Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay

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62 Rue de Lille
75343 Paris, France
011-33-1-40-49-48-14

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Musée d'Orsay Description

A vast museum housed in a converted train station built in 1900, the Musée d'Orsay contains such an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century art that there are usually lots of people in line to get in. If you're traveling with children, however, you don't have to wait in the queue but you can use the Paris Museum Pass side entrance instead. Your children won't be discouraged by the crowds. Instead they'll marvel over the paintings by Monet, Manet, Seurat, Van Gogh, Degas; the larger-than-life sculptures ("why is that man naked Mommy?"); and the gorgeous views of the Seine.

Kid Tips

School-Age Kids: There are guided tours in English and French that leave every hour from the group reception area, some geared specifically toward children ages 8-11.

Pre-Teens & Teens: The museum is free for children younger than 18, though fees may apply to temporary exhibits. A Muséo card has added benefits for older teens.

Planning Notes

Go in the morning. The best time to visit is in the mornings right when the museum opens, especially on Sundays when the crowds are thinnest.

Start at the top. Though you may be tempted by the scultptures and side collections on the main floor, the best way to tackle this museum with kids is to start at the top where you can see some of the most famous pieces in the collection (including the Monets) and also look out from the balconies at the rest of the museum.

Plenty of places to eat. There are three pleasant places to eat inside the museum: the Café des Hauteurs, which has a children's menu (complete with dessert and secret charm inside); a self-serve restaurant; and the sumptuous Restaurant du Musée d'Orsay.

Go online. Check the calendar for special events.

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