Visiting the Orsay Museum in Paris: A Must-See for Art Lovers

The Musée d’Orsay is one of my favorite places in Paris and an absolute must for anyone who loves art. Located in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station on the banks of the Seine, it houses the world’s most extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. If you’re planning to visit, here’s everything you need to know, including tips to beat the crowds, ticket prices, and must-see artworks.

1. Best time to visit
2. Entrance ticket prices
3. What to see at the Orsay Museum
4. How to visit

1. Best Time to Visit the Orsay Museum

🗓️ Which Days to Avoid?

The Musée d’Orsay is closed on Mondays. If you can, avoid Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as these tend to be the busiest days. Sunday afternoons are particularly crowded, with waiting times at the entrance sometimes exceeding an hour.

If your schedule is tight and you can’t avoid peak hours, I strongly recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket to save time.

⏰ When Is the Best Time to Visit?

For a quieter experience, visit on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. If you want to enjoy the museum with fewer crowds, aim for Wednesday or Friday morning. Late Thursdays are also a great option since the museum stays open later.

👉 Good to know: It takes at least 3 hours to fully appreciate the Orsay Museum, so plan accordingly!

2. Orsay Museum Ticket Prices & Free Entry Options

💰 General admission: Prices vary, so it’s best to check the official website for the latest rates.

✅ Free entry:

• Under 18s and EU citizens under 26 can visit for free.
• The museum is free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month, but I’d only recommend this if you don’t mind the crowds.

🌙 Discounted evening tickets:

• On Thursdays from 6 p.m., you can visit at a reduced rate, which is a great way to enjoy the museum in a more relaxed atmosphere.

⏳ Skip-the-line tickets:
During peak season, queues can be long (30 minutes or more), so buying your tickets in advance is highly recommended.

🚢 Bonus tip: If you want to continue your Parisian adventure after visiting the museum, consider taking a Seine River cruise from the Musée d’Orsay to Parc de la Villette—it’s a fantastic way to see the city from the water!

3. What to See at the Orsay Museum: Must-See Masterpieces

The Musée d’Orsay is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world. Here are a few masterpieces you shouldn’t miss:

🎨 Claude Monet – Poppies 🌺
🌌 Vincent van Gogh – Starry Night Over the Rhône & Self-Portrait
👀 Gustave Courbet – The Origin of the World
🔥 Eugène Delacroix – Tiger Hunt
🌴 Paul Gauguin – Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?
🍎 Paul Cézanne – The Card Players
👒 Édouard Manet – Olympia

The museum is especially famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, featuring artists like Renoir, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Sisley. Even if you’re not a big art enthusiast, seeing these works up close is an unforgettable experience.

4. How to Get to the Orsay Museum & Itinerary Ideas

📍Where is the Orsay Museum located? The Musée d’Orsay is located at: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris (see location on Google Maps).

🚇  Nearest metro stations: Solférino (line 12) and Assemblée Nationale (line 12)

🚶 Walking Route Suggestion: One of the most scenic ways to reach the museum is by walking across the Seine from the Jardin des Tuileries, via the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor. It’s a short and beautiful stroll that gives you a fantastic view of the museum’s architecture.

Official website of the Musée d’Orsay: musee-orsay.fr/en

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit the Orsay Museum

Visiting the Musée d’Orsay is an unforgettable experience. It’s not just about seeing famous paintings—it’s about stepping into a stunning historical building filled with some of the most iconic works in art history. Whether you’re an art lover or just a curious traveler, this museum is an essential stop on any Paris itinerary.

Make sure to plan at least 3 hours for your visit, and don’t forget to look up—the museum’s giant clock windows offer one of the best views of Paris!

Have you visited the Orsay Museum before? What was your favorite artwork? Let me know in the comments! 😊🎨✨