Musée d'Orsay, Ile De France Travel Guide

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Discover Impressionist masterpieces in a stunning Beaux-Arts setting at the Musée d'Orsay, Paris's iconic art museum on the Seine.

Housed in a stunning former railway station, the Musée d'Orsay boasts the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Wander through its grand halls and discover masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir, all within a building steeped in history.

A brief summary to Musée d'Orsay

Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, Paris, 75007, FR
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Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-9:45 pm
Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Musée d'Orsay.

Visit on Thursdays for late-night openings and reduced rates, enjoying a less crowded experience.
Book tickets online in advance to skip the long queues, especially during peak seasons.
Take the RER C line to Musée d'Orsay station for direct access, or Metro Line 12 to Solférino station.
Download the Musée d'Orsay's official app for a free audio guide and essential information in multiple languages.
Head to the 5th floor first to see the Impressionist collection, then explore other exhibits to avoid the largest crowds.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Tuileries Garden

Arc de Triomphe

Eiffel Tower

Quais de la Seine

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Explore Musée d'Orsay on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Musée d'Orsay, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From central Paris, the Musée d'Orsay is easily accessible via the Metro or RER. Take Metro Line 12 to Solférino station or the RER C line to Musée d'Orsay station. From either station, it's a short walk to the museum entrance. A single Metro/RER ticket costs €2.50. Alternatively, several bus lines (63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87, 94) stop near the museum , with bus tickets costing €2.
Walking

Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, the Musée d'Orsay is a pleasant walk from many central Paris landmarks. From the Louvre Museum, cross the Pont Royal and walk along the Quai Voltaire. The walk takes approximately 12 minutes. From Notre Dame Cathedral, walk along the Seine, crossing to the Left Bank via the Pont au Change and Pont Royal. The walk is approximately 20 minutes. Walking is free.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Paris. A short taxi ride from the Louvre Museum to the Musée d'Orsay typically costs between €15 , with a minimum fare of €8. Note that fares may vary depending on traffic and time of day. There is no additional charge for luggage.

Discover more about Musée d'Orsay

The Musée d'Orsay, officially named 'établissement public du musée d'Orsay et du musée de l'Orangerie – Valéry Giscard d'Estaing' since 2021, is a national museum of France, inaugurated in 1986. Situated on the left bank of the Seine in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, it resides in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station constructed between 1898 and 1900. The museum's collections showcase Western art from 1848 to 1914, encompassing paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, graphic arts, photography, and architecture.The building itself is a work of art. The Gare d'Orsay was designed by Victor Laloux for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. In the late 19th century, the site was occupied by the Palais d'Orsay. After being intended for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was assigned to the Court of Auditors and the Council of State. During the Commune of 1871, the entire district was burned down. For 30 years, the burned walls of the Palais d'Orsay testified to the horrors of the civil war. The station's exterior was covered with white limestone to match the prestigious neighborhood and nearby Louvre.Inside, the Musée d'Orsay displays collections of art from 1848 to 1914. Here you can find masterpieces by painters such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin and Van Gogh.