Louvre vs Musée d’Orsay: Which Paris Museum Should You Visit?

When planning a trip to Paris, a problem can arise: the Louvre vs Musee d’Orsay. Choosing between these two museums is very hard. Both museums are world-famous and offer rich history, stunning art, and unforgettable experiences to their visitors.

Some visitors also want to explore the Louvre Museum and Musee d’Orsay on the same day. I remember my visit to Paris. It was hard for me to choose between them. If you have time to visit one, which one should you choose?

Should you explore the iconic Louvre with its world-famous masterpieces like the Mona Lisa? Or is the Musée d’Orsay, with its rich collection of Impressionist art, more your style? In this post, I will explain the key differences between the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. You can identify which Paris museum is the best fit for your interests. Let’s discuss it.

Key takeaways:

• The Louvre Museum has around 500,000 artworks from many cultures and eras.
• Orsay Museum has about 3,000 art pieces and 45,000 images in the collections.
• The best time to visit both museums is early in the morning for fewer crowds.
• Some online platforms offer combo tickets for both museums. It can help you save money and time.

Overview of Paris’s Premier Art Museums

Paris is the capital of France. It is famous for its architectural beauty, art, and culture. The other name of Paris is “The City of Light”. There are around 130–140 museums in Paris. The Louvre Museum and Musee d’Orsay are two of them. These are must-visit Paris museum destinations for art and history lovers.

Louvre Museum: House of Mona Lisa

The Louvre Museum is giant, with an area of 73,000 square meters. It is the largest museum in the world. Louvre is not just a museum; it is a storehouse of history and culture with over 500,000 works from around the world. The museum is situated on the banks of the River Seine in Paris City.

The history and origin of the Louvre Museum are interesting. Once, it was a fortress, and then it became a royal palace. Finally, it became a museum on 10 August 1793. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions, with over 10 million visitors every year.

Musée d’Orsay: From Railway Station to Famous Museum

The Orsay Museum is located in the 7th Arrondissement of Paris. It is very famous and also one of the most visited museums by tourists in the world. In 2023, 3.9 million tourists visited this museum.

The building of the museum was originally a railway station before it became a museum. In the 1930s, the operation of the station was stopped. After some time, the government of France turned the station into a museum. On December 9, 1986, the government allowed people to visit the museum.

Historical Background of Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum

The story of the Louvre Museum begins in 1190. King Philip II of France decided to build a strong fortress on the banks of the Seine River. He created this fortress to protect Paris from outside attacks. It was called the Louvre.

Origins as a royal palace

In the late 14th century, the Louvre started its service as a house of French kings. After King Charles V, other kings of France continued to improve the work of the Louvre. The kings are Charles VI and Louis XI. But when Francis I came to the throne, he took a big plan of renovation.

Architectural evolution over centuries

• Medieval Era (12th Century): Originally, it was a fortress and then became a museum. In the starting time, the Louvre was in utilitarian shape. It has thick walls and defensive towers.
• Renaissance (16th Century): King François I brought big changes to the Louvre. He updated it into a royal palace.
• Classical Era (17th Century): Under Louis XIV, the Louvre’s design became more systematic and grand.
• Napoleonic Era (19th Century): After the French Revolution, Napoleon I added the famous Napoleon Courtyard to the museum.
• Modern Enhancements (20th Century): The most iconic modern museum we see with a glass pyramid was designed by architect I. M. Pei.

The Glass Pyramid of the Louvre Museum

The glass pyramid entry gate of the Louvre is very famous. It is in the main courtyard (Cour Napoléon). Designed by architect I. M. Pei, the pyramid is 35.4 meters (116 feet) in height and width and is made up of 35,000 glass panes.

History of the Musée d’Orsay

The museum building is very old. It was a railway station before it became a museum. Between 1898 and 1900, France built the building. The purpose was to welcome visitors to the 1900 Universal Exhibition. In the 1930s, the operation of the station was stopped. After some time, the government of France turned the station into a museum.

Beaux-Arts Architectural Style

The Musée d’Orsay’s architectural style is called Beaux-Arts. It was popular in the late 19th century. It was famous in that old time. The design focuses on grandeur, symmetry, and the use of classical architectural elements.

Unique Structural Elements

1. The Grand Nave: A central hall with a big area. In old times, it was used as a waiting area. The size of the hall is over 140 meters (459 feet) in length.

2. The Central Clock: Visitors’ favorite for taking pictures. This large clock is located at the end of the central nave.

3. The Use of Glass and Steel: The roof and many walls of the building have large glass panels. They are supported by steel frames, which were groundbreaking for their time.

Art Collections and Highlights

The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France, have vast collections of paintings, art, and sculptures. To cover this kind of large collection is hard; I will share the main highlights through a comparison of art collections.

Louvre Highlights

The Louvre Museum’s collection is very vast; you can’t even imagine it. It features around 500,000 artworks. The collection covers almost all ancient civilizations to the modern world. Let’s have a look at some important periods:

Ancient Egypt: This civilization is very old in the history of mankind. The Louvre has a collection from this civilization.

Renaissance: The Renaissance is a great time in European history. You can find works by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who have a big collection from the Renaissance.

Baroque: This period was from about 1600 to 1750, and there were contributions to the architectural style, art, and design. Italy saw it first and then spread to the whole of Europe.

Medieval: Medieval means the time between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. The Louvre has many paintings and sculptures from this time.

Greek and Roman: These are the two most powerful civilizations in the history of mankind. Louvre has many coins, poetry, and sculptures from Greek and Roman.

Louvre Museum Must-See Paintings

1. The Mona Lisa: The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci. It is the most famous painting in the world. The painting is famous for its enigmatic smile. Everyone talks about her mysterious smile.

2. The Winged Victory of Samothrace: This incredible sculpture of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. It is another Must-See attraction at the Louvre. With her wings spread wide, the statue seems alive.

3. Venus de Milo: Another famous statue representing Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. If you are wondering why is the Louvre Museum famous? This iconic piece is certainly part of the answer.

4. Liberty Leading the People: This painting represents a beautiful moment in the French Revolution. It is not just a masterpiece, but a political statement.

5. Coronation of Napoleon: A painting shows the crowning of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of France. The artist of this painting is Jacques-Louis David.

If you are interested in exploring more about “What to See in Louvre Museum?”, Read our Blog on Best 10 Louvre’s Masterpieces Not to Miss.

Musée d’Orsay Highlights

The Musee d orsay museum has many amazing paintings, photographs, and sculptures. The museum collection is very old. They include paintings from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. The museum is at the top for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections of paintings.

What to See in Musee d Orsay

“Self-Portrait” by Vincent van Gogh: Vincent van Gogh painted his own face. He wore a suit. A swirling, disorienting backdrop surrounded him.

“The Luncheon on the Grass” by Édouard Manet: A painting of a picnic with a nude woman.

“Card Players” by Paul Cézanne: It is a series of five paintings. The main theme is a battle between the two players.

“Starry Night” by Van Gogh: The first in a series of paintings in which Van Gogh tried to capture the colour of light at night. The time was 1888.

Orsay’s Giant Clock: There are three giant clocks in the museum. These are from the time of the railway station.

Photography Gallery: It is the first professional photographic gallery in France. It has over 45,000 images.

Olympia (Édouard Manet): This painting represents a nude female. Manet challenged the traditions of that time.

Planning a visit to Orsay Museum and Struggling to Book a Ticket? Read Our Musee d’Orsay Tickets Buying Tips.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Visiting Paris museums is a way to inspire future generations. When you are visiting the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay, you must know some necessary information. If you know the museum layout, facilities, and services, you can enjoy the museum better.

Museum Layout and Navigation

Louvre Museum: The Louvre Museum is huge in size, with over 60,000 square meters. The museum has three wings and four floors. Sully, Denon, and Richelieu are the names of the three wings.

Navigating the Louvre can be hard due to its big size. You can use the Louvre’s official app, which provides maps, audio guides, and thematic itineraries.

Musée d’Orsay: The Musée d’Orsay is small with a size of 16,000 square meters. The permanent collection of Musee d Orsay has 5 levels and 2 divisions of galleries.

Exploring Musée d’Orsay is easier compared to the Louvre due to its open, linear design.

Pro Tips: You can use an entry ticket with an audio guide for easy navigation. Buy your ticket for Louvre Museum and Orsay Museum.

Dining Options Within Each Museum

Louvre has many cafés and restaurants near it. For example, you can eat at the Café Marly near the Pyramid gate of louvre. If you are looking for a more casual option, Le Foyer de la Danse is best. The food prices can be high.

The Musée d’Orsay has Café de l’Ouest, du Musée d’Orsay within a short distance of it. These restaurants give you the opportunity to have French cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. There is also the Restaurant du Musée d’Orsay offering quick bites and beverages.

Things to Know Before Visiting Louvre and Musée d’Orsay

Louvre Museum 

Opening Hour

• Regular Hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 9am to 6 pm, Wednesday and Friday: 9am to 9pm
• Closed: Tuesdays
• Last Entry: 1 hour before closing time.
• Clearing of Rooms: 30 minutes before closing time.
• Check before your visit for updated museum opening hours.

Louvre Museum Ticket Prices (Official)

• General admission: €22.00
• Free admission: Under 18-year-olds, under 26-year-old residents of the EEA.

Things You Should Know: The Louvre is free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m.

Orsay Museum 

Opening Hour

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. The time is 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day except Tuesday. Tuesday offers some extra time from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. Check before your visit for updated museum opening hours.

Orsay Museum Ticket Prices (Official)

• Adult ticket: €16 (online), €14 (at the museum)
• Late opening rate: €12 (online), €10 (at the museum) for Thursdays from 6 p.m.
• Free: anyone under 18 years old or under 26 years old if an EU resident.

Things You Should Know: Entrance is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.

Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay Tour Options

Guided Tours

Audio guide: Both museums have options for audio guide tours. You can buy an entry ticket with an audio guide for the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay from different platforms. My suggestion is to buy from Tours Travel Finder.

Private guided tours: You can also book a private guided tour. An expert guide will assist you in exploring both museums. Book your private guided tour of Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay.

Skip-the-line tours: Various tour operators offer group skip-the-line tour tickets.

Combo Ticket Options

Many third-party sellers sell combo tickets for the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay. You can also buy the Paris Museum Pass or the Paris Pass for visiting both.

Last-Minute Ticket Price of Louvre Museum & Musée d’Orsay (Reseller)

Though both museums sell tickets on their official websites, it is very hard to get tickets for these Best Paris museums from their websites. There are many reasons why tickets are sold out. High demand and a limited amount of tickets are some of them.

In these situations, last minute tickets can save you from disappointment. Here are some last-minute ticket buying links for you:

Best Times to Visit Louvre Museum

Visit early in the morning while the gate is open for fewer crowds. January to March and late September to November are typically less crowded. If you visit during these months, you can enjoy the museum better. Visit on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, for less crowd.

Read More About the Best Time to Visit the Louvre Museum.

What is the Best Time to Visit Musee d orsay?

Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit the museum. There is a small crowd during the museum’s opening hours. Try to visit on weekdays for fewer crowds. In terms of season, go in the low season, like November to March.

Things to Do Near Louvre and Musee d’Orsay

Near the Louvre Museum

1. Jardin des Tuileries: The beautiful garden Tuileries is located near the Louvre. It is one of Paris’s most famous gardens and a perfect spot for a break.
2. Palais Royal: The Palais Royal is located right next to the Louvre Museum. It was a former French royal palace. It is the ideal spot for a tea break or a picnic.
3. Rue de Rivoli: This street is famous for different types of shops. Enjoy your shopping at Rue de Rivoli near the Louvre.

Near Musée d’Orsay

1. Musée de l’Orangerie: You can explore Musée de l’Orangerie. It is the art museum located in the west corner of the Tuileries Gardens. Confirm Your Ticket Before Visiting the Museum.
2. Pont de l’Alma: A connecting bridge between the 7th and 8th arrondissements. It offers a wonderful view of the city.
3. Eiffel Tower: If you can walk or take a short metro ride, you can explore the Eiffel Tower. It is one of the most iconic structures in the world.

Common Activities Near Both Museums

The Seine River cruise is an activity you can enjoy near both museums. Many operators offer combo tickets for cruise rides and museum entry. You can Book the Louvre Museum and Seine River Cruise or Seine River Cruise With Dinner Tour Tickets.

Which Museum is Right for You?

The Louvre has art from Ancient Mesopotamia to 18th-century France. The museum has the world’s largest collection of Italian art outside Italy. This is due to the French royals’ passion for Italian artists.

Visit the Louvre: if you want to see a vast array of art from different cultures and periods, and if you’re interested in iconic masterpieces.

The Orsay Museum mainly showcases 19th-century art, especially French. It features neoclassical, Napoleonic, Romantic, Academic, Impressionist, and Post-Impressionist art.

Visit the Musée d’Orsay: if you prefer a more focused collection of Impressionist art and a less crowded environment.

Are you a Museum Lover? Click and Learn About the Best Small Museums in Paris.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which museum is larger, the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay? 

The Louvre is significantly larger, housing over 35,000 artworks, while Musée d’Orsay displays around 3,000 pieces.

Do both museums offer free entry on certain days? 

Yes, both offer free admission. The Louvre is free on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. Musée d’Orsay is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Can I see Impressionist art at the Louvre? 

The Louvre’s collection primarily features art up to the mid-19th century; for Impressionist works, visit Musée d’Orsay.

Are guided tours available at both museums? 

Yes, both offer guided tours and audio guides to enhance the visitor experience.

Which museum is more suitable for families with children? 

Both are family-friendly, but Musée d’Orsay’s manageable size may be more comfortable for families.

Conclusion

Visiting Paris museums is a dream come true for art lovers. Both the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are the world’s top and most visited museums. Visiting either of them can give you the best experience of art, history, and culture. Choosing one over the other depends on your personal taste and interests. Plan your visit today and explore the world’s best museums.