Book Orsay Museum tickets and tours for 2026. Choose entry tickets, digital audio guide options, or guided visits, then check the time slot, inclusions, and access details before booking.
A straightforward choice for visitors who want to explore independently. Check available dates and ticket details before booking.
Paris Art Museum Tickets is an independent visitor guide, not the official website of the attraction or operator. Some links are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We help you compare ticket types and access options.
These six options appear in descending review order. Compare ticket type, access areas, guided or independent formats, visit length, traveller feedback, and the current starting price before choosing.
1
Most reviewed
★★★★★ 4.7227874 · 28,394 reviews
This straightforward entry ticket has the most reviews among these six options. It also has the lowest supplied starting price, so it suits independent visitors focused on admission rather than added guide services.
2
Audio guide
★★★★★ 4.423107 · 4,966 reviews
This option adds a digital audio guide app to museum entry. Choose it if you want commentary while exploring independently, and check the booking details to compare its app format with the guided tours below.
3
Expert guide
★★★★★ 4.793503 · 1,239 reviews
This expert-led tour has the highest rating among these six options. It suits visitors who prefer a guide over self-paced entry, though it has the highest supplied starting price in this comparison.
4
Combo ticket
★★★★★ 4.4280386 · 726 reviews
This is the only option here combining Orsay Museum and Rodin Museum entry. Consider it if both museums fit your plans; compare the booking details carefully with single-museum tickets before deciding.
5
Guided option
★★★★★ 4.5655975 · 673 reviews
This listing combines a Musée d’Orsay ticket and guided tour in one product. Its supplied starting price is lower than the other guided options shown, which may help if you want a guide with a lower entry point.
6
Masterpieces tour
★★★★★ 4.5615225 · 520 reviews
This guided tour is titled around the museum’s masterpieces, making it a focused alternative to independent entry. It starts below the expert-led tour above, but has fewer traveller reviews than every other option shown.
Compare entry-only, audio guide, guided and two-museum options by starting price, traveller feedback and what each format adds. The main difference is independent entry versus guided commentary or admission to both museums.
| Option | From | Rating | Reviews | Ticket type | Includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris: Orsay Museum Entry TicketStraightforward museum admission with the lowest supplied starting price. | €13 | 4.7227874 | 28,394 | Entry ticket | Museum entry | Travellers who want independent entry at the lowest supplied starting price. |
| Orsay Entry Ticket and Digital Audio Guide AppAdds app-based commentary while keeping the visit self-paced. | €27 | 4.423107 | 4,966 | Entry + audio guide | Museum entry + digital audio guide app | Visitors who want commentary but prefer to explore independently. |
| Musée d’Orsay: Guided Tour with an ExpertExpert-led museum tour with the highest rating in this comparison. | €70 | 4.793503 | 1,239 | Guided tour | Expert-led museum tour | Travellers prioritising an expert guide and stronger traveller feedback. |
| Orsay Museum and Rodin Museum Combo Entry TicketThe only listed ticket covering entry to both museums. | €45 | 4.4280386 | 726 | Combined ticket | Orsay Museum + Rodin Museum entry | Visitors planning to see both museums during their Paris stay. |
| Musée d’Orsay Ticket and Guided TourCombines museum admission and a guided tour at a lower entry point. | €47 | 4.5655975 | 673 | Guided tour | Museum ticket + guided tour | Travellers who want a guided visit with a lower supplied starting price. |
| Musée d’Orsay Masterpieces Guided TourGuide-led visit focused on the museum’s named masterpieces. | €59 | 4.5615225 | 520 | Guided tour | Masterpieces-focused guided tour | Visitors who want a guide-led introduction centred on key artworks. |
These six options differ by ticket type, guide format, museum coverage, traveller feedback and starting price. Answer four quick questions to narrow the choice to the closest match.
Your answers will narrow down entry-only, audio guide, guided and two-museum options.
The lowest starting price may not fit if you want commentary, a guide or entry to both museums.
Tickets can look similar while using different entrances or offering different visit formats. Check the arrival details, tour inclusions and bag rules before paying, so your booking fits your plans and you know where to go.
Your timed ticket may use a different entrance
During renovation, timed tickets for collections or exhibitions use the Quay Entrance. Visitors with non-timed tickets, no ticket, luggage, or reduced mobility use the Forecourt Entrance, so following a general map pin can send you to the wrong queue.
Fix: Read the arrival instructions before leaving. Check which entrance matches your ticket type, then save that entrance on your phone. Access arrangements can change during the renovation, so check the current entry guidance again on your visit day.
A timed slot does not remove security screening
A reserved time controls museum access, but bag checks still apply at the entrance. Security delays can reduce the time you expected to spend inside, especially if you book a slot close to another plan.
Fix: Choose a time slot that leaves room before your next booking. Plan to arrive before the reserved time, and keep your bag simple for screening. Do not treat timed entry as a promise of immediate access.
A guided tour may not clearly include admission
Tour titles can promise an expert-led visit without clearly stating whether museum admission is included. If you assume entry is covered, you may need a separate ticket or have different arrival instructions from the guide.
Fix: Open the listing’s inclusions and booking conditions before paying. Confirm that museum entry is included, check the meeting instructions, and note whether the guide requires a separate ticket or a specific arrival time.
Oversized luggage can stop you entering the museum
Items larger than 56 × 45 × 25 cm are not allowed inside. Cabin-size cases must be stored, and the cloakroom does not accept valuables, documents, cash, cameras, laptops or mobile phones.
Fix: Measure your luggage before travelling to the museum. Leave oversized cases at your hotel, and carry valuables with you. If you bring a cabin-size case, allow time to use the free self-service cloakroom before entry.
Use these details to plan your Orsay Museum visit. Find opening hours, realistic visit time, transport, accessibility, audio guides, facilities and the rules that matter once you are inside.
The museum is closed on Mondays; last admission is 5:00pm, or 9:00pm on Thursdays.
Orsay Museum opens 9:30am to 6:00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Thursday, it stays open until 9:45pm.
Galleries close at 5:30pm on standard days and 9:15pm on Thursdays. Temporary exhibitions have later last entry than the museum on standard days: 5:15pm.
The museum also closes on 1 May and 25 December. Access can change during exceptional closures or busy periods.
Most first-time visitors allow about 2 to 3 hours for the main collections and the former station building.
A shorter visit can work if you focus on a few galleries. A one-hour visit means choosing only selected works and moving quickly between floors.
Leave time for security screening and for finding your way around the building. Do not plan a full visit from a late-afternoon entry slot.
If Impressionist galleries are your priority, visit them early in your route. These areas can become crowded as the morning progresses.
Standard admission covers one entry to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, subject to availability.
Your ticket allows one admission. Once you leave the museum, you cannot return on the same ticket.
Temporary exhibition access is included with standard admission when capacity allows. Ground-floor temporary exhibitions close to new visitors 45 minutes before museum closing time.
Keep this in mind if you plan to leave for lunch. The museum has food venues inside, so you can take a break without giving up your entry.
Musée d’Orsay on RER C is directly by the museum; Solférino on Métro line 12 is another nearby option.
The museum also lists buses 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 87 and 94. The visitor address is Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris.
Taxi and specialised-vehicle drop-off and pick-up are on quai Anatole-France. This is useful for visitors who need a closer accessible arrival point.
Renovation work can change access routes around the building. Follow the entrance instructions for your ticket rather than relying on an older route map.
The museum has restaurants, cafés, free Wi-Fi, numerous toilets and water fountains for refilling bottles.
Food options include the Restaurant, Café Campana, Café de la Gare and the summer Terrasse. These venues require a museum entrance ticket.
Water fountains are near restrooms on level -1, at the back of the Nef near the Paris area, and on level 1 in the waiting area. There is also a fountain outside at the bottom of the forecourt steps.
A baby area is on level -1, beside the adult group reception area. Connect to the free Musee_Orsay_Public Wi-Fi network inside.
The museum, exhibitions and commercial areas are accessible by elevators and ramps for visitors with limited mobility and strollers.
Visitors with disabilities and one companion receive free priority admission with valid proof. During renovation, visitors with disabilities can use Entrance 2 – Forecourt.
Wheelchairs, folding seats, canes and strollers can be borrowed in exchange for ID. They cannot be reserved in advance.
Guide and assistance dogs, including dogs in training, are welcome. Staff may ask for proof of identity for the dog.
Onsite rental audioguides cover more than 300 permanent-collection commentaries in several languages.
Rental audioguides are collected at the museum. They are available in French, German, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian.
There is also a children’s route for ages 6 to 12 in French and English. Rental devices include induction loops for visitors with hearing aids.
A phone-download guide is also available by QR code or confirmation-email link, but it covers the Mary Cassatt exhibition only. It does not cover the permanent collections or other exhibitions.
Personal photos and video are allowed if they do not disturb others, block circulation or put works at risk.
Flash, lamps, tripods, stands and telescopic arms are not allowed. Camera supports and lighting equipment must be left in the cloakroom.
Some works and temporary exhibitions have their own photography restrictions. Look for notices at the exhibition entrance or beside the work.
Keep your camera or phone with you rather than leaving it in the cloakroom. Cameras, laptops and mobile phones are not accepted there.
Under-18s qualify for free admission, but children under 13 must stay with a responsible adult.
Strollers can be borrowed with ID. Prams, large strollers and baby carriers with metal frames are not allowed inside the museum.
The baby area on level -1 is next to the adult group reception area. Numerous restrooms are available, including some adapted for visitors with disabilities.
The children’s audioguide route is designed for ages 6 to 12. It gives families a focused way to explore the permanent collection.
Normal day clothes are fine, but the museum does not allow swimwear, underwear, bare feet or clothing that conceals the face.
Visitors cannot enter shirtless, barefoot or wearing clothing designed to conceal the face. The museum may also refuse entry to people under the influence of alcohol.
Inside, do not remove your shoes or wear clothing likely to disturb public peace. These are conduct rules rather than a formal dress code.
The museum is indoors, so your clothing choice matters less than carrying only what you can manage through security and around the galleries.
The Musée d’Orsay is not simply a home for Impressionism. It connects the art of 1848 to 1914 with a building made for movement, technology and public spectacle. Notice the former station as carefully as the paintings: its vast hall changes how the collection feels.
At Orsay, a railway station and a changing art world tell one connected story.
Victor Laloux designed the Orsay railway station and hotel for the 1900 Universal Exhibition. The complex opened on 14 July 1900, when Paris was presenting industry, travel and design as signs of a modern capital.
The museum conversion keeps that scale visible. The central nave, high roof and great clocks remind visitors that this was built to receive crowds and trains, not originally to display paintings.
The museum covers western artistic creation from 1848 to 1914. Those years saw revolutions, rapid urban growth, rail travel, new forms of leisure and major changes in how artists represented ordinary life.
Manet’s Olympia challenged expectations about the nude in modern painting. Renoir’s Bal du moulin de la Galette turns a Montmartre gathering into a study of light, movement and social life.
In the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist galleries, do not look only for famous names. Compare how Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh use colour and brushwork to make light, weather or emotion feel active on the surface.
The decision to create the museum was made on 20 October 1977. ACT-Architecture, led by Bardon, Colboc and Philippon, transformed the station, while Gae Aulenti shaped the interior layout from 1980.
The result does not hide the old station behind neutral gallery walls. Sculpture, painting and architecture appear in changing relationships, with the station’s long axis repeatedly pulling your eye back toward the centre.
Start by seeing the nave as the organising line, then move outward into the galleries. The clock, the river-facing setting and the paintings all belong to a Paris shaped by modern life. Once you see that connection, Orsay becomes more than a sequence of masterpieces.
Musée d’Orsay offers standard admission tickets, reduced rates and free entry for eligible visitors. Ticket prices depend on the booking method, visitor category and selected experience.
Guided tours, audioguides and special activities may cost extra. Check the final price, admission inclusions and cancellation conditions before booking.
Advance online booking is strongly recommended, especially during weekends, school holidays and busy tourist periods. A timed ticket helps you plan your museum visit around a reserved entry window.
The museum is undergoing renovation work from March 2026 through summer 2028, which affects visitor entrances. Check your ticket and the current entrance instructions before travelling.
Yes. Visitors can generally purchase admission tickets at the museum, subject to availability. However, arriving without a reservation may involve additional waiting.
During the renovation period, visitors without timed tickets use the Forecourt Entrance. Visitors holding timed-entry tickets should follow signs for the Quay Entrance.
A standard museum ticket includes access to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions covered by the selected admission category, subject to gallery availability and museum conditions.
A personal guide, audioguide, food and drinks are not automatically included. If you book a third-party ticket, check the exact services listed in the product description.
Musée d’Orsay normally opens Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. On Thursdays, the museum stays open until 9:45 PM.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Galleries normally begin closing before the building itself, so allow enough time to see your preferred artworks.
Yes. The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month, but visitors must reserve a free timed-entry slot in advance.
Free admission does not guarantee entry without a reservation. Book your preferred time early and bring your confirmation when visiting.
Visitors under 18 can enter free. Free admission also applies to eligible EU or EEA nationals aged 18–25 and certain qualifying residents, students and visitors with disabilities.
Visitors with disabilities and one accompanying person receive free priority admission with valid documentation. Other free-entry categories may require a reservation and proof of eligibility.
Musée d’Orsay is famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections. Highlights include works by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas and Édouard Manet.
Popular artworks include Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône, Renoir’s Bal du moulin de la Galette and Manet’s Olympia. Displays can change because of loans, restoration or temporary exhibitions.
Allow approximately 2–3 hours for a comfortable visit covering the main collections, famous paintings and the museum’s historic railway-station architecture.
If you enjoy art, want to attend a temporary exhibition or plan to eat inside, allow 3–4 hours. Visitors with limited time can focus on selected galleries and major highlights.
A guided tour can be useful for first-time visitors who want to understand the museum’s major artworks, Impressionist techniques and the historical background of the collections.
Compare the tour duration, language, meeting point and group size. Some guided-tour products include museum admission, while others require a separate entrance ticket.
Yes. Photography and video recording for personal use are generally permitted, provided you do not use flash, disturb other visitors or obstruct the galleries.
Some artworks and temporary exhibitions may have additional restrictions. Tripods, lighting equipment and commercial photography require special arrangements or authorisation.
Yes. The museum has several dining options, including its historic restaurant, Café Campana near the Impressionist galleries and Café de la Gare beneath the main nave.
A seasonal terrace also offers refreshments and views over Paris when weather conditions allow. Food, drinks and restaurant purchases are not included in a standard admission ticket.
Yes. Families can explore the museum together, and visitors under 18 qualify for free admission. The museum offers family activities, children’s audioguides and baby-changing facilities.
Elevators and ramps provide access for visitors with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs, folding seats and compact strollers can be borrowed subject to availability. Large prams and metal-framed baby carriers are not permitted.
Musée d’Orsay is located at Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 75007 Paris, on the Left Bank of the Seine. The nearest RER station is Musée d’Orsay on Line C.
You can also take Métro Line 12 to Solférino and walk to the museum. During renovation work, check whether your ticket directs you to the Quay Entrance or Forecourt Entrance.
Cancellation and refund conditions depend on the ticket type and booking provider. Standard museum admission, guided tours and third-party packages may have different terms.
Review the cancellation deadline, date-change conditions and refund policy before purchasing. If you booked through an external provider, contact that provider directly about changes to your reservation.
Each attraction has its own visitor guide, covering opening hours, ticket options and practical route advice. A great deal of what hangs here was painted within a few miles of the building — the river outside, the opera house to the north, Monet’s garden an hour west. The station itself was built for the 1900 exposition and stopped taking long-distance trains in 1939.
Each guide is maintained by our Independent guides, with factual details checked against official sources where available. We do not sell tickets directly. Bookings are handled by third-party booking partners, and we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
