Orsay Museum’s operating hours and best times to visit

Consider visiting during weekday afternoons or on Thursday evenings when the museum stays open later. These times typically see fewer visitors, making for leisurely exploring. Avoid Tuesdays and weekends, as these days tend to be busier.

Yes, the museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

You do not need to reserve time slots to visit the museum. Reservations are required for the first Sundays of every month when admission is free and there are crowds.

No. The Orsay Museum is closed on Mondays.

We recommend spending anywhere between 2 to 6 hours inside the Orsay Museum.

Wednesdays and Fridays see fewer crowds. Thursday evening is a good time to visit the museum since it is open till 9:45pm.

Apart from May 1 and December 25, you can visit Orsay Museum on public holidays. However, there might be larger crowds during the holidays, so we advise planning your visit accordingly.

On Thursdays, the Orsay Museum remains open till 9:45pm.

No, the last admission is strictly at 5pm on regular days and at 9pm on Thursdays. Galleries begin closing 30 minutes before the museum's official closing time.