Exploring Musee d’Orsay: A Must-Visit Parisian Attraction
Musee d’Orsay is a world-renowned museum located in the heart of Paris, France. The museum is housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station that was built in the late 19th century and was converted into a museum in 1986. Musee d’Orsay is known for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, as well as its impressive architecture and stunning views of the Seine River. In this article, we will explore the history of Musee d’Orsay, its top exhibits, and how to make the most of your visit.
History of Musee d’Orsay
The building that now houses Musee d’Orsay was originally built as a railway station, the Gare d’Orsay, in 1900. The station was used for suburban and regional train services until 1939 when it was closed due to its inability to accommodate longer trains. Get exciting offers at Paris Attraction tickets
In the 1970s, there was a plan to demolish the building and replace it with a modern hotel complex. However, a public campaign to save the building was successful, and it was eventually converted into a museum.
Musee d’Orsay opened to the public in 1986 and has since become one of the most popular museums in Paris, attracting millions of visitors every year. Book and get upto 20{4ff670bb91f5a71bed27471ead6462c9b16f5bdce5956c8330f96255c052ee42} off on Musee D’orsay Tickets
Top Exhibits at Musee d’Orsay
Musee d’Orsay is known for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, as well as its impressive collection of sculpture, decorative arts, and photography. Here are some of the top exhibits that you should see when you visit the museum:
- Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art
Musee d’Orsay is home to some of the most famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world, including works by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The museum’s collection of Impressionist art is particularly strong, with works from the late 19th century that capture the beauty of the natural world and the changing landscape of modern life.
- Sculpture
Musee d’Orsay has an impressive collection of sculptures, with works from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum’s sculpture collection includes works by Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel, and Antoine Bourdelle, among others.
- Decorative Arts
Musee d’Orsay also has a significant collection of decorative arts, including furniture, glass, and ceramics. The museum’s collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces is particularly noteworthy, with works by Hector Guimard, Emile Gallé, and René Lalique.
- Photography
Musee d’Orsay has a growing collection of photography, with works from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum’s collection includes works by famous photographers such as Eugène Atget and Henri Cartier-Bresson.