Musée d’Orsay hold the world’s finest collection of art with a permanent collection of hundreds of original masterpieces of early modern and Impressionist art.
Works of Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Vincent Van Gogh and Auguste Rodin have found their place in this museum.
In addition to a colossal permanent collection, the Musée d’Orsay also hosts various temporary exhibits throughout the year.
With a rich history and numerous artworks to marvel at, do not leave any stone unturned.
Here are a few tips for visiting Musée d’Orsay to help you get the best out of your visit.
Explore selective sections of the museum
Musée d’Orsay has four floors of the permanent collection spanning over several historical time periods from Impressionism to Post-Imperssionism.
It is good to keep the visit focused and explore selective parts of the Museums one at a time.
Do your research and understand the layout of the museum and familiarize the key artists and masterpieces found there.
Select a few wings or floors that truly interest you and explore them first.
This tip helps visitors avoid art fatigue and sensory overload.
Avoid Crowds
With over 3 million annual visitors making their way to Musée d’Orsay, the museum is always bound to be crowded no matter the season.
It is important to choose the visiting time appropriately to skip the crowd and enjoy the museum to yourself.
To skip the crowds and enjoy the museum tour to the fullest, it is best to visit during the low tourist season i.e., November to March.
There is also less crowd during the initial hours of opening from 9.30 am to noon.
In addition, visitors can enjoy the museum a little less crowded during the extended opening hours on Thursday from 6 pm to 9.45 pm.
Choose the right entrance
Musée d’Orsay has four entrance, dedicated to separate visitor groups.
Find out which entrance is suitable for you and avoid standing in the wrong line for a long time.
Learn more about the Musée d’Orsay entrances before you visit.
Take a guided tour
If this is your first time visiting Musée d’Orsay, it is suggested to take a guided tour to learn more about the artists on display and their masterpieces.
Prebook your guided tour prior to your visit to secure your guide and spot on the tour.
Check out temporary exhibits and special events
Apart from the colossal collection of permanent art exhibits, the museum also constantly hosts temporary exhibitions on important artists and themes.
Take advantage of these special events like concerts, festivals, art shows, film screenings and more.
Explore multiple museums for discounted prices
If you are exploring the Parisian museums. it is no doubt that you will spend hundreds of euros on entry tickets.
With a Paris, Museum Pass travelers can visit more than 60 top museums and monuments in and around Paris for discounted rates.
This pass includes skip the line entry to Musée d’Orsay, Louvre, Versailles, Centre Pompidou and more.
Buy your Musée d’Orsay tickets Online
With a growing number of visitors every year, the ticket queues and waiting time has also been on increase.
To avoid the hassle of long lines and tedious waiting hours, buy your tickets online.
You can purchase your Musée d’Orsay dedicated entry ticket, guided tour ticket or combination tickets.
Learn about the artist prior to your visit
Do a little research about the main artists and movements in the Orsay collection before visiting the museum.
This will help you gain a deeper insight into the masterpieces and enjoy the fascinating history of Impressionism.
Explore the neighborhood
When visiting Musée d’Orsay, take some time to explore the neighborhood around the museum.
There are multiple world-famous attractions near the museum including the Saint Germain-des-Pres district, Louvre, Tuileries, Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars.
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