Discover the most fascinating masterpieces in the art world at the Musée d'Orsay: from Impressionists to Post-Impressionists, the beauty and sophistication of French art awaits you

The Musée d'Orsay in Paris is rightfully one of the best museums in the world, a logical extension of the Louvre collection and attracting millions of tourists every year. However, when you are short on time, it is important to know what exactly you should pay attention to in order to maximize your visit to this wonderful museum. This is probably the place where you will get the strongest impression of all the museums you visit in Paris. Count on a minimum of 4–6 hours of sightseeing.

The collection is amazingly rich, Impressionists and Post-Impressionists: Monet, Manet, Pizarro, Van Gogh, Bazille, Renoir and countless other brilliant artists! The majority of the collection is paintings, but there are also sculptures that are as beautiful and perfect as they are. The museum building itself is amazingly interesting — it's a former train station, and not just any ordinary train station — but a work of art from the 19th century.

A little bit of historical context

The most interesting thing is that the d'Orsay Museum was supposed to be destroyed like a piece of junk. In 1970, this was decided by the Paris City Council. Why? Because it was a former train station specially built in the very center of Paris for the 1900 World's Fair. And after the exhibition was over, it lost its significance and became obsolete because it was squeezed by historic buildings and could not develop. Only a few months remained before demolition. And so, in 1978, French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing saved the building by adding it to the list of historical monuments. It was he who insisted that the museum collect primarily works by artists who worked at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The ruins of the royal palace, which burned down during the Paris Commune, stood on this site. At the end of the 19th century, when the Paris Exposition was just being planned, the Orleans Railway Company took advantage of the city's gentrification and built a station and hotel designed by Victor Laloux (1850-1937) instead of the ruins. His favorite style was eclecticism, which fits well with the d'Orsay Museum. But before that, the building had been a train station for 35 years.

Tickets and queues

The ticket price for adults is €17.50, and it is free for children. Tickets can be purchased online, on the museum's website or on site. There is a special queuing area at the C2 entrance for those who do not have tickets, who are entitled to free admission, and for Ukrainians with temporary protection (free admission). Inside the museum there is a cloakroom, toilets, elevators and a cafe. There are also transport links and other places of interest nearby.

The Clock

The Musée d'Orsay still looks like a railway station inside, which is impressive in its own right. The space itself is very stylish. Don't forget to take a picture of the clock, it looks fabulous and offers an incredible view of Paris. As well as the incredible line to take a photo near it. It's better to go in the morning when there are few people.

The Main Treasury

The huge museum of art with several halls of exhibits turned out to be very convenient, because the exhibits in the halls are united by flow, there is a clear scheme-plan with a breakdown by artists, periods, so it's easy to find what you want. The atmosphere itself is very different from the Louvre, it's very comfortable.

First of all, it is worth visiting the 5th floor, where the most famous masterpieces of French impressionism, such prominent artists as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir and Pizarro, Bazille and, of course, Van Gogh are presented. 

It is here that Monet and Manet hang opposite each other. I recommend taking an audio guide, which will provide you with a historical and cultural commentary for almost every piece of the unsurpassed collection. The audio guide costs 6 euros. 

Next, you should pay attention to the sculpture exhibition, where you can see works of art by famous sculptors such as Rodin, Claudel, Carrière and others. This will allow you to plunge into the world of three-dimensional art and feel its beauty and sophistication.

You shouldn't miss the exhibition of paintings by Degas, who is known for his works on the theme of ballet. His works impress with grace and elegance, as well as the ability to convey movement and emotions. Visiting this exhibition, you can plunge into the world of dance and art.

Well, where can you go without Van Gogh! A large selection of his most outstanding works.

Great coffee shop

It's also great that there is a place to eat. After all, the museum really deserves to spend the whole day there. Therefore, on the 5th floor, near the clock, there is a wonderful coffee shop where you can take a break and have a delicious lunch, and then continue to enjoy art with renewed vigor.

A visit to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris will be an unforgettable experience. By choosing the most fascinating exhibits and exhibitions, you will enjoy the beauty and sophistication of French art that will leave you with an unforgettable experience. The Musée d'Orsay is not only a jewel of Paris, but also a source of intellectual and cultural enrichment worth appreciating.