Orsay Museum

Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm, from Tuesday to Sunday and 9:30am to 9:45pm on Thursday

Closed on: Mondays, May 1, and December 25.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Wednesday (Today)	09:30–18:00	17:00
Thursday	09:30–21:45	21:00
Friday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Saturday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Sunday	09:30–18:00	17:00

Last entry:

Museum: 5pm on Tuesday to Sunday and 9pm on Thursday
Exhibitions: 5:15pm on Tuesday to Sunday and 9pm on Thursday
Rooms: 5:30pm on Tuesday to Sunday and 9:15pm on Thursday

Book Orsay Museum tickets

Orsay Museum Guided Impressionist Tour with Lunch

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

2 hr. 45 min.

Meals included

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 18%): Orsay Museum & Seine River Cruise Tickets

Mobile ticket

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 11%): Orsay Museum with Audio Guide + Orangerie Museum Tickets

Mobile ticket

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Orsay Museum Guided Impressionist Tour

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

2 hr. - 2 hr. 45 min.

Meals included

‌

Check availability

Best time to visit the Orsay Museum

Weekday vs Weekend

For the best experience at the museum, avoid weekends and holidays. Tuesdays and Sundays tend to be particularly busy. The optimal days for a visit are Wednesdays or Fridays, with fewer crowds in the morning or afternoon. If you prefer evenings, Thursdays are a great choice, as the museum stays open until 9:45 pm.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Paris experiences its low season from November to March (winter) and April to May (spring), marked by fewer tourists and attractive festivities. Spring brings blooming flowers, creating a picturesque atmosphere. This off-peak period offers more affordable hotel rates and attractions. On the flip side, the peak season from June to August (summer) and September to October (autumn) witnesses a surge in global tourism.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at the Orsay Museum?

The ideal duration for your visit to the Orsay Museum depends on your interest in art and your preferred pace. If you're short on time, allocate 2 hours to catch the highlights, featuring iconic pieces like Monet's Nymphéas Bleus and Van Gogh's Starry Night.
For a more comprehensive experience, spend 3 to 4 hours exploring the extensive collection, including masterpieces by Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne.
If you have more time, consider 4 to 5 hours to cover everything, including the temporary exhibitions. Art enthusiasts with over 5 hours to spare can leisurely peruse each exhibit.

Frequently asked questions about Orsay Museum hours

When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

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.

Are there any days when admission is free?

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

Do I need to book a time slot to visit the museum?

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.

How can I reserve my time slot for visits on the first Sunday of every month?

You can reserve the time slots for Sunday visits on the museum’s website.

Is the Orsay Museum open every day?

No. The Orsay Museum is closed on Mondays.

How long should I spend at the Orsay Museum?

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

What is the best time to visit 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.

Should I visit the Orsay Museum on a public holiday?

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.

Does Orsay Museum have evening hours?

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

Can I enter the museum after the last admission time?

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.