Musée d'Orsay Visit Guide: What to See and Do
The Musée d'Orsay sits in a former railway station on the Left Bank, and the building is half the pleasure. Under the great glass roof you find the deepest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting anywhere, from Monet and Renoir to Van Gogh and Cézanne. It is large but far more manageable than the Louvre, which makes it a favourite first museum in Paris.
What to see and the famous clocks
Head to the upper level first for the Impressionist galleries, which hold the best-known works and fill up fastest. Do not miss the two giant glass clocks: one frames a view of Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, the other looks across the Seine. They are among the most photographed spots in any Paris museum, so go early if you want them quiet.
Best time and how to skip the line
The line builds quickly mid-morning, especially in summer and on the late-opening evening. A timed ticket lets you join the priority entrance and skip the main queue. Aim for opening or the last two hours of the day, when the upper galleries thin out and the light through the glass roof is at its best.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Musée d'Orsay better than the Louvre?
How long do I need at the Musée d'Orsay?
Plan your visit: Musee d'Orsay