The moment you pass by the Musée d'Orsay, almost 58000 m2 big, you realize its grandness and its role in the city of Paris and in the world of art. Located on the bank of the Seine River, it is the third most notable museum in France and tenth in the world, assembling thousands of spectacular and heritage works from artists some have only read about in books.

The grand building, located just opposite Tuileries Garden with a beautiful view of the Louvre, was built as a train station – Gare d’Orsay – for the World’s Fair in 1900. When the building was protected as a historical monument in 1978, it gradually became a museum, exhibiting breathtaking collections from 19th century pre-impressionists and impressionists to great names such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Manet, Tissot, Renoir, and so many more.

But the moment you enter the building you realize its uniqueness. The spectacular grandeur, the space, and the history. It all starts on level 0 with a sculpture gallery to slowly stroll through to get to the end where you'll find Paris under your feet (literally), a small mock-up of Garnier Opera, and other buildings. On the River Lille side, you'll admire artists from Delacroix to Degas and Morreau, while on the Seine side, aside from temporary exhibits, you'll see Monet, Manet, Millet, Courbet, and other artists.

Stepping up, closer to the grand clocks that seem to be the signatures of this museum, there will be works of various schools and countries, including the beloved Van Gogh and Gauguin. You will travel from the end of the 19th century to pieces of Art Nouveau from 1905 to 1914, and art from all over Europe.

Almost at the top, where both giant clocks are located, you'll stroll through impressionist galleries that hide gems we learned about in school, saw in movies, and were described by others.

1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
www.musee-orsay.com
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