History

The Museum was originally the famous railway station of Gare d’Orsay built in 1900, which was also a showpiece of art-nouveau significance. Owing to be unsuitable for long mainline trains, the station later became a mailing centre and then later a set for various films. It was earlier ordered to be demolished in 1970, but survived and later got listed in the Historic Monuments supplementary list of 1978. But, it was the then Directorate of France Museums, who came up with an idea of building a museum in the place of the station. His idea got a nod from the then President Georges Pompidou, which led to the 1978 competition that selected the winners Renaud Bardon, Pierre Colbocand Jean-Paul to design the building. They were told to create new floor space of 20,000 sq.m. , on each of the four floors, constructed by Bouygues. From decorations to arrangements, fittings as well as the furniture, the complete interior is the creation of Gae Aulenti, an Italian architect who was appointed in 1981. Though ready by July, 1986, the museum was inaugurated in December of 1986 by Francois Mitterrand, the then-President of France. The installation of more than 2000 paintings and over 600 sculptures and other works took about six months.

Architecture

The museum building is molded in the Beaux-Arts architecture and has three floors. There is a central nave on the ground level, which has galleries on its either sides. The median levels also has art exhibitions but its terraces are separate from the central nave of ground level. The top floor rests above a lobby, extending to the highest point than that of the former hotel. It also included points of tourist attractions like the original station’s glass walkway from the western pinion, pavilion Amont, bookshop, and auditorium etc. There is also a museum restaurant and a Café, namely Café des Hauteurs, in the museum, frequented by visitors.

Opera Gallery

A creation of architect Richard Peduzzi, Opera gallery is located at the extreme end of the central aisle of Musee d’Orsay. The Opera gallery showcases different aspects of building, town planning, monuments, and decoration. Dance sketches, architectures referring to the Opera house etc. are also exhibited here.

Regular events hub

Being one of the biggest art hubs of France, Musee d’Orsay witnesses various events like Café readings, concerts, and performances by various artists on a regular basis. It is indeed a platform for artists to showcase their creativity.