One of the world’s most famous museum Musée d’Orsay was built back in 1986. The Orsay museum has a rich history and spectacular artwork. Therefore, you simply would not want to miss out.
If you are one of those people who adore art and live for the aesthetics, The Orsay museum is for you! The entire museum contains rich art, which can make you daydream! Moreover, It is among the most visited museums in Paris.
The museum is huge, and it might take days for you to have the gist of all that there is; thus, we have prepared a detailed guide for you, so you enjoy your visit to Orsay Museum.
Best Routes to Orsay Museum
You must be wondering what route to take to reach the museum. Just to let you know, commute in Paris is not a problem. So, you can reach the Orsay museum through multiple mediums such as the Metro, RER, or the Local Buses.
If you are opting one of these mediums, then here is a guide for you:
- Metro: Line 12, to Solférino
- RER: Line C, to Musée d’Orsay station
- Bus: Lines 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87, or 94
Orsay Museum is nearby other attractions such as the famous louver museum. Therefore, you can walk from there as well.
Opening hours of Orsay Museum
Orsay Museum remains open six days a week. However, Musée d’Orsay remains close on Mondays. The timings are usually from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; however, on Thursdays, the timings are from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, so if you want to stay for a longer period, you can visit the museum on a Thursday.
Moreover, if you are visiting the museum on holiday, make sure you do not visit on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December as the Orsay Museum is closed. You can still visit during all other public holidays unless they are on a Tuesday.
Entrances of Orsay Museum
There are four entrance gates to the Orsay Museum named as Entrance A, Entrance B, Entrance C and Entrance D.
It is completely up to you to choose whichever entrance you like, preferably pick that entrance which comes in your route.
Two most noticeable things at the Orsay Museum
The Giant Clock
When you enter the museum, the first thing upon which you will set your eyes will be this giant clock that is so mesmerizing that you might actually doubt reality. This clock has been in the museum for decades and is a symbol of Parisian history.
Claude Monte’s Paintings
Musée d’Orsay is filled with the most beautiful paintings by the famous artist Claude Monte. Therefore, do not forget to have a look at them.
Top 10 most admirable paintings at the Orsay museum
Although all the paintings at the Musée d’Orsay are breath-takingly beautiful but here are my 10 most favorites.
- Starry Night
Just by its name, you will have an idea of what painting this is; starry night is the most famous painting in the world. Vincent Van Gogh is the mastermind behind this beautiful painting that everyone loves. It is known to be the painter’s most remarkable work.
- Le Dejeuner sur I’Herbe
You should definitely add this to your “must-see” list at Musée d’Orsay; painted by Edouard Manet, this is the most realistic painting you will find in the Orsay museum. An interesting fact about this painting: it gives an image of an unfinished painting even though it is completed.
- The Gleaners
Further, it would be a disappointment if you did not come across this beautiful painting. This painting belongs to the mid-19th Century. Moreover, it portrays the female rural workers.
- Whistler’s Mother
Whistler’s mother is a widely famous painting, especially in America; it is known as the Victorian version of the famous painting Mona Lisa.
- Bal Du Moulin De La Galette
I highly recommend not missing out on this painting. The portrait is known as one of the great masterpieces of the impressionist art movement. Besides, it portrays a scene that is happening in Moulin de la Galettet. Many people refer to this as the best realistic painting in the world.
Isn’t it amazing?
- The Ballet Class
Next, The Ballet Class made by the famous Edgard Degas is worth watching. It took Edgard Degas more than 2 years to complete this masterpiece. Therefore, you should not miss out on this magnificent painting.
- Luncheon On the Grass
This simple yet beautiful painting represents a casual lunch of the French. It was painted by Claude Monet, who did not have the chance to finish his work. Even though it is an unfinished painting, it looks perfect.
- Painters Studio
Another famous painting that you will come across at the Orsay Museum is “The Painters Studio.” You will absolutely enjoy looking at this painting. This painting is considered the artist Gustave Courbet’s masterpiece.
- The Cards Play
How can I forget the beautiful “Cards Play”? This painting is named over a series of works painted by the artist Paul Cezanne. This painting is the one for you if you adore classical art.
- Church at Auvers
Last but not the least is the “Church at Auvers,” by its name we are sure you must have an idea of what this painting would be about. This painting is the last masterpiece by Vincent Van Gogh before the artist died back in the 18th Century. That is why, it is very popular as many people want to view the last piece painted by the famous artist.
Top 10 sculptures you should not miss at Musée d’Orsay
Apart from paintings, the Orsay Museum is also famous for the amazing sculptures. It contains some sculptures that you would not want to miss out. Here is the list of my personal favorites.
- Liberty
France received this sculpture by the USA as a gift. The statue of liberty is a famous tourist site. Therefore, many people from all around the world come to see this beautiful gift.
- La Danse
This sculpture is so captivating that if you look at it, you might actually think that you are daydreaming. It was made by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux during the 18th Century. Furthermore, many people from all around the world crave to have a glimpse of this captivating sculpture, which is famous for its beauty.
- Napoleon
This sculpture represents Napoleon sitting as Augustus. You can have an idea of what it is about just by looking at the name of the sculpture.
- Hercules
Let’s not forget about the “Hecules”. This outstanding sculpture stands at the Orsay Museum. Further, the unique shape of the statue makes it so captivating to look at.
- The Panther
“The Panther” was made by an Italian artist back in the 19th Century, who was gifted in making magnificent animal sculptures.
Further,
- Four Parts of the world
Furthermore, you cannot simply miss out on this sculpture. This extremely tall sculpture never fails to impress the visitors at the Musée d’Orsay. This statue shows how the four humans are holding the world altogether.
- The Mediterranean
This sculpture is made of bronze. Many artists have come to admire the shape of the sculpture because it is so simple yet so mesmerizing.
- The women
Ever seen a 100-year-old sculpture? Well, look no further because this sculpture is very old yet so beautiful. I highly recommend having a look at it.
- Radin
This sculpture is the one for you, if you are a fanatic about romance. The artist made the sculpture in the memory of his lover.
- Ugolin
Ugolin is a famous sculpture at the Orsay Museum. Its complexity is what makes people to admire it.
Famous restaurants and cafes around the Orsay museum
Paris offers delicious food. There are multiple cuisines, and cheap and luxury restaurants that provide mouth watering eateries.
- Café: La Paletter
Furthermore, do not forget to visit the famous “Café La Paletter” if you are looking for a place to relax and escape the huge crowds at Musée d’Orsay. The cafe is located in a leafy terrace, so you can enjoy nature and have a relaxing day.
- Café Campana
I highly recommend this beautiful café, which opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm. The café offers a wide variety of food ranging from the best wine to delicious quick-serve dishes.
- Orsay Museum Restaurant
This restaurant is famous for its beautiful ceilings and delicious food items on the menu. It is located in the heart of Musée d’Orsay.
- Les Climats
I suggest you to visit this restaurant if you want a comfortable place to sit and enjoy. They offer the world’s best French and European cuisines.
Musée d’Orsay Guided Tours
The Orsay museum has several guided tours at different prices, starting from $18 to $300. All the guided tours can be accessed on the Musée d’Orsay official website with complete information. You can even customize your own tours!
Few Tips for touring Orsay Museum
Do not worry about waiting hours in line. Because most of the guided tours come with the luxury of you having the “Skip the line opportunity.”
The tickets for the tour are easily available on the museum’s website and are not very costly. The tickets range from €13 to €16. However, if you want to visit the museum free, then we have some good news for you! The entrance for everyone is free on the first Sunday of every month.
While visiting Muse d’Orsay, you can not carry a large bag because, due to security issues. In addition, the museum does not allow visitors with suitcases or with large bags.
That’s all you need to know in order to plan a trip to Orsay Museum. Therefore, wait no further, pack your bags and visit this beautiful museum containing the world’s most famous masterpieces.