The Musée d’Orsay is one of the most renowned art museums in the world. Located in the heart of Paris, on the Left Bank of the Seine, it occupies a former railway station and captivates visitors with its stunning architecture and exceptional art collection. Today, the museum is best known for its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. You’ll find an extensive array of works by Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, Renoir, and other great artists of the 19th century.
We’ve put together a helpful travel guide for visiting the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know – from where to buy tickets and book a tour, to what artworks you can expect to see and the museum’s opening hours.
General Information
- Buy tickets to Musee d’Orsay
- Address: Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris
- On the map: link
Musée d’Orsay Tickets Price 2025
At the time of writing, tickets to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris cost €16 if purchased online (check the link), and €14 if bought at the ticket counter. There are also discounted evening tickets available on Thursdays after 6:00 PM – €12 online, or €10 at the door. All tickets are timed-entry, meaning you’ll need to choose a specific time slot when booking.
If you’re planning to visit more than just the Musée d’Orsay – say, the Louvre and other galleries or museums -the Paris Museum Pass might be a great option. It gives access to multiple cultural sites around the city. You can find more information and book it through the link provided.
Admission to the Musée d’Orsay is completely free on the first Sunday of every month. However, advance registration is required, and you’ll need to select a specific time slot for your visit.
How to Buy Tickets for the Musée d’Orsay in Paris
The easiest and most convenient way to get your Musée d’Orsay tickets is to book them online. This helps you skip the long lines and choose a time slot that works best for you. Tickets can be reserved on the museum’s official website, though keep in mind that payment options there may be somewhat limited.
For a more seamless experience, we recommend booking through authorized partners like GetYourGuide – it’s quick, user-friendly, and often includes more flexible payment methods.
Of course, you can also buy tickets directly at the museum. Just a heads-up: if you’re visiting during peak season, be prepared for potentially long lines at the ticket counter. So booking online in advance is definitely the way to go! 😉
Guided tours
While you can absolutely explore the Musée d’Orsay on your own, joining a guided tour can take your visit to a whole new level. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain deeper insight into the stories behind the art, the lives of famous artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, and the historical context that shaped their work. A tour also helps you navigate the museum’s highlights more efficiently, especially if you’re short on time. Plus, it’s a more engaging way to experience the collection – you’ll walk away not just impressed by the art, but also inspired by the fascinating history behind it. 🎨✨
Entrances to the Musée d’Orsay: Which One Should You Use? 🏛️
The Musée d’Orsay has several entrances, each designated for different types of visitors to help manage the flow and reduce waiting times. The longest line is usually at Line C2, which is for visitors planning to buy tickets on-site at the museum.
There’s also a separate line for visitors eligible for free or discounted entry – that’s Line A1. This includes children under 18, EU citizens under 26, and others who qualify for reduced admission.
The shortest line is for those who purchased their tickets online in advance. It moves quickly since it only requires a ticket check. If you already have your ticket, head to Line A2.
If you have the Paris Museum Pass or another type of access pass, you should join Line C1.
🕰️ Musée d’Orsay Opening Hours
You can visit museum from Tuesday to Sunday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. On Thursdays, the museum stays open until 9:45 PM, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the art in a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
It is closed on Mondays, May 1st and December 25th. The last admission to the museum is at 5:00 PM (or 9:00 PM on Thursdays). The galleries begin clearing at 5:30 PM (or 9:15 PM on Thursdays), so try to arrive early enough to make the most of your visit.
How to Get to the Musée d’Orsay 🗺️
The Musée d’Orsay is centrally located in Paris and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.
By Metro
If you’re taking the Paris Metro, the nearest stop is Solférino (Line 12), about a 5-minute walk away. This line connects the northern and southern parts of the city.
By RER Trains
The most convenient option is the RER C train – just hop off at Musée d’Orsay station, which is directly across the street from the museum entrance.
By Bus
Several bus lines also stop nearby, including Lines 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, and 94, making it simple to reach from different parts of the city.
You can combine sightseeing in Paris with a visit to the Musée d’Orsay by purchasing a hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket, valid for 24 or 48 hours. During that time, you can get off at any stop to explore the sights, then hop back on the next bus to continue your journey. It’s a convenient and flexible way to see the city — you can book your ticket via this link.
Alternatively, you can opt for a Seine River cruise that includes a stop at the Musée d’Orsay. It’s a scenic and relaxing way to explore Paris – and you can book that option here.
What to See at the Musée d’Orsay 🎨
Plan to spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring the museum. If you’re visiting on your own, we highly recommend using an audio guide – it’s a great way to learn more about each artwork as you go. A good tip is to start at the top floor, where the Impressionist masterpieces are located, and then work your way down through the museum.
If there are specific paintings you want to see, it’s a good idea to check the current gallery map in advance, as the exact location of artworks can change due to rotating exhibitions or special displays. The Musée d’Orsay is packed with masterpieces, especially from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Here’s a list of must-see artworks that you definitely shouldn’t miss:
“Bal du Moulin de la Galette” – Pierre-Auguste Renoir
A lively, sun-dappled scene of Parisian life and one of Renoir’s most beloved works.
“The Gleaners” – Jean-François Millet
A moving depiction of peasant women collecting leftover grain – iconic in French realism.
Starry Night Over the Rhône” – Vincent van Gogh
A dreamy, emotional nightscape showcasing Van Gogh’s signature brushwork and love of light.
“Self-Portrait” – Vincent van Gogh
A hauntingly expressive piece that gives insight into the artist’s inner world.
“The Artist’s Studio” – Gustave Courbet
A massive, symbolic painting full of allegory – and a visual who’s who of mid-19th century art.
After your museum visit, take a relaxing stroll along the Seine or cross the pedestrian bridge to the Tuileries Garden. If you’re up for more art, the Louvre is just across the river – or simply unwind at a nearby bistro and reflect on the masterpieces you’ve just seen. ☕🎨🌿
