Musée d’Orsay is located not far away from the Louvre Museum, and many people consider these two museums to be the best of all museums in Paris. In Musée d’Orsay you can find more modern art, while the focus is more on classical art in the Louvre. See paintings and art from Monet, Gaugin, Degas, Van Gogh, Delacroix, Manet and other painters.
The Orsay Museum in Paris has a fascinating history. It was once a railway station called the Gare d’Orsay, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair). The station served as a busy hub for trains traveling to southwestern France.
As time passed, the station became less useful, and there were discussions about tearing it down. However, in the 1970s, the French government decided to transform the old railway station into an art museum. The renowned architect Gae Aulenti was tasked with the transformation.
The Orsay Museum opened its doors to the public in 1986, showcasing an incredible collection of art from the period of 1848 to 1914. This period is known as the “Belle Époque” and includes masterpieces from famous artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and many others.
Today, the Orsay Museum is a popular destination for art lovers from around the world. Its stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich cultural history of France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum’s location in a former railway station adds a unique charm to the overall experience, making it a must-visit for those exploring the art and history of Paris.
Musée d’Orsay
Address: 1, rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
Metro: Solferino
RER C: Musée d’Orsay
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30 – 18:00 (closed Mondays)
Admission fee: 16 euros (full price for adults)
Temporary exhibitions in the Orsay Museum in Paris
Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise – an exhibition.
Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism – an exhibition.
Musée d’Orsay pictures
