The Impressionist mothership in a gorgeous former railway station, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, all under one glass roof. For many people it beats the Louvre. A friend sends you here first. Caveat: from March 2026 a timed reservation is mandatory during renovations, so no walk-ups.
Key facts
| Hours | Tue–Sun 09:30–18:00 Thu–Thu 09:30–21:45 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Musée d'Orsay (RER C) or Solférino (M12) |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
| Best time to go | Thursday late evening, or right at 9:30am opening; closed Mondays |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value8.5
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level4.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- How long should I plan?
- Two to three hours suits most visitors, focusing on the Impressionist floor. Art lovers can happily spend longer, but it never feels as punishing as the Louvre.
- Is it near other sights?
- Very, it's right across the Seine from the Tuileries and a short walk from the Orangerie, which holds Monet's giant Water Lilies. Pairing Orsay and Orangerie makes a superb Impressionist day.
- Do I need to book in advance?
- Yes, and increasingly so, from March 10, 2026 a timed reservation is mandatory for everyone while the reception areas are renovated through summer 2028. Walk-up entry is no longer available, so book ahead.
- What are the must-sees?
- Head straight to the fifth-floor Impressionist galleries for Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh, then the great clock windows overlooking the Seine. The sculpture nave and Art Nouveau rooms are worth time too.
- Is it better than the Louvre?
- Different, but many prefer it. Orsay is manageable in a few hours, the building itself is beautiful, and its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist floor is unrivalled. If you only do one big museum, this is a strong pick.
- Can I photograph the art?
- Yes, photography without flash is generally allowed in the permanent collection. The famous shot is through the giant transparent clock face on the upper level.
- When is it closed?
- Every Monday, plus May 1 and December 25. It's open late on Thursdays to 9:45pm, which is the best-kept-secret time to visit.
- How much are tickets?
- Adult admission is around €16, with a reduced Thursday-evening rate of about €12 after 6pm. Under-18s and EU 18-25s are free, and the first Sunday of each month is free for all with a reserved slot.
Nearby in Ask Paris
- Musée d'OrsayAttraction0.01 km · 0 min walk
- Tuileries GardenAttraction0.39 km · 5 min walk
- Jardin des TuileriesPark0.39 km · 5 min walk
- Musée de l'OrangerieMuseum0.51 km · 6 min walk
- AngelinaCafé0.58 km · 7 min walk
Where to stay near Musée d'Orsay
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