Musée d'Orsay in Paris
A railway station turned into Impressionist art haven
If you’re an art lover, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris is a must-see. It can’t compare with the Louvre, but it makes the top of its own extraordinary art category.
And it isn’t your average art museum – it’s a stunning showcase of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces housed in a former railway station.
With its grand architecture and world-renowned collection, the Musée d'Orsay offers visitors a unique opportunity to dive into one of the most transformative periods in art history.
Impressive museum building
Before you even step inside, the museum impresses with its architecture. The building was originally the Gare d'Orsay, a railway station built in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle. Its massive glass and iron structure reflects the industrial (yet elegant) style of the era.
In 1986, the station was transformed into the museum we know today, combining its industrial past with artistic grandeur. The grand clock, still intact, overlooks the Seine and provides one of the most iconic views in Paris.
Inside the museum
The heart of this museum is its vast collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art – the largest in the world. The layout is spread across three main levels, and it is extremely easy to wander at your own pace, perhaps following the audio guide. Here’s what I find special:
The Impressionist Gallery
This is the jewel that attracted almost 4 million visitors in 2024. It is easy to let yourself be immersed in the soft brushstrokes and plein-air painting while enjoying works by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas, and Pissarro.
Van Gogh and the Post-Impressionists
Van Gogh is actually one of my favorite artists since I was a child and I always enjoy seeing his work in person, as well as many versions of some paintings. The museum is home to several of his most iconic works, including Starry Night Over the Rhône and his self-portraits. I was never a fan of Van Gogh’s night time paintings, but that changed when I saw Starry Night Over the Rhône. His self-portraits are especially painful to see, at least for me, because you can almost feel his dark thoughts in his eyes. The same happened to me when I saw the Dr. Gachet version at the Orsay – try not to miss it if you’re a Van Gogh fan.
You’ll also find pieces by Cézanne, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, and my favorite Pointillists like Seurat.
Sculpture and Decorative Arts
The beautiful open galleries belong to exquisite sculptures by Rodin, other 19th-century masters, along with modern masters. The decorative arts collection highlights furniture and design from the Art Nouveau period.
Art from Around the World
Although the focus is on French art, the museum also highlights the global influences that shaped artists of the time.
I was over the moon when I saw a piece by a Croatian artist here, the world-famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović!
Views and Café Culture
One of the busiest parts of the museum is the clock room – on the upper level, behind one of the building’s iconic clocks, there’s a beautiful view of the Seine River and the Louvre. It’s the perfect spot to take a breath.
If you need a stylish coffee break, near the Impressionist gallery there’s Café Campana. Its design was inspired by Art Nouveau, and as such it’s a perfect addition to the museum.
Next time you’re in Paris, make sure to stop by this gem. You’ll leave inspired, enlightened, and with a deeper appreciation for the art that continues to shape our world.
For more things French, check out my two other posts on cultural sites in France:
La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux’s as the ultimate wine experience: A wine lover’s journey through Bordeaux’s iconic museum and tasting experience 🍷
The Elegance of the Trianon Estate: Versailles Beyond the Palace: UNESCO sites in France: Palace and Park of Versailles (visited July 2022)
Plus, January of my “2025 Calendar: 12 Countries in 12 Months” is dedicated to France and its cultural gems.
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That's great to see a Croatian sculpture was there. I haven't been to Musée d'Orsay but it's now high on my list next time in Paris. Thanks for sharing, Gabi!
Awww, we were just in Paris this past summer but we sadly took a miss on this museum. We were only there for a weekend and had to prioritize our picks — plus I was afraid it wouldn’t be as enjoyable with high-season crowds. I was quite sad to miss out, though, because I, too, like those impressionists and post-impressionists whose work you shared and regretted the decision even though I knew it was the right one (we had to sleep! 😃). So, I am actually pleased to look through your post so I can at least enjoy some of the museum through your eyes and images. 💜