fourteen THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND when VISITING musee  d’Orsay

Duration required

Musee d’Orsay is a good-sized art museum; you need 3 to 4 hours to explore it. If you see only the Impressionist wing on the top floor and skip everything else, you can finish your tour in two hours.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Musee d’Orsay is as soon as they open at 9.30 am on a weekday or between 6 pm and 9.30 pm on a Thursday. Starting early, you get ahead of the crowd by 11 am.

Tickets are timed

While booking Musee d’Orsay tickets, you must select a time of visit.  And on the day of the visit, you must reach the museum 15 minutes before the time on your ticket.

Audio Guide

The Musée d'Orsay offers audio guides featuring more than 300 commentaries on works and is available in 10 languages. The audio guides have induction loops for hard-of-hearing visitors.

Wear comfortable shoes

The museum has a lot of floors, halls, and stairs that require a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for a better experience.

Restaurants

Musee d’Orsay has a restaurant and a few cafes where you can stop for a bite (or a drink). Both individuals and groups must have their museum tickets with them to enter.

Leave large bags

Luggage and other items subject to compulsory deposit must be checked at the coat check; valuables are not accepted. Bring a smaller bag that you can easily carry with you.

Photography

Photography is allowed in most museum areas, but some areas may have restrictions. Avoid using flash or tripods; be mindful of your surroundings when taking photos.

Free entry

On the first Sunday of every month, you can get free Musee d’Orsay tickets from the ticketing counter at the Museum. Be at the tourist attraction when it opens because free days can get crowded.

Dedicated entrance

These are the most popular Musee d’Orsay tickets and get you to access all permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Two in one

This ticket helps you access two of Paris’ finest museums – Musée d’Orsay and Musée de I’Orangerie, located 650 meters (0.4 miles) from each other.

Guided tour

This trip is a Musee d’Orsay highlights tour, where the guide takes you on a 2-hour visual treat of the best in the French art Museum. Headsets are also part of the ticket price.