The Musee d’Orsay is comprised of three distinct levels, each devoted to artwork dating from 1848 to 1914, and the various art movements within. The unique collections include paintings, sculpture, photographs, architecture, pastels, furniture, art objects and more. Additionally, the museum offers a permanent multimedia room, with twelve stations accessible to visitors. Located on the second floor, the workstations constitute a multimedia library, complete with quick responding times and excellent picture quality. Several of the Musee d’Orsay’s art collections are derived from museums such as the renowned Musee du Louvre (located across the Seine from the d’Orsay), the Musee du Jeu de Paume and the Musee National d’Art Moderne, to name a few.

Incidentally, the Musee d’Orsay was not always the prominent museum it is today. It was originally a house of royalty; that is, until the Orsay Palace burnt down in 1871. About 29 years later, the site was rebuilt into the Gare d’Orsay train station, quite a transformation to say the least. The station was designed by Victor Laloux for the Universal Exposition, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. But the station would be shut down by 1939. Fortunately, French philanthropists saved the building from the wrecking ball and converted the structure into the museum it is today.

Metro: Solferino – RER C : Musee d’Orsay