- 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.
Orsay Museum’s operating hours and best times to visit
Today
Open 09:30–18:00
Last Admission
17:00
Orsay Museum
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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 2 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 2 TO Dec 31) | TIMINGS | Last Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:30–21:45 | 21:00 |
| Friday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Saturday (Today) | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
Jan 1 TO Jan 1 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Jan 1) | TIMINGS | Last Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
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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
Best time to visit the Orsay Museum
Weekday vs Weekend
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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.
Peak season vs low season
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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.
How long should I spend at the Orsay Museum?
