- Enjoy dedicated access tickets to the Orsay Museum and admire some of the best works of art from the 19th century.
- The ticket gives you access to both the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
- Delve into the celebrated Impressionist and Post-Impressionist era and take in the works of Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Paul Cezanne, Frederic Bazille, and more.
- Head to the open-air terrace on the top floor of the Orsay Museum to catch stunning views of the Seine river and Paris, as far as Montmartre.
- Did you know that The Musée d’Orsay is one of the most-visited museums in Paris, typically receiving more than three million visitors annually?
- Noteworthy Artworks: Starry Night Over the Rhône & Van Gogh self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh, Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe & Luncheon on the Grass by Édouard Manet, L'Origine du Monde & The Artist’s Studio by Gustave Courbet, and more!
- 8 Feb 2022 - 8 May 2022: Masterpieces from the Frick Collection: Portraits and Landscapes of Whistler
- 12 Apr 2022 - 17 July 2022: Gaudí
- 12 Apr 2022 - 21 Aug 2022: Aristide Maillol (1861-1944). The quest for harmony
- This ticket cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled.
- Visit one of the most iconic museums in Paris, the Orangerie Museum.
- Peruse the extensive collection of 20th-century art, housing groundbreaking artwork of other artists, such as Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, and many more.
- This museum houses the eight Water Lilies murals, one of Claude Monet's most famous works.
- Walk through "the room for peaceful meditation amidst the flowering aquarium" at your own pace.
- Venture to other parts of the museum to bask in the temporary exhibitions by other artists.
- Noteworthy Artworks: Water Lilies by Claude Monet, Gabrielle and Jean by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, The Young Apprentice by Amedeo Modigliani, and Pommes et biscuits by Paul Cézanne.
- Facemask is to be mandatorily worn at all times.
- Security check is mandatory for all visitors.
- Big bags and luggage are not allowed inside; there are no lockers available.
- Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month.
- Children aged 18 and under, as well as EU citizens aged 26 and under can enter for free but will have to buy their tickets on the official museum site.
- Guests who enter for free must obligatorily book a timeslot on the official website as a limited number of people are allowed into the museum at once.
- Note: We only sell adult tickets (+18 yrs for non-EU citizens and + 26 yrs for EU citizens). We do not sell free tickets. If visitors are eligible for it, they will have to issue a free ticket from the official website.
- This ticket cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled.
Combo: Palace of Versailles + Orsay Museum Tickets
- Visit two iconic Parisian landmarks, the Château de Versailles and the Orsay Museum, with this money-saver combo ticket!
- Get a sneak-peek into the French monarchy at Château de Versailles.
- Visit the stunning Hall of Mirrors - a corridor filled with 357 mirrors that reflect the gardens.
- Roam around the gardens and explore 250 acres of landscaped lawns and fountains.
- Then, visit the Orsay Museum, one of Paris' most popular art galleries.
- Swoon over masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, and Pissarro, to name but a few.
- Learn about the history of the Museum which was installed in the former Orsay Station - a building that is a work of art in itself.
- In addition to being home to the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, the museum also houses a vast collection of stone and bronze sculptures that were commissioned by the wealthy in the 19th century.
Palace of Versailles
- Timed entry for the Main Palace of Versailles & the Grands Apartments
- Hall of Mirrors
- Audioguide
- Temporary Exhibits
- Gardens (including fountain or musical show)
- Grand & Petit Trianon (passport only)
- Queen’s Hamlet (passport only)
- Park
The Orsay Museum
- Skip-the-line entry into the Orsay Museum
- Cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled.
Visit Orsay Museum in Paris | Book Orsay Tickets & Tours
The Musée d'Orsay is an art museum located on the left bank of the River Seine. It houses French art from 1848 to 1914, boasts of the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world. Ranked fifteenth in the list of most-visited art museums in 2020, Orsay is a must-visit attraction if you are in Paris.
To visit the Orsay Museum, you can opt for either an online admission ticket or go for a guided tour. Read on to know more about your ticket options.
Your Orsay Museum Tickets Options
Standard Access Tickets
Duration: The visit can last as long as you would like.
- These Orsay Museum tickets provide dedicated entry into the museum.
- With this ticket, guests can choose their preferred time slot to visit the museum and get access to all the permanent and temporary exhibits.
- Guests can also go to the top floor with this ticket and get splendid panoramic views of Paris.
Guided Tours
Duration: 2 hours
- With these priority access tickets, you can skip past the long lines and walk right into the Musée d’Orsay.
- You can choose between 2 ticket options: an audio guide and an expert English-speaking tour guide.
- The audio guide is available in 4 languages and comes with a museum map and visitor guide.
Combo Tour
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours. You can stay explore Orsay on your own after the tour is completed.
- Visit two popular attractions in Paris with one ticket, which is an extremely pocket-friendly way to explore the city.
- Along with the Orsay Museum, depending on the ticket you choose, you can explore Musee de L'Orangerie, the Louvre, the Quai Branly, the Eiffel Tower or go on a Seine River Cruise.
- Not all options offer a guided tour; however, you can take advantage of the audio guides available to make your experience fulfilling.
What is the Best Way to Book Your Orsay Museum Tickets? Book Tickets Online
The best way to get hold of your Orsay Museum tickets is to buy them online. You will be able to get amazing deals and make advanced bookings. And, it also gives you a safe and contactless experience with many additional benefits.
Convenience: You can skip the long queues and book your tickets with just a click. You’ll also get 24/7 customer service on phone, email, or chat.
Advanced Reservation: You can plan your trip in advance and avoid any disappointments like tickets selling out.
Discounts: Avail of some of the best discounts and book combo tours that allow you to visit popular attractions in Paris along with the Orsay Museum.
Safety: Online tickets allow for safe and contactless transactions.
Which Orsay Ticket Should You Choose?
1. If you would like to save time:
The best way to save time during your visit is by opting for Guided Tour with Priority Access Tickets as they will allow you to bypass the long waiting lines. If you don't wish to be accompanied by a guide you can simply opt for an audio guide, which is available in 4 languages.
2. If on a budget:
If you are hoping to plan a trip that is lighter on the pocket, opt for the Standard Entry tickets to Orsay. It is a self-guided tour, but the timed ticket ensures that you will not have to wait in lines and explore the whole museum at your own pace.
3. If you’re looking for a guided tour:
If you’re looking for an in-depth understanding of the Orsay Museum and its collections, look no further than the Orsay guided tour. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking professional tour guide, who will lead you to all major masterpieces housed inside the museum while providing you with interesting details about the museum and the artworks.
4. If you wish to explore further:
You can explore beyond the Orsay Museum by opting for the super saver combo ticket that includes access to one/two other attractions in Paris. You can choose to explore the Musee de L'Orangerie, the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower or go on a Seine River Cruise, allowing you a chance to delve deeper into the history and culture of Paris.
Explore the Orsay Museum
Between 1810 and 1838, the site where Orsay stands today served as cavalry barracks and later a grand palace. The palace, Palais d’Orsay, housed the Court of Accounts and the State Council. By 1912, both institutions had moved to the Cambon Palace and Palais-Royal, respectively.
The site of the Palais d'Orsay was bought by the Compagnie Paris-Orléans, which erected a new station, the Gare d'Orsay here. The station was designed by French architect Victor Alexandre Frederic Laloux. It was constructed in a neoclassical style with a stone facade that could hide metal and glass frames and was equipped with modern amenities like lifts and escalators. In 1939, the railway station halted operation the platforms became unsuitable for modern trains. Eventually, in 1978 the station was put on the supplementary list of Historic Monuments and it was decided that the station would be turned into a museum. The Orsay museum officially opened in December 1986.
History of Orsay Museum
The giant clock that adorns the Orsay Museum building is one of the few remnants from the building's past as a railway station. One of the remnants of the old station is a beautiful giant clock that remains in the museum. It's located on the fifth floor of the building and is part of the great clock.
The clock does not stand simply as a reminder of the past; it offers stunning views of the Seine River, and famous Parisian landmarks nearby such as the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, and Sacre Coeur.
Know More
Orsay is home to an impressive collection of French art dating from 1848 to 1914, with much of the focus on Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces. The Orsay collection includes over 6,000 works of art, which include paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. Of these, 3,000 works form part of the museum's permanent collection.
Notable works include Poppies by Monet, The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, The Age of Bronze by Auguste Rodin, and photographs by Gustave Le Gray.
Explore the Collection at Orsay
Paintings make a significant portion of the Orsay Museum collection. You will find an impressive repertoire of 3,000 Realist, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and other 19th-century art. The vast collection includes works by artists some of the greatests such as Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, Cezanne, and more.
Some of the most famous artworks include A Burial at Ornans by Gustave Courbet, Blue Water Lilies by Claude Monet, Frédéric Bazille's The Family Reunion, and Paul Cézanne's Apples and Oranges. Orsay is also home to 24 of Vincent van Gogh's paintings including L'Arlésienne, Bedroom in Arles, Self Portrait, The Siesta, The Church at Auvers, View from the Chevet, The Italian Woman, Starry Night, Portrait of Dr. Gachet, Doctor Gachet's Garden in Auvers, and Saint-Rémy.
Detailed Overview of Paintings as Orsay
- A total of 12,000 tons of metal was used in its construction, which is more than the amount used to build the Eiffel Tower.
- After Gare d’Orsay stopped functioning as a railway station, the building took up many roles before being turned into a museum. During the Second World War, the Orsay station was converted into a dispatch centre to sending parcels to prisoners, and a reception centre for prisoners during the Liberation.
- Orsay had a little help from other museums in the city in building up its collection. The National Museum of Modern Art, Jeu de Paume museum, and the Louvre moved a portion of their artworks to the Orsay Museum when they started running out of space.
- It took the museum curators 6 months to its collection of more than 2,000 art pieces, 600 sculptures and historic artefacts on display.
What to See at the Orsay Museum?
Musée d’Orsay has on display an extensive, impressive collection of 19th and 20th Century works comprising perhaps one of the best collections of Impressionist art in all of Europe. Here are the top pieces you should keep your eyes peeled for.
Starry Night Over the Rhône, Van Gogh
Perhaps one of the most well-known pieces of modern art is Van Gogh’s Starry Night. It was painted on the bank of Rhone, depicting Arles at night. Featuring oils on canvas, the painting uses rich shades of blue, bright yellow stars offering light and showing two lovers in the foreground.
Small Dancer Aged 14, Edgar Degas
Degas, a prominent artist from the era of Realism, drew inspiration from Marie, a Paris Opera dancer, to create the Small Dancer Aged 14 sculpture. While the Orsay Museum work is made of bronze, Degas’ original was made of skin-colored wax and was complete with real hair and a tutu. Despite receiving much criticism when it was first displayed to the public, the sculpture is now beloved around the world.
Bal du Moulin de la Galette, Renoir
This 1876 painting by French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir is one of the most renowned examples of Impressionist art. Renoir uses vivid colors and imagery to portray the growing cafe culture and bustling life of the Parisian Bourgeoisie, depicting the change Paris went through, from a cramped, small town to a city with open spaces and a lively population.
Poppy Field, Monet
Monet is considered to be one of the most admired artists in art history. Poppy Field is one of his most iconic works and for good reason. The rich colors, predominantly hues of red, green, and yellow, and elaborate depiction of flowers stay in your mind well after you’ve moved on to the next painting. It depicts four characters — art critics believe them to be Monet’s family — strolling through a fully-bloomed poppy field.
Bazille’s Studio, Bazille
Monet and Renoir’s contemporary, Frederick Bazille, was a gifted painter whose legacy was cut short when he died young at only 29. One of his most famed artwork, Bazille’s Studio depicts the interiors of his studio, where one can see the painter himself, along with Zola, Monet, Renoir, and Manet. Bazille’s usage of rich details lends the painting an almost life-like quality and gives the observer a rich insight into his impression of art.
La Liberté, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most magnificent, world-renowned sculptures in the world. Bartholdi, as the principal artist, sculpted a scale model, almost 3-meters tall, for the Universal Exhibition held in Paris in 1900. It follows the same simple, yet regal design of the original statue, a challenging feat considering the size limitations Bartholdi had to work with. The result? A fine blend of values shared by the western world.
Other Prominent Artworks at Orsay Museum
Plan Your Visit to Orsay Museum
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM - 6 PM. Last admission at 5 PM.
- On Thursday: 9:30 AM to 9:45 PM. Last admission at 9 PM.
The Orsay Museum is closed on Mondays, 1 May and 25 December.
The best time to visit the Orsay Museum is during low season, between September to November, and between February to April. The best time to visit in a day would be early morning to experience smaller crowds.
The Orsay Museum is located at 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris, France.
You can take the metro, RER or bus to get to the Orsay Museum.
By Metro: Take line 12 to Solférino station
By RER: Take line C to Musée d'Orsay station
By Bus: Take lines 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87, or 94.
The Orsay Museum has four dedicated entrances for visitors: A, B, C, D. Depending on your ticket type you can access the entrance accordingly.
Primarily, entrances A and C are for individual visitors with pre-booked or priority access tickets.
If you decide to drive down, you can park your park at the Carrousel du Louvre or the Bac Montalembert car park
Parking Spaces for the Disabled
If you are a vistor with disability you will find reserved parking sports at n°1 place Montherlant, n°5 rue de Bellechasse, n°48 rue de Lille, n°77 rue de Lille, n°81 rue de Lille, n°8 rue de Solférino, n°7 rue de Poitiers, n°1 rue de Villersexel, n°13 rue du Bac and n°96 rue de l 'University.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Lockers and cloakrooms
- Wheelchairs for loan
- Strollers for loan
- Lifts and access ramps
- Washrooms
- Baby area
- Lost & Found Service Teams
- Audioguide
The Orsay Museum conducts exhibitions throughout the year. Currently, these are the exhibitions on display:
1. Yves Saint Laurent in Museums
Date: Until 15th May 2022
2. James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903), Masterpieces from the Frick Collection, New York
Date: Until 8 May 2022
3. Sophie Calle The Ghosts of Orsay
Date: 15 March 2022 to 12 June 2022
Know More
- Boutique bookstore: The bookstore houses more than five thousand titles on painting, sculpture, architecture, decorative arts, photography, the history of the arts of the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Youth space: Located at the nave of the museum. You will find a selection of books and games on art.
- Souvenir counter: Shop for stationery, jewelry, and textiles that celebrate some of the most iconic works of the museum.
- Enjoy a gourmet meal at the Restaurant du Musée d'Orsay while enjoying the frescoes by Gabriel Ferrier and Benjamin Constant that line its ceilings.
- Relish a summer menu while you are transported to the dreamy-aquatic universe of the Campana brothers at Café Campana.
Timings:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 AM to 5 PM
- Luxury: J.K. Place Paris, Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection
- Mid-range: Hotel d'Orsay - Esprit de France, Hôtel de La Tamise - Esprit de France, Hotel Da Vinci
- Budget: Hotel Harvey
Frequently Askes Questions About Orsay Museum Tickets
A. Orsay Museum tickets are available online. You can purchase them here.
A. Yes, Orsay Museum tickets are available online. In fact, you must book your Orsay tickets online as they now accept only digital reservations.
A. To ensure the safety of its visitors, the Orsay Museum now accepts only online reservations. Several safety measures and guidelines have also been enforced to ensure the safety of its visitors.
A. In light of COVID-19, multiple health and safety measures have been enforced. The Orsay Museum now accepts only online reservations. It is mandatory that visitors wear masks that cover their nose and face throughout their entire visit; hand sanitizing gels are available for visitors at the entrance. Group reservations for guided and unguided tours must be made at least a month in advance either online or via post.
A. Depending on the type of experience you would want, you can choose between a standard entry ticket, or a guided tour, which would allow you explore the museum along with and English-speaking expert guide. Or, you can opt for a combo tour, which would allow you to explore two important Paris attractions.
A. Yes, unguided and guided tours of the Orsay Museum are available. However, bookings should be made at least a month in advance either online or via post. Group tours are permitted from 09:15 AM to 03:45 PM between Tuesday to Saturday.
A. The best way to buy Orsay Museum tickets is to buy the online. This allows you to take advantage of discounts, book tickets in advance and even avoid crowds.
A. Yes, you can purchase Orsay Museum tickets online. However, it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance so that you can avoid long lines and enjoy priority access.
A. Those less than 18 years of age and EU citizens aged 25 and under, students of art history, differently-abled people and their accompanying person, holders of Pass Éducation cards, ICOM cards, Culture Passes, as well as members of the press, tour guides, and lecturers enjoy free entry to Orsay Museum. Entry to Orsay Museum is also free on the first Sunday of every month.
A. It depends on the Orsay Museum ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, for others there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.
A. If you are traveling on a budget it would best to opt for the standard entry tickets that allow you access to the Orsay Museum. You can explore the museum at your own pace. You can rent their audio guide for an even more fruitful experience.
A. Opt for a guided tour of the Orsay Museum ticket to get an more in-depth understanding of the museum and its collection. However, if you prefer to travel by yourself, you can choose the audio-guide variant of the ticket. Audio guides are available in 14 languages so you can explore Orsay at your own pace.
A. Opt for a combo tour as it allows you to explore one other iconic Paris attraction such as the Eiffel Tower or the Orangerie Museum for an extremely pocket-friendly rate.
A. Orsay Museum opening hours post-COVID-19 are 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday (final entry at 05:15 PM). On Thursdays, visits are permitted until 09:45 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays, 1 May and 25 December.