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Home » Musée d’Orsay, Paris | Explore Art and History » Plan Your Visit to the Musée d’Orsay | Visitor Info
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Musée d’Orsay – Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Musée d’Orsay

Planning your visit to Musée d’Orsay will help you fully appreciate one of Europe’s premier art institutions showcasing French and European art from 1848 to 1914. Below is essential information to guide you in organizing an enriching and enjoyable experience.

Musée d’Orsay – Ticket Information

Purchase Options: Tickets for Musée d’Orsay are available for purchase online in advance as well as at the museum entrance. To avoid queues and guarantee entry at your preferred time, online booking is advisable.

Ticket Types: General admission tickets are available for sale on this site, which grant access to all the permanent exhibitions and parts of the museum.

Musée d'Orsay – Visitor Guidelines

Photography: Photography for strictly private purposes is permitted, provided the flash is deactivated and you do not obstruct other visitors. Camera stands, lighting devices, and selfie sticks are prohibited and must be left in the cloakroom.

Conduct: To maintain the integrity of the museum and comfort of all visitors, it is requested to observe standard museum etiquette, including speaking quietly and refraining from touching any artworks.

Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible via ramps and elevators located throughout the spaces, including direct access from the Musée d'Orsay RER station (Line C). Visitors with disabilities and one companion receive free, priority entry, and guide dogs or assistance dogs are welcomed.

Food and Drink: Consumption of food and beverages is strictly prohibited in the exhibition areas; only small, sealed water bottles are sometimes tolerated, but must be kept stored. Guests may refresh themselves at the on-site dining facilities.

Bag Policy: The museum enforces a strict size restriction; any baggage exceeding 56 x 45 x 25 cm is not permitted in the galleries and must be deposited in the cloakroom. The free cloakroom does not accept valuables and is subject to limited capacity.

Musée d'Orsay – Amenities

Dining: The museum features two main dining areas:

Le Restaurant: A formal dining space located on the first floor that is a classified historical monument, renowned for its beautiful Belle Époque frescoes and traditional French cuisine.

Café Campana: Located near the monumental clock on the top floor, this café offers quick-service food in a modern, dreamlike setting inspired by Brazilian designers.

Auditorium and Event Spaces: The museum hosts a robust cultural program, including concerts, film screenings, and lectures in its fully equipped auditorium.

Seating and Rest Areas: Comfortable seating, including distinctive glass benches, is available in various galleries and dedicated rest areas to enhance visitor comfort and allow for breaks.

Equipment Loan: The museum provides free loan of wheelchairs, folding stools, and walking sticks to visitors at the cloakroom/reception area, in exchange for a piece of identification.

Musée d'Orsay - Location & Hours

The Musée d'Orsay is located at 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris, France, situated on the Left Bank across the Seine from the Louvre.

General operating hours are from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The museum features extended evening hours on Thursdays, remaining open until 9:45 PM.

The museum's fixed weekly closing day is every Monday.

Annual closure days are May 1st (Labor Day) and December 25th (Christmas Day).

Facilities

Cloakroom: A free cloakroom service is available near the entrance for visitors to store coats and personal items. Items exceeding the size limit of 56 x 45 x 25 cm (standard cabin luggage size) must be deposited here.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located throughout the museum's levels, including adapted facilities for visitors with disabilities.

Wi-Fi: Free, accessible Wi-Fi is available in certain areas of the museum to help visitors connect and utilize digital resources.

Accessibility: You can borrow useful equipment like wheelchairs, folding seats, and walking sticks free of charge at the cloakroom/reception area.

Accessibility

Entrances: The entire museum circuit, including temporary exhibitions and public areas, is accessible via elevators and ramps.

Priority Access: Visitors with disabilities, along with one accompanying person, are granted free admission and priority access upon presentation of valid proof.

Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs and folding seats are available on loan at the cloakroom. Note that prams and large strollers are not permitted in the galleries and must be checked.

Adapted Services: The museum offers various resources, including accessible restrooms and trained staff, to assist visitors with diverse needs.

Dining

Restaurant: Located on the first floor of the museum, this formal establishment offers a traditional dining experience within a beautifully preserved historic hall.

Café des Hauteurs (Café Campana): Situated near the large clock on the top floor, this café is known for its spectacular views of the Seine and the Tuileries Garden, offering light meals and refreshments.

Café de l’Ours: A quick-service café on the ground floor provides fast options for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Eating is only permitted in these designated areas.

Things to Know Before Visiting Musée d'Orsay

Advance booking is strongly recommended for your ticket to bypass the long lines and ensure quick entry, especially during high season.

The museum is closed every Monday, so plan your visit for any day between Tuesday and Sunday.

Take advantage of the Thursday late opening until 9:45 PM for a less crowded viewing experience, particularly after 6:00 PM.

Admission is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month, but reserving a ticket for that day is mandatory.

All visitors aged 18 to 25 who are EU/EEA residents are eligible for free entry upon showing valid identification.

For security, bags larger than 56 x 45 x 25 cm are prohibited from the galleries and must be stored in the free cloakroom.

While personal photography is permitted, you must remember to deactivate your flash and leave selfie sticks or tripods in the cloakroom.

Tickets are valid for single admission only, meaning once you exit the building, re-entry is not permitted.

The museum begins clearing the exhibition rooms 30 minutes before the official 6:00 PM closing time (5:30 PM) and 9:15 PM on Thursdays.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the Musée d'Orsay's collection is spread across three main levels of the former train station, requiring substantial walking.

Musée d'Orsay - Nearby Attractions

Jardin des Tuileries: Located directly across the Seine via the Pont Royal, this historic public garden connects to the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde.

Musée de l'Orangerie: Found at the western end of the Tuileries Garden, this museum is home to Claude Monet’s monumental series of Water Lilies paintings.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: A short walk south takes you into this historic, intellectual, and artistic quarter, known for its elegant literary cafés like Les Deux Magots.

The Louvre Museum: Easily accessible by crossing the Pont des Arts or Pont du Carrousel, placing one of the world's largest art museums just minutes away.

Rodin Museum: Located a short distance away, this small museum is dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin and is famous for its collection displayed in a beautiful mansion and garden.

Tickets for the Musée d'Orsay

Highlights

Gain admission to the famed Musée d’Orsay located in a historic railway station.

View a remarkable collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau masterpieces.

Enjoy exclusive access to select temporary exhibitions depending on availability.

Avoid long queues with a predetermined entry time slot.

Explore one of the world’s most distinguished art museums with ease.

FAQs about Visiting Musée d'Orsay

What is the core focus of the Musée d'Orsay's collection?

The Musée d'Orsay showcases a premier collection of French and European art dating specifically from 1848 to 1914, including Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.

What was the building's original purpose?

The museum is housed within the architecturally stunning structure of the former Gare d'Orsay railway station.

What does a typical visit duration look like?

A typical visit to fully appreciate the extensive collections can generally range from two to four hours.

What is the museum's address and location?

The Musée d'Orsay is located on the Left Bank at Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris, France, situated across the Seine from the Louvre.

What are the fixed annual closure days for the museum?

The museum is closed on three fixed holidays: January 1, May 1 (Labor Day), and December 25.

How can I access the museum using the train system?

The building is easily accessible via the Gare du Musée d’Orsay RER C station, which is located in the basement of the museum building.

When are the standard opening hours for the Musée d'Orsay?

General opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Does the Musée d'Orsay offer late evening hours for visitors?

Yes, the museum features extended hours until 9:45 PM every Thursday to allow visitors a later, typically less crowded experience.

Is it required to book tickets online in advance?

While tickets are available at the entrance, online booking is strongly advisable to avoid long queues and secure entry at your preferred time.

Is there an entrance fee for visitors with disabilities?

Visitors with disabilities, along with one companion, are granted free admission and priority access upon presenting valid proof.

What is the maximum allowed bag size inside the galleries?

Baggage exceeding 56 x 45 x 25 cm is not permitted in the galleries and must be deposited in the complimentary cloakroom.

Is personal photography permitted inside the museum?

Yes, photography for strictly private purposes is permitted, provided the flash is deactivated and professional equipment like tripods or selfie sticks are left in the cloakroom.

Can I eat or drink within the exhibition areas?

Consumption of food and beverages is strictly prohibited in the exhibition areas; only small, sealed water bottles are sometimes tolerated if kept stored.

Where can I find dining options inside the museum?

The museum features dining at Le Restaurant on the first floor and quick-service food at Café Campana near the monumental clock.

Can I leave the Musée d'Orsay and return later that day?

No, tickets are valid for single admission only, meaning once you exit the building, re-entry is not permitted.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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