During my first trip to Paris in 2022, I visited Musée d'Orsay but didn't get to explore as much of it as I would've liked. So when I returned to Paris for three days, I made it a point to visit the museum again, this time with more time to spare.
I ended up spending close to four hours there, exploring its galleries and admiring the artwork, and I'm glad I decided to come back. If you're interested in art, particularly Impressionism, Musée d'Orsay is definitely one of the museums worth visiting in Paris.
What to Expect at Musée d'Orsay
Located along the Seine, Musée d'Orsay is one of Paris's most famous art museums, with an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and decorative arts, primarily dating from 1848 to 1914. It's particularly well known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, with works by some of the most recognizable artists of the 19th century.
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| Starry Night Over the Rhône by Van Gogh |
The museum is spread across several levels, with different galleries dedicated to various artistic movements and periods. There's quite a lot to see, so I'd recommend setting aside at least a few hours, especially if you enjoy taking your time looking at artwork.
The Former Railway Station
One of the things that makes Musée d'Orsay particularly interesting is the building itself. Originally constructed as the Gare d'Orsay railway station for the 1900 Paris Exposition, it was eventually converted into a museum, which opened in 1986.
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| the famous clock face on the 5th floor |
The building retains much of its original Beaux-Arts architecture, including its enormous arched glass roof, ornate details, and grand central hall. It's a beautiful space, and the sculptures displayed along the central hall make it even more impressive.
Another recognizable feature of Musée d'Orsay is its enormous clock faces, which are among the most photographed parts of the museum. They're a reminder of the building's former life as a railway station and add another interesting architectural element to the visit.
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Galleries
The Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections are arguably the biggest reasons to visit Musée d'Orsay. The museum houses an impressive selection of works by artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh.
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| some of my favorites at Musee d'Orsay |
Many of the Impressionist paintings are displayed on the upper level, where you can explore works depicting landscapes, portraits, everyday life, and scenes from 19th-century France. It's also interesting to see how different artists approached similar subjects using their own styles, particularly when it comes to color, lighting, and brushwork.
Among the museum's best-known paintings are Renoir's Bal du moulin de la Galette, Monet's Poppy Field, Degas's The Ballet Class, and Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhône. These are just a few of the highlights, and there's plenty more to discover throughout the galleries.
Sculptures and Other Collections
Although Musée d'Orsay is best known for its paintings, its sculpture collection is also worth exploring. The central hall features numerous sculptures from the 19th century, while other galleries contain works by artists including Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel.
The museum also has collections of decorative arts, furniture, architectural models, and photography. These offer a broader look at art and design during the period, beyond the paintings that usually get the most attention.
Temporary Exhibitions
Apart from its permanent collections, Musée d'Orsay regularly hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on particular artists, artistic movements, or themes. These exhibitions are worth checking before your visit, as they can feature works borrowed from other museums and private collections.
During my visit, there was a special exhibition dedicated to Pierre-Auguste Renoir, which was a lovely bonus because I absolutely love his art. I was particularly happy that I got to see more of his work during this visit, on top of exploring the museum's permanent collections.
The exhibitions change throughout the year, so it's worth checking the museum's official website to see what's scheduled during your trip.
Cafes, Restaurant, and Gift Shop
If you need a break from exploring the galleries, Musée d'Orsay has several dining options, including Café Campana on the fifth floor, Café de la Gare in the main hall, and a beautiful restaurant with ornate ceilings and historic decor. You can stop for coffee and pastries, grab a light meal, or sit down for lunch without leaving the museum.
There's also a bookshop and gift shop selling art books, prints, postcards, stationery, jewelry, and other items inspired by the museum's collections. I thought the gift shop had some really beautiful items, so it's definitely worth browsing before you leave, especially if you're looking for something a little different to take home from Paris.
How to Get to Musée d'Orsay
Musée d'Orsay is located on the Left Bank of the Seine, in Paris's 7th arrondissement, across the river from the Tuileries Garden and not far from the Louvre.
The easiest ways to reach the museum by public transportation are via:
- RER C: Get off at Musée d'Orsay station, which is right by the museum.
- Metro Line 12: Get off at Solférino station and walk to the museum.
- Bus: Several routes serve the area, including lines 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87, and 94.
If you're already exploring central Paris, you can also walk to the museum from nearby attractions, including the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden.
Where to Get Tickets for Musée d'Orsay
You can purchase admission tickets directly from the official Musée d'Orsay ticketing website or at the museum, subject to availability. You can also get them online from travel booking platforms like Klook.
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| view from the entrance of Musee d'Orsay |
As of November 2026, general admission costs €16 online or €14 at the museum, with admission covering the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, subject to availability. Entry is free for certain visitors, including children under 18, and for everyone on the first Sunday of each month, although advance reservations are required for that day.
I'd recommend booking a timed ticket in advance, particularly if you're visiting during a busy travel period. You can also check the official website for updated exhibitions, opening hours, and any changes to visitor access.
Having visited Musée d'Orsay twice now, I'm glad I decided to return and give myself more time to explore. I'd say it is my all-time favorite museum. Spending almost four hours there might sound like a lot, but with so many galleries and artworks to see, the time went by surprisingly quickly.
I particularly enjoyed seeing the Impressionist collections and the special Renoir exhibition, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the museum to anyone who enjoys art. Even if you've already visited before, there's enough to see that a return trip can still be worthwhile.
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