Museum Orsay was originally a railway station, completed in 1900 for the Universal Exposition. The railway station was converted into a museum which opened in 1986.
In 2002, Orsay was the second most visited art museum in France, after the Louvre. It is located in the left bank of the Seine river, across the river from the Tuileries garden and the Louvre museum.
The museum has an extensive collection of art from 1848 to 1914, showcasing masterpieces from the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements. Visitors can admire iconic works by artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Auguste Renoir. In addition to its impressive paintings, the Musée d’Orsay (Orsay Museum) features an array of sculptures, decorative arts, and photography.
The museum’s stunning architecture, coupled with its rich and diverse collection, makes it a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Read more about what not to miss when you visit this museum.
1. The Impressionists at Orsay Museum
Orsay Museum has one of the most beautiful collections of impressionists paintings in the world. This collection includes work by Manet, Monet, and Renoir.
2. The Postimpressionists at Orsay Museum
Postimpressionism developed between 1886 and 1905. The term was first used in 1906. This was largely a French art movement. It was a reaction to Impressionism and their concern for a natural depiction of light and color. The principle artists included in this movement are Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh, and Georges Seurat.
Collections in the Museum Orsay includes works by Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Van Gogh.
3. Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau is an artistic movement known for its decorative style and organic forms. The Art Nouveau section of Orsay museum features intricate furniture, glassware, and decorative arts that highlight the elegant, flowing lines and natural motifs characteristic of Art Nouveau.
The collection in Orsay includes works by Hector Guimard and Émile Gallé are represented, offering visitors a glimpse into the innovative design and craftsmanship of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Art Nouveau collection at the Musée d’Orsay beautifully illustrates the movement’s impact on both everyday objects and fine art.
4. Symbolism
5. Romanticism
6. Sculpture at Orsay museum
The Orsay Museum in Paris is renowned for its impressive collection of sculptures, dating from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. The collection includes works by Auguste Rodin, whose masterpieces like “The Gates of Hell” and “The Age of Bronze” are prominently displayed. The museum also includes sculptures by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, like his dynamic “Dance” statue, as well as pieces by Aristide Maillol and Camille Claudel. The sculptures offer an insight into the evolution of sculptural art during this period
7. Realism
Realism refers to an artistic movement that attempts to render the subject matter truthfully.
8. The Photography
Orsay Museum houses an exceptional collection of photography, showcasing the evolution of the medium from its early days in the 19th century to the early 20th century.
The collection features works by photographers such as Nadar, Eugène Atget, and Julia Margaret Cameron. These photographs capture a range of subjects, from portraiture and landscapes to urban scenes, reflecting the artistic and technical advancements of the time.
9. Scale model of Paris
Orsay Museum includes a 1:100 scale model created by Richard Peduzzi of the Opera Garnier and the surrounding area. Visitors can walk on top of the glass floor that encloses this model.
10. The giant clock
Not art, but you shouldn’t miss this when you visit the museum. The clock has glass walls and you can look out for stunning views of Paris. There is a cafe next to the clock where you can rest if your tired. There is also a door to the outside balcony here (sometimes it’s closed). But if it’s open, I suggest going outside and enjoying the view. The museum is on the Seine and so you’ll get wonderful views of the river.
Find your tickets to the Orsay Museum here. This ticket includes an audioguide.
Read more about what not to miss in Paris here.
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