Exploring the Wonders of Musee D’Orsay

Are you a lover of art and history? If so, you must not miss the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, France. The museum is dedicated to showcasing art that was produced during the period of 1848-1914, and it is one of the most visited museums in France. In this blog post, we will explore the wonders of Musee d’Orsay and what makes it a unique destination for art enthusiasts.

The History Behind Musee D’Orsay

Musee d’Orsay was originally a railway station named Gare d’Orsay. It was built between 1898-1900 by Victor Laloux, who was one of the most prominent architects of his time. However, with advancements in transportation technology, Gare d’Orsay became outdated and hence closed down in 1939.

After several years of being left unused, the government decided to convert it into an art museum in 1977. After extensive renovations that lasted five years, Miles Davis inaugurated the Musee d’Orsay on December 1st, 1986.

The Art Collections

The collections at Musee d’Orsay are divided into three main categories: painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. These collections are arranged chronologically according to artistic movements instead of artists to give visitors an understanding of how different styles evolved over time.

Painting Collection

One cannot help but be awed by some of the masterpieces on display at Musee d’Orsay’s painting collection. Some notable works include Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night Over The Rhone,” Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies,” Paul Cézanne’s “The Card Players” among others.

Sculpture Collection

The sculpture collection at Musee d’Orsay is equally impressive with works that date back to the 19th century. The sculptures are displayed on several levels and include works by Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel, and Edgar Degas.

Decorative Arts Collection

The Decorative arts collection at Musee d’Orsay is home to various art objects, furniture, and even jewelry from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the different styles such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Symbolism.

The Museum’s Architecture

As mentioned earlier, Musee d’Orsay was originally a railway station designed by Victor Laloux. Laloux’s architectural style was inspired by Beaux-Arts architecture which is characterized by orderliness and symmetry.

One of the most recognizable features of this museum is its clock, which has become an iconic symbol of Parisian architecture. The clock offers a magnificent view of Paris through its glass face.

The Visitor Experience

Musee d’Orsay welcomes millions of visitors every year; hence it has put measures in place to ensure visitors have an enjoyable experience while exploring its collections. Some of these measures include;

Virtual Tour

For those who may not be able to visit physically, Musee d’Orsay provides a virtual tour where people can enjoy exploring the museum’s collections from anywhere in the world.

Audioguides

Audioguides provide visitors with interesting insights into the history behind some of the masterpieces on display at Musee d’Orsay.

Workshops for children

Musee d’Orsay’s workshops cater to children aged six years old above and offer them an opportunity to learn about art through interactive activities.

How To Get There And When To Visit

Musee d’Orsay is located in Paris city center at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France. You can get there via public transport using buses, trains, or the metro. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except on Thursdays when it closes at 9:45 p.m.

Conclusion

Musee d’Orsay is undoubtedly one of the best art museums in the world. Visitors who get to experience its collections are left with awe-inspiring memories that last a lifetime. Its location inside an iconic railway station and the beautiful architecture make this museum a unique destination for art enthusiasts from all over the world.