1900 World Exposition. The Gare d'Orsay closed in 1939 due to the longer length of newer trains that it could not accommodate.
Once it was closed, the Gare d'Orsay had numerous brush-ups with demolition. It was utilized for several different purposes over the years, including as a car park and as a film location. In 1977, the French Government decided to repurpose the station into a museum. This decision became formal, and the transformation began in 1978 with the help of ACT architecture group.
December 1st, 1986, marks the date when the Musée d'Orsay opened its doors to the public. From its inception, it attracted attention for its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks. You can find works by renowned artists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh on display.
In the present day, the Musée d'Orsay remains a popular destination for both Parisians and visitors from across the globe. Offering more than an extensive array of important western art pieces from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century, the museum also provides a wonderful view of the city from its highest floor. The Musée d'Orsay serves as a beacon, chronicling the illustrious journey of French art history.
One reason to visit
Van Goghs Starry Night Over the Rhone is a key reason for you to visit the Musée dOrsay in Paris. This painting is a remarkable example of Van Goghs skill. It is easy to notice the bright colours, special stroke style, and his expressive way of showing nature. This piece of art was made by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 and is a top example of post-impressionist art. It shows a night view of the Rhone River in France, with a night sky full of stars, giving a special view of a natural scene. A lot of people who like Van Goghs work have a special place for this painting. It also has an important place in art history. So, being able to see it for yourself at the Musée dOrsay is a special chance for anyone who likes art and culture.
Getting there
Start at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris. Head southwest towards Rue de Rivoli & turn left onto Rue de Rivoli. Following Rue de Rivoli for about 2 km, you will reach a large roundabout. Here, you need to take the third exit onto Quai du Louvre. Continue to follow Quai du Louvre as it turns slightly left and becomes Quai François Mitterrand. Stay on this road for about 1 km till you see the Pont Royal bridge. Cross the bridge, and you will see the Musée d'Orsay on your immediate left. Remember to look for signs, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the heart of Paris!
Start your journey from Notre-Dame in the city center, heading west along the Rue de la Cité. Take a left turn onto the Pont Saint-Michel, crossing the river onto Boulevard du Palais. Continue along this road which becomes Boulevard Saint-Michel and later Boulevard Saint-Germain. After nearly 2 km on this stretch, make a right turn onto Rue de Bellechasse. After approximately 300 meters, take a left onto Rue de Lille, then a quick right onto Quai Anatole France. Continue for about 500 meters and you will reach your destination, the Musée d'Orsay. Make sure to lock your bike safely before entering the museum.
To get to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris by public transport, either use the metro or the bus. For the metro, you should take Line 12 and get off at the Solférino station. If you prefer the bus, use Bus lines 68, 69, 73, 83, 87, 94 and disembark at Musée d'Orsay stop. Alternatively, use RER C train line and get off at the Musée d'Orsay station. Additionally, the museum is located approximately 3 minutes' walk from both the metro and bus stations, with clear signs leading to the entrance.
To reach the Musée d'Orsay by car, begin on the Quai Anatole France, which runs alongside the Seine River. Turn onto the Rue de Solferino and then make an immediate left onto the Rue de Bellechasse. The Musée d'Orsay is located at 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris. There is a public car park at the Q-Park Rueil Malmaison Centre, situated about a 15 minutes walk from the Musée d'Orsay. Please note that driving conditions and parking availability can change, so always be sure to have the most updated information before setting off on your journey.
