Housed in a grand former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art.
Opened in 1986, this Parisian cultural gem contains masterpieces from many of the most renowned 19th and early 20th-century painters.
Beyond the Impressionist galleries, the museum displays sculptures, photographs, furniture and art from earlier periods.
From Manet’s provocative nude Olympia to Monet’s dream-like water lilies to Van Gogh’s brooding self-portraits, Musée d’Orsay’s treasure holds a lot of popular artworks.
This article shares all the information you need to know about Musée d’Orsay tickets, prices, discounts, tours and more.
A Quick Glance At Musée d’Orsay
Hours: 9.30 am to 6 pm
Last entry: 5 pm
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Best time to visit: Early morning, weekdays during Spring and Fall
Must See: Van Gogh Self Portrait, Water Lillies, Olympia
Ticket cost: €18
Location: 1 Rue de Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris. Get Directions.
Where To Buy Musée d’Orsay Tickets
Musée d’Orsay tickets are available both at the ticket counters and online.
When you buy tickets online, you can avoid the queues at the ticket counter, which can take one to 1.5 hours during the peak summer months of June to September.
If you are planning to get the ticket at the counter, remember that with 3 million tourists flocking to the Orsay Museum every year, it is doubtful that you will be able to secure the admission ticket and desired entry time.
When you book in advance, you can get tickets for the Musée d’Orsay at the time and on the day you choose.
Online admission tickets cost less than the tickets available at the museum counter.
By purchasing Musée d’Orsay tickets online, you can save time and money and avoid the hassle of long queues and skip last-minute disappointments.
How Do Online Musée d’Orsay Tickets Work
On the ticket booking page, you will find various tickets for Musée d’Orsay. Once you have selected the ticket, you must choose the number of visitors, date and preferred time slot and make the purchase.
Upon completing your purchase, you’ll receive your tickets via email.
When you’re ready to embark on your museum exploration, just show your ticket at the counter to move past any queues.
It’s advisable to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to clear security and identity checks, ensuring a smooth entry to enhance your overall museum experience.
Musée d’Orsay Ticket Prices
The Musée d’Orsay entry ticket costs €18 for adults (18+ years).
Visitors under 18, EU residents under 26 and disabled visitors enjoy free entry.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the various Musée d’Orsay tickets and their prices:
Musee d’Orsay Ticket Discounts
The Musée d’Orsay ticket prices vary depending on the tour type and age group.
Despite seasonal offers, age-based discounts are available on specific Musée d’Orsay tickets.
This offer is generally available for infants, children, youth and senior citizens.
Most of the tickets are free for visitors below the age of 18.
The Paris Museum Pass offers discounted entry to 60 attractions in and around the city, including Musée d’Orsay.
Adult visitors can get ticket discounts with the 2, 4 or 6-day Museum pass.
The pass costs between €60 and €99, offering up to 60% discounts on entry tickets to various attractions.
Types of Musée d’Orsay Tickets
The Musée d’Orsay offers various ticket options to cater to different preferences.
The Musée d’Orsay entry ticket provides access to the museum’s extensive art collection, showcasing masterpieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
If you prefer a more in-depth experience, consider the guided tour ticket, where knowledgeable guides share insights into the artworks and the museum’s history.
You can also choose from many combo tickets and city passes. These offer various discounts while providing entry to multiple attractions in Paris!
Here are the best Musée d’Orsay tickets for you:
Musée d’Orsay Entry Tickets
Dedicated entry to the museum
Access to the permanent collection
- Access to temporary collections
Ticket Price:
The Musee d’Orsay entry tickets cost €18 for visitors above the age of 18.
Visitors below 17 years old can enter the museum for free.
Musée d’Orsay Guided tour
While entry tickets let you explore the museum, a guided tour offers a more informative visiting experience.
With a guided tour ticket, you can skip all the queues and enjoy priority entry to the Musée d’Orsay.
You save time and get an expert guide to accompany you on the tour.
The local guide will help you learn more about the museum and artworks.
After a 2-hour guided tour, you can explore the museum at your own pace.
There are three types of guided tours: shared, semi-private and private.
The shared tour will include a big group of visitors, while the semi-private tour will take less than 25 visitors.
A private tour will include only you and your family or friends.
Ticket Includes:
- Skip the line entry
- Local Guide
- Access to all parts of the museum
Ticket prices:
| Ages | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|
| Shared group tour | €69 |
| Semi-private group tour | €122 |
| Private guided tour | €200 |
Combo Tickets for Musée d’Orsay
Combo tickets offer a major advantage of discounted, skip the line access entry to Orsay Museum and another top Parisian attraction.
These combo deals have major advantages like skip-the-line access and discounted entry.
We recommend buying combination tickets for two reasons:
1. Combo tickets are cheaper than individual tickets.
You can save 10% on the entry fee as you buy two entry tickets simultaneously.
2. There are many attractions around Musée d’Orsay you would like to visit.
Musée d’Orsay is close to Musée de l’Orangerie (8 minutes), Tuileries Garden (4 minutes), Louvre Museum (12 minutes).
Also, Musée d’Orsay lies on the banks of the Seine River and you can board a sightseeing cruise.
If you plan your visit in advance and book your combo tours online, you can save time and money when visiting the attractions near Orsay Museum.
Here are our best Musée d’Orsay combo tours
Musée d’Orsay with Paris Pass
City Passes offers discounted entry to various Paris attractions. You can choose from various options when it comes to city passes.
With museum passes, you can explore major museums all over Paris at a discounted rate.
With the Paris Top 3 Museums in hand, you will have access to artworks in the top 3 museums of Paris.
Another popular option for visiting Paris art museums is the Paris Museum Pass! It provides you access to 60+ museums for 2, 4 or 6 days!
You can also go for the Paris Seine Pass, visit the Musee and other art museums and cruise down the Seine River.
Here are the prices for the pass options for visiting Musée d’Orsay:
| Pass | Pass Price |
|---|---|
| Top 3 Museum Pass | €52 |
| Paris Museum Pass | €70 |
| Paris Seine Pass | €47 |
Which Musée d’Orsay ticket should you buy?
When visiting the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, choosing the right ticket that suits your preferences and needs is important.
Here are some things to consider before choosing the right tickets.
1. To save time:
Visitors without a skip-the-line ticket tend to spend 1.5 hours in lines.
The skip-the-line entry ticket is ideal for guests who are low on time.
This ticket allows you to avoid all the queues and bypass the crowd.
If you are looking for last-minute Musée d’Orsay tickets, this is your option.
2. If you’re on a budget:
The standard entry ticket is the cheapest ticket to Musée d’Orsay.
The timed ticket ensures you won’t have to wait in line, enabling you to explore the museum at your own pace.
This choice allows you to enjoy the masterpieces housed in the museum while being mindful of your budget.
If you plan to tour other attractions in Paris, then the Paris Passes are money-saving options.
3. If you’re looking for a guided tour:
If you want to learn about the Orsay Museum and its collections, the Orsay guided tour is highly recommended.
With a professional tour guide, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the artworks’ history, context and significance.
The guide will lead you to the major masterpieces while providing intriguing details about the museum and the artworks.
4. Want to explore Paris?
Visitors who want to tour various attractions in Paris should choose the Paris Pass or Combination tickets.
The top 3 Paris Museum passes let you explore the Louvre, Centre Pompidou and Musée d’Orsay at discounted prices.
What to Expect at the Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay Collection
Best Time to Visit the Musée d’Orsay
The best time to visit the Musée d’Orsay in Paris is weekdays, especially Tuesday to Friday when the museum is less crowded.
Mornings are generally quieter than afternoons, offering a more relaxed experience.
Avoid weekends and major holidays to skip the long lines and enjoy the artwork without the hustle.
The museum opens at 9.30 am, so arriving early allows you to explore the iconic collection easily, including Impressionist masterpieces.
Consider planning your visit during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
How long does it take to visit the Musée d’Orsay?
Visiting the Musée d’Orsay typically takes about two to three hours.
The museum is not overly large, making it manageable to explore in a relatively short time.
However, the duration can vary based on individual preferences and interests.
If you’re an art enthusiast, you might want to spend more time admiring the extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
To make the most of your visit, plan ahead and prioritize the sections or artworks you’re most excited to see.
Consider the time needed for ticket purchase and any potential lines, especially during peak hours.
Overall, allocate a few hours for a fulfilling experience at the Musée d’Orsay, enjoying its remarkable art leisurely.
FAQs About Musée d’Orsay Tickets
1. Are tickets necessary to visit the Musée d’Orsay?
Yes, visitors need Musée d’Orsay entry tickets.
You can either buy them at the venue ticket counter or online.
2. How much is the admission to Musée d’Orsay?
The Musée d’Orsay entry ticket costs €19
You enjoy skip-the-line entry to the museum and access to the permanent collection and temporary exhibition.
3. Is entry to Musée d’Orsay free?
Entry to Musée d’Orsay is free for various people, depending on which category you fall under:
– Under 18 years of age
– EU citizens or long-term residents of an EU country aged 18 to 25
– ICOM, ICOMOS card holders
– Visitors with Paris Museum Pass
– Barnes Foundation members with a guest
– Louvre Abu Dhabi members with one to five guests
– Students of Ecole du Louvre, Ecole Nationale du Patrimoine, the Ecole des Chartes, the IFROA and university restoration graduates.
– Teachers in the arts in universities and public art schools
– Job seekers with proof of less than six months period of validity
– Disabled visitors with one accompanying person
4. there any discounts available for students or seniors?
Students and seniors are usually eligible for reduced ticket prices upon presenting valid ID or documentation.
5. Can I buy tickets online in advance?
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long lines at the museum entrance.
6. Are there specific time slots for entry with online tickets?
Online tickets often have designated time slots for entry to manage crowds efficiently.
Visitors must adhere to these time slots.
7. Is there a combined ticket for the Musée d’Orsay and other attractions?
Some tickets offer access to multiple attractions, such as the combined pass for the Musée d’Orsay and Orangerie Museum, Louvre Museum, Centre Pompidou and more.
8. Can I use the Paris Museum Pass for entry?
Yes, the Paris Museum Pass generally grants access to Musée d’Orsay without additional payment.
9. Are guided tours included in the ticket price?
You can book guided tours separately.
It is not included in the general admission ticket.
10. Are there audio guides available?
Yes, audio guides in multiple languages can usually be rented at the museum for an additional fee.
11. Can I take photographs inside the museum?
Photography for personal, non-commercial use is typically allowed, but flash and tripods might be restricted in certain areas.
12. Are there facilities for storing luggage or bags?
Yes, cloakrooms are usually available for storing bags and coats during your visit.
13. Is the museum accessible to people with disabilities?
Musée d’Orsay strives to be accessible, offering facilities and services for visitors with disabilities. There are ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms.
14. Can I bring food and drinks to the museum?
Outside food and drinks are usually not permitted inside the galleries, but the museum has cafes and dining areas.
15. Are children allowed in the museum?
Yes, children are welcome.
The museum often provides family-friendly activities and workshops.
16. Can I exit and re-enter the museum on the same day with my ticket?
Generally, visitors can only re-enter with a different ticket.
They can not re-enter with the same one.
17. Are there any special exhibitions or events included in the ticket price?
Special exhibitions or events have separate ticket pricing and may not always be included in the standard entry ticket.
18. Is there a refund policy for tickets?
Tickets are refundable if you cancel them 24 hours before the booked time slot.
19. What to see in Musée d’Orsay?
At Musée d’Orsay, marvel at an exceptional art collection from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Explore the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces of Monet, Van Gogh and Degas.
20. How long does it take to tour the Musée d’Orsay?
Musée d’Orsay is a huge museum with more than 3000 artworks on display. You need at least 2 to 3 hours to visit the museum!
For all visitors planning to visit Musee d’Orsay, here is a list of other Musee d’Orsay tickets you can choose from.
Dedicated entry ticket: This ticket offers dedicated entry to the museum with access to permanent and temporary collections.
Buy This Ticket | Learn More
Guided tour ticket: Enjoy a 1 hour 45 minutes guided tour and skip the line access to Musee d’Orsay.
Buy This Ticket | Learn More
Musee d’Orsay and Seine River Cruise: Visitors can tour the Musee d’Orsay and then experience a cruise over the Seine.
Buy This Ticket | Learn More
Musee d’Orsay and Louvre Museum: This combination ticket offers entry to both Musee d’Orsay and Louvre Museum.
Buy This Ticket | Learn More
Paris City Museum Pass: Visit the best museums in Paris with just one pass.
Buy This Ticket | Learn More
Featured Image: Gwengoat / Getty Images Signature
