Musée d’Orsay Paris is one of the most renowned museums in France, known for its refined artistic displays and aesthetic interiors. The grand space has made its mark globally due to its sophisticated collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artwork. Primarily, the museum works to bring to the limelight the art pieces made between 1848 and 1914 in France. Today, these exhibits have captured the hearts of locals as well as intercontinental tourists, who visit this museum to witness the grandeur of the French past. They can also witness other masterpieces in sculptures and canvas works at the museum. To learn more about the museum, keep reading this blog.
About Musée d’Orsay Paris
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Musée d’Orsay Paris is a museum in the capital of France, known for its extensive collection of works by artists between 1848 and 1914. It is now situated in Gare d’Orsay, a railway station from the late nineteenth century. Musée d’Orsay is considered one of the largest art museums in Europe and was declared the sixth most-visited art museum in the world in 2022.
People come in to enjoy the greatest works of French artists who primarily produced Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks. This museum is also home to the works of many famous painters, such as Van Gogh and Claude Monet. Apart from paintings, furniture, photography, and sculpture are also showcased here.
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History Of Musée d’Orsay Paris
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Musée d’Orsay Paris was built on the Orsay railway station, which operated well before the Second World War. The main building of the present museum used to be a hotel. This hotel was famous for hosting various political meetings and assemblies. Later, as more electrified railway lines came into use, the place went out of use, and the hotel was finally closed in 1973.
The then-president, Georges Pompidou, had the idea to turn the place into a grand museum that showcased the paintings and sculptures of French fashion. The museum was inaugurated in 1986 under the guidance of Francois Mitterrand.
Architecture Of Musée d’Orsay Paris
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Since the museum was built in the erstwhile Orsay railway station, many of the structures still persist to date. The station was influenced by the American stations and had a splash of modernism infused in its styling. The entrance bears many sculptures like leaves and oak branches with lion heads. The place was built with metal frames which allowed it to have larger interior space.
Musée d’Orsay Paris has glass roof that spans about 6.2 acres. Architect Victor Laloux made sure that the space also had modern facilities like elevators. The interior was designed by Gae Aulenti, who primarily worked on artificial and natural lighting. Today, the museum houses five floors depicting various exhibits in gorgeous halls with proper lighting.
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Things To Do At Musée d’Orsay Paris
Musée d’Orsay Paris is spread over a massive area of nearly 59,000 sq. metres. Hence, it is important to note the important sections and make a list of the things to do at Musée d’Orsay Paris. Here are some tips to help tourists with this.
1. Explore The Extensive Art Collection
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Musée d’Orsay Paris has an extensive collection of great Impressionist and Post-impressionist paintings, as well as other artworks prepared by some of the most world-renowned artists. In addition, people can enjoy both permanent and temporary exhibits directly on the fifth floor.
The museum also boasts many famous prints, including the works of Vincent Van Gogh. With the museum’s adequate lighting, Orsay’s paintings can be enjoyed while maintaining a good distance from them.
2. Visit The Art Nouveau Furniture Collection
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Musée d’Orsay Paris is also famous for showcasing a wide range of classic and antique French furniture, glassware, and ceramics. The most famous period displayed here is the Art Nouveau period, which lasted roughly from 1890 to 1910.
Art Nouveau is known for its unique approach to architecture and interior design, which was significantly different from the mainstream. Hence, tourists can witness the rare pieces of the period in this Decorative Arts section of the museum.
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3. Witness The Statue Of Liberty From A Close Proximity
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Musée d’Orsay Paris has its own Statue of Liberty, which was initially installed in 2011. This one was also created by Frederic Bartholdi, who originally made the 151-foot-tall Statue of Liberty in New York. Although, this replica is about 10 feet tall.
People can tour the place and witness the details of the statue up close. This is made without any major changes from the original one. Hence, most tourists can enjoy the beauty of Lady Liberty with her Flame of Liberty kept near the main entrance.
4. Watch Three Massive Clocks At Musée d’Orsay
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Musée d’Orsay Paris houses three famous massive clocks that have captured the attention of tourists ever since their installation. There is one with a golden intricate design, placed near the main building’s entrance. The other two include works of glass and steel and are placed in the towers of the former railway station.
The golden clock has garnered the most attention and was originally designed by architect Victor Laloux. Interestingly, this was originally put up for passengers to not miss their train. However, today tourists can enjoy the magnificence of the clock.
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5. Explore The Statues And Sculptures
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Musée d’Orsay Paris houses some of the world’s finest works of scu;pture. Sculpture used to be one of the most prominent artforms in the early nineteenth century and the trend continued on in the succeeding century as well. Hence, during the conception of the museum, sculpture was decided to be put up for exhibition, too.
Musée d’Orsay Paris had to source many of these sculptures from other museums in the beginning since finding the sculptures of the era the museum primarily depicted was hard enough. Famous sculptures that tourists can enjoy include the ‘Six Continents’ statues and more.
6. Explore The Summer Terrace With Cityscape Views
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Musée d’Orsay Paris has an amazing Summer Terrace perched above the building, which not many people know of. To visit this place, tourists can take the elevator or escalator to the fifth floor and then go off to Cafe Compana. Just next to the entrance, a secretive path leads to the terrace.
People can enjoy a grand cityscape view of the Louvre, the Seine River and more such places from here. They can even have drinks and light French delicacies to eat while they watch over the entire city. The view from here is truly unmatched.
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7. Discover Unique Artpieces At Musée d’Orsay
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Musée d’Orsay Paris has a lot of permanent exhibits that are showcased all year around. However, on special occasions and during certain seasons, the museum hosts temporary yet unique pieces of artwork that are rarely found elsewhere.
People can take a normal ticket to explore this section since no extra charge is applied. In fact, there are a lot of artworks from famous artists that provide a proper description of the masterpieces. Moreover, these pieces are included in the regular exhibit sections.
Entrance Fees And Timings
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Musée d’Orsay Paris has different prices for varying age groups. Adults can come in with a ticket costing 16 Euros, while young adults between 18 to 25 years of age can pay 11 Euros. Meanwhile, children under 18 years of age and residents of the European Union under 26 years can enter at no extra cost.
The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between the hours 9:30 am to 6 pm. The last access to the museum is at 5 pm, while the rooms close at 5:30 pm. On Thursdays, the museum remains open till 9:15 pm.
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How To Reach?
Musée d’Orsay Paris has some of the grandest displays of France’s artistic styles and aesthetics, which has become a popular tourist attraction as well. Hence, here are the ways to reach the Musée d’Orsay Paris in France:
By Air
People can board a flight to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. This airport serves international flights and is well-connected to the museum.
By Rail
The closest station to Musée d’Orsay Paris is the Musée d’Orsay station, which is about 102 metres away, being only a 2 minutes walk from the museum.
By Road
People can also take buses to reach Musée d’Orsay Paris. The nearest bus stop is the Henry de Montherlant, which is about 3 minutes away from the museum.
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Musée d’Orsay Paris is a grand museum displaying artworks of French artists between the years 1848 and 1914. From canvas paintings to sculptures and replicas to refined photographs, the museum is never short of amusing masterpieces. So, if you want to indulge in the artistry and aesthetics of the forgone centuries in France, book a trip to Paris right away! Bring your family and friends on this amazing trip to witness the grandeur of Fracne’s most renowned museum.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Musée d’Orsay Paris
What is special about Musee d'Orsay?
Musée d’Orsay Paris is generally famous for bringing one of the grandest displays of Impressionist and Post-impressionist era artworks into the limelight. This museum houses many exhibits, including Van Gogh’s works.
Which is better, Musée d’Orsay Paris or Louvre?
Both the museums give a grand experience of art history and aesthetics in France. Musée d’Orsay Paris promises a more refined collection that focuses on Impressionist and Post-impressionist periods, primarily.
Is Musée d’Orsay worth seeing?
Certainly! Musée d’Orsay Paris is definitely worth seeing, considering it is one of the most visited museums in France, with a grand collection of distinguished artists and sculptors. The interiors are also worth witnessing.
What are the top three museums in Paris?
The top three museums in Paris are the Musée d’Orsay Paris, the Louvre Museum, and Centre Pompidou. All three museums are globally renowned and showcase well-known artists.
Is there a dress code for the Musee d’Orsay?
Musée d’Orsay Paris does not have a prescribed dress code for its visitors. However, it is advised to wear comfortable yet modest clothing. Even though there is no official dress code, it is always better to dress decently.
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