The Musee d’Orsay in Paris was originally a grand railway station called Gare d’Orsay, designed by architect Victor Laloux. It was built between 1898 and 1900. The station was celebrated for its beautiful Beaux-Arts style, meaning it had many fancy decorations and impressive architecture.

When the station stopped being used for trains, the French government decided to turn it into a museum in the late 1970s. They wanted a place to display art from the 19th and early 20th centuries, filling the gap between the older works in the Louvre and the modern art in the Centre Pompidou.

A team of architects named Pierre Colboc, Renaud Bardon, and Jean-Paul Philippon won the competition to transform the old station into a museum. They worked on the overall redesign, ensuring the building could function as a modern museum while keeping its historic charm. The Italian architect Gae Aulenti was brought in to handle the interior design, creating the stunning spaces inside where the art is displayed today.

The transformation was completed, and the Musée d’Orsay opened to the public in 1986. Now, it’s one of the most famous museums in the world, known for its beautiful architecture and incredible art collection.

Some FAQs and answers.

The Musee d’Orsay
Location    – Esplanade Valery Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris, France          
Type –  Art museum, Design/Textile Museum, Historic site.         

Visiting hours
The Musée d’Orsay in Paris generally has the following visiting hours:
Monday Closed
Thursday Extended hours until 9:45 PM
Tuesday to Sunday:** 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
The last admission is typically at 5:00 PM (9:00 PM on Thursdays), and visitors are asked to start leaving the galleries 15 minutes before closing time. Please verify these times on the official website or check for any updates or special closures before planning your visit.

Closing days:
The Musée d’Orsay is closed on the following days:
Every Monday
May 1st (Labor Day)
December 25th (Christmas Day)
It’s always a good idea to check the museum’s official website for any additional special closures or changes to the regular schedule before planning your visit.

Prohibited Items
   The Musee d’Orsay typically prohibits large bags, backpacks, and suitcases, as well as items like sharp objects, liquids, and food. Additionally, photography may be restricted in certain areas. It’s always a good idea to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on prohibited items.

Free Entry
The Musee d’Orsay offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, certain groups may also be eligible for free entry, such as individuals under 18, EU residents under 26, disabled visitors, and others. It’s a good idea to check their website or contact them directly for specific details on who qualifies for free entry.  

The nearest Metro stop 
The nearest Metro stop to the Musee d’Orsay is “Musée d’Orsay,” which is served by Line 12. It’s also accessible via the RER C line, with the station “Musée d’Orsay – Quai de Solferino.”

How many floors is the Musee d Orsay?
The permanent collection at the Musée d’Orsay spans 5 levels and is presented according to art movement. The gallery is divided into 2 sides around a center aisle with a clock. As there are also artworks between the rooms in the same zone, attention to not to miss them.

What is special about Musee d’Orsay?
As one of the first serious photographic galleries in France, the Musée d’Orsay’s collection is as significant as it is broad with over 45,000 images to see. Their permanent collection includes works by artists such as Pierre Bonnard, Henri le Secq as well as Edgar Degas who dabbled in the art form.

How long do you need in Orsay?
To admire the main works of the museum, it will take you about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

What is the least busy day at Musee d’Orsay?
Tuesdays and Sundays are usually the most crowded at the Orsay Museum, regardless of the time of day, whether in the morning or afternoon. You can usually visit the museum on Wednesday or Friday, to enjoy the visit in a calm environment.

What kind of art is in the Musee d Orsay?
Musée d’Orsay houses a premier collection of French painting, sculpture, photography, and decorative arts from 1848 to 1915. Masterpieces include iconic works by Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, such as Monet, Manet, Degas, and Van Gogh.

Things You Can’t Miss at the Musée d’Orsay
Romans of the Decadence (1847) by Thomas Couture Harvard Art Museums. …
The siesta (after Millet) (1890) by Vincent van GoghMusée d’Orsay, Paris. …
Luncheon on the Grass (1863) by Edouard ManetMusée d’Orsay, Paris. …
Colorful Toilets (2012) by ChiotUnderground Paris.

What is a D-Orsay shoe?
A pump-type shoe or slipper made with a circular vamp and a quarter that curves to meet the vamp at the shank line.