Musée d'Orsay Tickets

Your Musée d’Orsay tickets get you all the time you need at this popular Parisian attraction, but most people spend between three to four hours inside this massive former train station.

The brochure, available at the entrance, makes the museum pretty easy to navigate. The Musée d'Orsay's impressive permanent collection covers four entire floors and several important periods in history, so it's a good idea to think about which key artists you're most interested in and focusing your visit. It's better to spend some quality time with your favorites than to try to see it all and get overwhelmed!

The best time to visit the Musée d’Orsay is on a Wednesday or Friday morning or afternoon. These days tend to be quieter, so your Musée d’Orsay tickets will take you further, on a far more peaceful journey. If it's hard to visit during these times, take advantage of Thursday's extended evening hours. There tend to be fewer children and families on Thursdays after 6pm.

During Paris's low season (November to March) is also a good time to visit. Weekends can of course get very busy. If you really have to visit the Musée d’Orsay on a weekend, try to arrive early!

If you're bringing a baby stroller or giant backpack along with your Musée d’Orsay tickets, you may be asked to leave these in the cloakroom. Only suitcases, travel bags and backpacks smaller than 56 x 45 x 25 cm are allowed inside.

There are two different cafes inside the Musée d’Orsay. Café de l'Ours is the perfect place for a quick drink or snack, on a self-service basis. Café Campana is a brasserie-style café that serves up bigger meals.

You can also try walking ten minutes along rue de l'Université to the Saint-Germain quarter. Here, you'll find lots of lovely bars and restaurants, including the popular institution, La Palette, which is also listed as a Historic Monument. Order a wine and enjoy the very place that was once much-loved by Jim Morrison, Ernest Hemingway and Picasso.

During museum opening times, you are free to photograph or film in the permanent exhibition halls. Keep in mind these photos or videos should be kept for personal or private use, and not for groups or commercial purposes. Go ahead and get those selfies!