Paris is a dream destination for art lovers, and the Musée d’Orsay is undoubtedly a must-see. Housed in a beautifully renovated former railway station, this grand museum boasts an exceptional collection of 19th-century masterpieces by artists such as Claude Monet, Renoir, and Vincent Van Gogh. The masterpieces aren’t the only highlight—the building’s architecture is also breathtaking. Don’t miss the stunning city view from the two observation points behind the iconic clock and from the panoramic terrace above the Café des Hauteurs.
The Musée d’Orsay houses the world’s largest collection of Impressionist paintings and ranks among Paris’s top attractions. But its popularity means it can get very crowded. That’s why FullTravel.it has created this detailed guide on how to buy tickets for the Musée d’Orsay, helping you plan a smooth and stress-free visit.
In a hurry? Here’s the best way to buy Musée d’Orsay tickets: The easiest way to buy your Musée d’Orsay tickets is to book online in advance here. These tickets skip the line and are refundable up to 24 hours before entry. If you want to combine your visit with a Seine river cruise, opt for a combined ticket instead.
Best Ways to Buy Musée d’Orsay Tickets
There are several ways to get your Musée d’Orsay tickets—the best choice depends on how you want to enjoy the museum and your overall Paris experience. There are also ways to save money or even enter for free.
Buying Tickets at the Entrance (Not Recommended)
Tickets can be purchased at the Musée d’Orsay entrance at a reduced price of €14 instead of €16. However, this is not recommended. Even off-season, long lines form as millions visit each year. To avoid waiting, it’s best not to buy tickets at the door.
Booking Online in Advance (Recommended)
Booking your tickets online ahead of time is one of the best options. You’ll skip the entrance queue and go straight to security checks—essentially, a skip-the-line ticket for the Musée d’Orsay. You can book through the museum’s official website or a third-party seller like GetYourGuide. The latter is strongly recommended because GetYourGuide tickets are fully refundable up to 24 hours before your visit, unlike tickets on the official site. GetYourGuide also lets you reserve now and pay later, ideal if you’re still planning.
Useful tip. On the first Monday of each month, free tickets for the Musée d’Orsay are available to everyone, but you must book online in advance. Free tickets are released about a month ahead and sell out fast, so check the official site for the next release.
Book a Guided Tour
If you want to dive deeper into the art and artists, book a guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay. Options include group tours, small-group tours, or tours including lunch. Each tour lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes and covers classics by Manet, Renoir, and Monet, plus insights into the museum’s industrial architecture. There are also 90-minute guided tours, but children under 13 are not allowed.
Combine a Seine River Cruise and Musée d’Orsay Ticket
If you’re planning to visit the Musée d’Orsay and enjoy a Seine cruise, consider the combo ticket. Get priority entry to the Musée d’Orsay and an open ticket for the river cruise, so you can board whenever you prefer.
Buy a Museum Pass
Paris is packed with amazing museums, and you’ll likely want to visit more than just the Musée d’Orsay. The Paris Museum Pass gives you priority access to over 60 museums and attractions for a great price. Not only do you get in faster at top sites like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, but you’ll also have access to Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Château de Pierrefonds—all at a single price. The Paris Museum Pass is valid for 2 to 6 days, with an option to add a Seine river cruise.
