Are you dreaming of visiting the world-renowned Musée d’Orsay in Paris? You’re not alone. This museum is a mecca for art lovers, showcasing some of the most iconic Impressionist paintings by the likes of Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent Van Gogh. But with over 3 million visitors per year, the crowds can be overwhelming. Like the Louvre, you need to plan ahead.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to let the crowds deter you from experiencing the beauty of the Musée d’Orsay. By pre-booking your tickets, you’ll have access to a reserved entrance, which tends to sell out fast. This means no more standing in long lines, giving you more time to fully immerse yourself in the stunning collection. Trust us, the experience is worth it. Don’t miss the chance to see Van Gogh’s Starry Night up close and personal and other masterpieces. Don’t wait, secure your tickets now and make the most of your visit to the Musée d’Orsay.
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Although you can beat the crowds at the Musée d’Orsay, let’s start with the bad news. There is no skip-the-line ticket where you pay extra to jump the line. Similar to Burj Khalifa in Dubai, lots of blogs and websites claim to sell skip-the-line tickets. Still, in reality, these tickets don’t exist. Musée d’Orsay doesn’t offer to skip the line tickets. But there is also good news: there is a way to skip the line at the museum. This post contains affiliate links on which we could earn a commission.
Musée d’Orsay’s Timed Entry tickets
The magic key to skipping the line and beating Musée d’Orsay’s crowds are so-called timed entry tickets. You basically have two choices. Choice one is to show up to the museum anytime you like and stand in line with the other 3 million visitors. Alternatively, you plan your visit to Paris. You pick a date and time you want to visit, and you can access the Musée d’Orsay’s priority access lane. That is, of course, only if you show up at your designated timeslot.
Why you shouldn’t buy tickets directly at Musée d’Orsay!
When it comes to buying tickets for the Musée d’Orsay, it’s important to understand the differences between buying directly from the museum and buying through a reseller like GetYourGuide.com. Below is a comparison table to help you make an informed decision:
| Musée d’Orsay | GetYourGuide.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Refund policy | Non-refundable | 24 hour cancellation with full refund |
| Additional cost | 0 EUR | 1 EUR |
| Consumer protection | Minimal | Strong |
| Personal data required | High | Low |
| Website usability | Poor | Good |
As the table shows, purchasing your tickets through GetYourGuide.com offers more consumer protection with the added benefit of a 24 hour cancellation policy with a full refund. Additionally, it is a more user-friendly and less invasive process when it comes to personal data. On the other hand, buying directly from the Musée d’Orsay is a non-refundable option with poor website usability.
Please note that this post is not legal advice.
Does the Musée d’Orsay sell timed entry tickets?
Yes! The museum sells timed entry tickets. We recommend buying these tickets through our affiliate partner GetYourGuide.com to get more consumer protection than the museum offers.
Isn’t Musée d’Orsay free? Aren’t there free days?
Yes! There are certain free days. Entrance is free for everyone aged under 18. For EU citizens, that age limit goes up to 25 years. There are also some days when admission is free for everyone: On the first Sunday of each month. Reservations are still required for these Sundays. You can do this directly on the museum’s website.
Can you skip the line at Musée d’Orsay?
No, you cannot skip the line at the Musée d’Orsay. But you can buy timed entry tickets! Timed entry tickets are a great way to skip the line. This ticket will save you time standing in line at the museum’s ticket counter. While timed entry tickets don’t get you access to a special fast-track, they allow you to enter the museum without waiting. How does it work? Is it simple? Just buy a timed entry ticket from an authorized reseller such as GetYourGuide.com.
What is the best time of the day to visit Musée d’Orsay?
Like all museums in Paris, Musée d’Orsay is at its busiest just after lunch. Suppose you want to visit the museum without crazy crowds. In that case, we recommend visiting the museum in the morning, late afternoon, or evening. Basically, avoid anytime between 12:00 and 18:00.
What is the best day to visit Musée d’Orsay?
Like all museums in Paris, Musée d’Orsay is at its busiest during the weekends. If you want to visit the museum without crazy crowds, we recommend visiting the museum during the week. Those days that access is free are obviously the most popular.
Who is entitled to free access to Musée d’Orsay?
Many people will get free access to the Musée d’Orsay. Here are some examples:
- Those under 18, regardless of citizenship.
- 18–25-year-old residents of the European Economic Area
- Teachers of art or art history
- Disabled visitors and an accompanying visitor.
- Job seekers
If you are trying a free ticket, make sure that you bring proof! Please note that you still need to book a timeslot on the museum’s website.
