One of the places of Parisian culture: the Musée d’Orsay. The fine arts are represented: such as cinema, photography and paintings and paintings of the impressionists. Located on the Quai d’Orsay in Paris 7th arrondissement. Many exhibitions taking place during the year; it is therefore desirable to learn about programs frequently.

A brief history concerning the Architecture of the Musée d’Orsay:

Inaugurated on July 14, 1900, on the eve of the Universal Exhibition, the Orsay train station, built by the architect Victor Laloux, was only used as such until 1939. Very quickly, it proved to be inadequate for the growing number travelers, and it was then used successively as a reception center for prisoners at the liberation, filming location by Orson Welles, theater by Renaud Barrault company, and sales hall by Drouot. It was in 1973 that the idea of ​​a museum was born, but it was not until 1977 that the official decision was taken. On December 1, 1986 the museum, after an interior refitting by Gae Aulenti, was inaugurated by François Mitterrand. The transformation of the Orsay station into a museum was the work of architects MM. Bardon, Colboc and Philippon. This project had to respect the architecture of Victor Laloux while reinterpreting it according to its new vocation. Similarly; it was to make it possible to highlight the big nave by using it as main axis of the course. The work has transformed the marquee into a main entrance. Three distinct levels run through the museum: – On the ground floor, the rooms are distributed on both sides of the central courtyard. – At the intermediate level, the terraces dominate the course and introduce to the exhibition halls. – Finally the upper floor is built above the vestibule along the quay and extends into the highest part of the hotel (on rue de Bellechasse).

Distinct spaces are accessible from these three main levels of exhibition of the works: The upstream pavilion, the glazed passages of the large west tympanum of the station, the museum restaurant (located in the former dining room of the hotel ), the café des Hauteurs, the bookshop and finally the auditorium.

Visitors to the Musée d’Orsay can discover an impressive collection of artworks by great artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Degas, Cézanne and many others. The museum’s collection focuses mainly on art movements such as realism, symbolism, impressionism and Art Nouveau. Visitors can admire paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings and decorative arts.

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also organizes temporary exhibitions to provide visitors with a varied and enriching cultural experience. Temporary exhibitions have covered a wide range of topics, from individual artists to art movements, fashion styles and even French cuisine.

Major works not to be missed

– “L’Atelier” of Courbet,

– “The Olympia” “The lunch on the grass” of Manet,

– “The Dance” of Carpeaux,

– “The thought” of Rodin,

– “The Cathedrals” of Monet,

– “Dancers” by Degas,

– “The Church of Auvers sur Oise” by Van Gogh,

– “Aréaréa” by Gauguin,

– “The Bathers” of Renoir.

How to get to the Museum

Metro Line 13 stop Solférino or National Assembly
RER C: Orsay Museum If you leave from the Parisian suburbs the RER C stop Gare Musée d’Orsay

Bus: 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 94

Entrance fee: 16 €, free 1st Sunday of the month

https://www.musee-orsay.fr/

62 Rue de Lille 75007 Paris

https://goo.gl/maps/5za9fppKmzVXovdA7

The Musée d’Orsay is a must-see for all art and culture lovers. Visitors can view masterpieces by some of the greatest artists in history, while learning about the fascinating history of how the train station was transformed into a prestigious museum. With its impressive architecture and exceptional collection, the Musée d’Orsay is a jewel of French culture and a must-see destination for any traveler visiting the city of love.