The Orsay Museum — the premier museum of Impressionism in Paris

From a railway station to a symbol of France’s rich cultural heritage. This is the transformation the Musée d’Orsay underwent, now located in the very heart of Paris. Even if you’ve already planned a visit to the Louvre and think nothing else could surprise you, don’t overlook the Orsay Museum—its collection is truly unique. Here’s what you can see there, and all that’s left for you is to book your plane tickets and reserve a hotel in Paris.

History of the Musée d’Orsay

The building originally opened in 1900 as the Gare d’Orsay railway station for the Paris-Orléans line. Featuring magnificent glass domes and elegant metal structures, it was designed in the Beaux-Arts style, standing out beautifully against the cityscape. In 1986, the building was converted into a museum, preserving all its unique architectural features.

The Musée d’Orsay Collection

The Musée d’Orsay in Paris was conceived as the world’s largest collection of European painting and sculpture from the mid-19th to early 20th century, centered around the finest works of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. It houses masterpieces by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and others. If you’re unsure what to see at the museum, head to the section featuring Vincent van Gogh’s paintings—his works are familiar to everyone. Now just book your flight tickets to Paris.

Important Information

The Musée d’Orsay is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with extended hours until 9:45 p.m. on Thursdays. It is closed on Mondays. Getting there is easy: the museum is located on the banks of the Seine, opposite the Tuileries Garden and near the Louvre. The nearest metro stations are Solferino and Musée d’Orsay (RER). Tickets can be purchased online on the official website or at the box office, costing €16. We recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid queues. Free admission is offered on the first Sunday of each month, as well as during the European Museum Night and European Heritage Days.

Visiting Tips

The best time to visit is early morning or late evening on weekdays to avoid large crowds. For a deeper understanding of the collection, consider booking a guided tour or using an audio guide. This will help you better appreciate the history behind the paintings and their artists.

What to See Nearby?

Near the Musée d’Orsay, you’ll find the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, with the Champs-Élysées a little further away. The museum’s central location in Paris means you can easily explore on foot in virtually any direction. This makes visiting the museum ideal for cultural leisure even during a business trip—keep that in mind when planning your business travel.

If you love Impressionist works and dream of seeing them in person, the Musée d’Orsay is a must-visit. Even if you’re not particularly interested in this art movement, the museum’s galleries, filled with some of Europe’s greatest masterpieces, are fascinating to explore. For hotel selection and flight booking, TravelHub offers the best deals from companies worldwide so you can enjoy your perfect vacation at great prices.