1. Where is the Musée d’Orsay located?
The Musée d’Orsay is located at Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris, France. It occupies a monumental building that was originally the Orsay railway station.
2. What are the opening hours?
- The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- On Thursdays, it remains open until 9:45 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.
3. Is it necessary to book tickets in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance to guarantee entry on your preferred date and time, especially during peak season.
4. What famous artworks can I see at the Musée d’Orsay?
Among the most famous and unmissable works you can see are:
- Vincent Van Gogh: Starry Night Over the Rhône, Self-Portrait
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Bal du moulin de la Galette (Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette)
- Claude Monet: Woman with a Parasol, facing left
- Édouard Manet: Olympia
- Edgar Degas: The Ballet Class (or The Dance Class). The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer (in wax and fabric, with bronze copies).
- Paul Cézanne: Apples and Oranges
- Paul Gauguin: Arearea (Joyfulness) or Tahitian Women
- Gustave Courbet: The Origin of the World – an iconic and controversial piece.
- Jean-François Millet: The Gleaners
- Gustave Caillebotte: The Floor Scrapers
- James McNeill Whistler: Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 (Portrait of the Artist’s Mother)
- François Pompon: White Bear
- Auguste Rodin: Key works such as The Gates of Hell (or individual figures like The Thinker and The Kiss) are associated with the museum. Although most of his works are in the Rodin Museum, Orsay also holds significant pieces.
5. How much time is recommended to visit the museum?
The museum is very large. A full visit can take an entire day, but for a first experience it’s recommended to plan at least 3 to 4 hours.
6. Can I enter with backpacks, suitcases, or baby strollers?
Small backpacks are allowed, but large suitcases are not. There is a free cloakroom at the museum. Baby strollers are permitted.
7. Is the museum accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the museum provides accessible entrances, elevators, and wheelchairs for visitors.
8. Can photos be taken inside the museum?
Photos and videos without flash are allowed in the permanent collection rooms for strictly private use. The use of tripods, selfie sticks, and lighting equipment is prohibited.