The Musee d'Orsay is, hands-down, one of the world's richest and most exciting museums. Its permanent collection houses countless great works by masters of early modern art, including Matisse, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and Rodin. The Musee d'Orsay also curates several major temporary exhibits throughout the year, as well as hosting not-to-be-missed special events. All of these reasons account for why the Musee d'Orsay is a Paris must-see attraction.
But like any top-notch collection, the Musee d'Orsay can be overwhelming to visit. Use these strategies to make your visit as enriching and entertaining as possible.
1. Focus your Visit
While the Musee d'Orsay is tiny compared to the Louvre, the permanent collection spans four floors and several important periods. Focus your visit! Get a sense of how the collection is laid out, familiarize yourself with some of the key artists featured at Orsay, and then plan to spend more time on a selected period or set of artists. You're guaranteed to come away from your visit feeling as if you truly "encountered" some of the works-- and you'll also avoid sensory overload.2. Avoid the Crowds
With some 2 million visitors per year, let's face it: the Musee d'Orsay is always going to be relatively crowded. But if you're careful to choose the time well, you'll be far more likely to thoroughly enjoy your visit and be able to spend more time contemplating your favorite works. The museum is generally the least crowded:- During Paris' low season (November to March)
- From 9:30 a.m. to noon (with a slight dip at lunchtime)
- In the evening (Thursdays only)
- On weekdays
3. Get in the Right Line
There are separate entries for individuals, groups, and members or professionals outside the Musee d'Orsay. Avoid wasting time by getting in the right line.- Individual visitors without tickets: Seine river side, entrance A
- Members, visitors with tickets or passes or with priority entry: Rue de Lille side, entrance C
- For adults in groups:Seine river side, entrance B
- For school groups: Rue de Lille side, entrance D
4. First Time at Orsay? Take a Tour
If you are visiting the Musee d'Orsay for the first time, the best way to get an exciting overview of the periods and artists featured at the museum is to take a guided tour. The Musee d'Orsay offers tours to individuals and groups. Note that tours are offered on selective days subject to change.
- The Orsay Masterpiece Tour provides visitors with a 1.5 hour overview of the permanent collections.
- The 19th Century Art Tour is more focused and allows visitors to gain greater insight into 19th century artistic movements. If you want to dig deeper into featured artists and periods, this tour is for you.
5. Take Advantage of Exhibits and Special Events
The permanent collection at the Musee d'Orsay may be what draws visitors in droves, but there's much more to see if you want to stretch your visit into a whole day.
The museum regularly curates major temporary exhibits on important artists and movements from the period 1848-1914, giving visitors fresh insight into the exciting developments of the 19th century.
In addition to temporary exhibits, Orsay regularly programs special events like concerts, film screenings and festivals, and art-inspired shows.
