An old building, a new museum: that's Paris's Musée d'Orsay, on the Left Bank not far from the boulevard St-Germain (map). A former train station, the elegant building is a familiar site along the Seine (closed Mondays).

You can enjoy a great view of the Musée d'Orsay
from a Seine river boat, or from the right bank.

Most people come for the Orsay's justly-famous collection of Impressionist paintings, but there's lots more to see. We've partnered with Ticketbar to let you skip the ticket line. More...

The thousands of paintings, sculptures, photographs, items of furniture, and architectural displays in 80 galleries are right at home in this grand edifice built in the Age of Steam. The building itself competes with its marvelous exhibits for your attention.

Impressionists

The Impressionists are largely on the 5th level. From the far end of the Central Aisle where you enter, you can take a direct escalator to Level 5.

Familiar names abound in these galleries: Cézanne, Degas, Gauguin, Manet, Matisse, Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, and more—even Whistler.

Vincent Van Gogh, Self Portrait, 1889.

Level 2 comprises academism, naturalism, symbolism, and Art Nouveau, with works by Bonnard, Claudel, Klimt, Rodin, Vuilllard, and others.

The sculptures on the Seine Terrace and the Lille Terrace are wonderful and also provide great vantage points to enjoy the building. The large second floor rooms with their curved ceilings are elegant in themselves and house some of the Musée d'Orsay's largest paintings.

Pre-Impressionism

The ground floor is titled pre-Impressionism and includes more familiar names such as Corot, Daumier, Degas, Delacroix, Ingres, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Viollet-le-Duc and others.

Manet's famous Le Déjeuner Sur l'Herbe is on display on this level. There's so much to see here that some people never get any farther on their first visit.

The Orsay Itself

As you tour, also appreciate the beautiful architecture of the building. On level 5 you can find yourself behind—and looking through—the wonderful large railroad clocks that are a signature feature of the building. Look for the comfy couches here too if you need to rest your weary feet.

The terrace is open on some days, depending on the temperature and humidity. If it's open, be sure to go out and enjoy the wonderful views of Paris. Access is through the restaurant Café des Hauteurs, a nice place for lunch. Featuring a simple menu and an artistic setting in itself, it's a great place to recharge and relax during your visit to this large and comprehensive museum.

Other food options range from the elegant restaurant on the second level, a former ballroom with huge chandeliers and lots of gold, to the 6th floor take-out, with pre-packaged sandwiches and salads, snacks, drinks, and French pastries.

Getting Here

The Musée d'Orsay is just across the Seine from the Jardin des Tuileries and the Orangerie, home of Monet's water lilies.

Click here to order your ticket(s) in advance and skip the ticket line.

Métro: Solférino
Bus: 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 94
RER: Musée d'Orsay

Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass accepted. Also combination tickets are available with the Orangerie and the Rodin Museum. Closed Monday. Open Thursday evening.

Musée d'Orsay
1, rue de la Légion d'Honneur
Paris 75007
Tel +33 (0)1 40 49 48 14 or +33 40 49 48 00

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