Must-Visit for Lovers of Art
Neighborhood: 7th Arrondissement
Phone: +33 1 40 49 4814
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Nearly 2.5 million visitors each year come to see the largest collection in the world of impressionist artwork, found in the splendid Musée d'Orsay. The building itself, called the Gare d'Orsay, was built for the World's Fair of 1900. During the Second World War, it was used to welcome freed prisoners. Once the train station (the Gare) fell into disuse and the adjacent hotel closed down in 1973, the building was threatened with demolition. However, it was decided to instead transform the building's function to house a collection of art from the second half of the 19th century. It was inaugurated in 1986 under the governance of François Mitterand. The principal gallery of the ground floor, 138 meters long (453 feet) and 32 meters tall (105 feet), is a reminder of the building's history. Among the masterpieces in this gallery are the scandalous Enterrement à Ornans by Gustave Courbet and the Glaneuses by Jean-François Millet. Fans of impressionism should head directly up to the 5th floor, where works by the greatest masters of this genre are hung in galleries 29 to 48. In order of appearance, these include La Classe de danse by Degas, Still Lifes by Manet such as L'Asperge, Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Renoir, and La Gare Saint-Lazare, La Cathédrale de Rouen or the Nymphéas by Claude Monet. Works by Van Gogh in gallery 35 and Cézanne in 36 follow, the small galleries 37 and 38 contain pastels by Degas, and galleries 43-44 are devoted to Gauguin's paintings of Tahiti. Decorative arts are located a few flights down, worth visiting notably for the impressive collection of Art Nouveau. While on this floor, don't miss the terrasse Rodin, where L'Homme qui marche is located, and worth taking the time to appreciate. For a short rest to help absorb this astonishing collection, visit the Café des Hauteurs on the 3rd floor or the restaurant on the 6th floor. Also don't forget to check out the beautiful Hotel Le BelleChasse, which is at a walking distance from here. - Aurélie Pichard.
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M-W 9:30a-6p; Th 9:30a-9:45p; F-Su 9:30a-6p
Associated Events
France meets Japan. Japonism and 19th Century French TablewareOct 21st, 2008 to Dec 7th, 2009
In honor of good relations between France and Japan, the Musée d'Orsay presents a collection of decorative pieces reelecting the artistic relationship that brought the two countries together during the later part of the 19th century.
Italian Models
Apr 7th, 2009 to Jul 19th, 2009
As a part of the events organized marking the centenary of the death of legendary painter Ernest Hébert, 'Italian Models' exhibition will be hosted by Musée d'Orsay. The theme is Italian peasants dressed up in traditional costumes. Check-out this charming collection of paintings that will surely amaze you.
See Italy and Die
Apr 7th, 2009 to Jul 19th, 2009
Grand Tour was nothing but a real royal trip of upper-class Europeans that was a symbol of wealth. It also resulted in travelers returning with sculpture, paintings and other stuff that was put-up for display in galleries. Italy was also an important stop in the itinerary. See Italy and Die hosted by Musée d'Orsay displays Italy with models, artifacts, photographs and much more through the eyes of Grand tour traveler.
VOIR L'ITALIE ET MOURIR... + MUSEE
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VISITE GUIDEE - VOIR L'ITALIE
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A Week of Kindness - The Collages of Max Ernst
Jun 30th, 2009 to Sep 13th, 2009
Under the watchful eye of Werner Spies, 'A Week of Kindness - The Collages of Max Ernst' will take place at the Musee d'Orsay. It will have works of the legendary Max Ernst. With his views about the culture and his visual memories, he has combined a series of collages from magazines, books and advertisement to create a masterpiece. Visitors to this exhibition will be lucky to see such work.
The Collages of Max Ernst
Jun 30th, 2009 to Sep 13th, 2009
Musée d'Orsay will be hosting 'The Collages of Max Ernst' this June. During the 1850's, print media underwent radical changes and sensational graphics were included in books, magazines and newspapers. Max Ernst used his collage technique to collate these images to create a broader picture. Catch a glimpse of this revolutionary books devoid of any text or words at the museum.
VISTE GUIDEE - MAX ERNST
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Reviews
Excellent for art lover
Unlike Louvre where everyone would visit just for the sake of visiting, Orsay has a more select crow...
Reviewed by:BabyFlower85 from on Feb 16 2009
Another Place in Time..
This museum takes you to. I never go to Paris without stopping in to experience not just the art but...
Reviewed by:PatriciaM from on Nov 29 2008
great museum
this museum has lots of wonderful paintings from van ghoh and monet and many more. It is definitley...
Reviewed by:sara from on Aug 16 2008
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