Orsay Museum Hours | Best Time to Visit Orsay Museum

Timings

Musée d'Orsay

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

Closed on: Mondays, 1st May, and 25th December

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

Best time to visit the Musée d'Orsay

Weekday vs Weekend

For the best experience at the museum, it's advisable to steer clear of 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, with significantly fewer visitors after 6 pm.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

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, adorned with lights and enticing sales. Spring boasts 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. Expect warm and sunny weather in summer, while autumn brings slightly cooler temperatures.

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, 3-4 hours allows exploration of the extensive collection, including masterpieces by Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne. If time is abundant, consider dedicating 4-5 hours to cover everything, including temporary exhibitions. Art enthusiasts with over 5 hours to spare can leisurely savour each exhibit and truly immerse themselves in the museum's rich offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Orsay Museum hours

What are the Orsay Museum hours?

Orsay Museum hours are between 9:30am to 6pm from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. Additionally, the museum is open till 9:45pm on Thursdays.

Is the Orsay Museum open every day?

No. The Orsay Museum is closed on Mondays.

When is the Orsay Museum closed?

The Orsay Museum is closed every Monday. It is also closed on May 1 and December 25 every year.

How long should I spend at the Orsay Museum?

We recommend spending anywhere between 2 to 4 hours inside the Orsay Museum.

What is the best time to visit the Orsay Museum?

Wednesdays and Fridays see fewer crowds than the other days. Thursday evening is also a good time to visit the Orsay Museum since it is open till 9:45pm.

Is Orsay Museum open on public holidays?

The Orsay Museum remains closed on May 1 and December 25 in lieu of public holidays falling on these dates.

Should I visit Orsay Museum on a public holiday?

Apart from May 1 and December 25, you can visit Orsay Museum on public holidays. However, please note that there might be larger crowds on the holidays, so it is advisable to plan your visit accordingly.

Are there any specific timings for last admission at Orsay Museum?

From Tuesday to Sunday, the last entry to the museum is at 5pm, with the final access to exhibitions at 5:15pm, and the closing of rooms beginning from 5:30pm. On Thursdays, the last entry extends until 9 pm, and the rooms start closing at 9:15pm.

Does Orsay Museum have evening hours?

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

What is the best season to visit Orsay Museum?

The best time to explore the Orsay Museum is during Paris's off-peak seasons, spanning from November to March in winter and April to May in spring.