How to Skip the Line at the Musée d'Orsay
every visitor needs a timed booking, so book a slot on the official site before you go. For the calmest visit, choose a Thursday evening (open until 9:45 pm) or the first slot of a weekday morning, and head straight up to the Impressionists on the fifth floor. The museum is closed on Mondays.
- Ticket
- About €16 online. Reduced price on Thursday evenings
- Booking
- Timed slot required for everyone, including free visitors
- Closed
- Mondays, plus 1 May and 25 December
- Late opening
- Thursdays until 9:45 pm (last entry about 9 pm)
- Free
- Under-26 EU residents, and first Sunday of the month (booking still needed)
- Best time
- Thursday evening or 9:30 am on a weekday
- Time to allow
- 2-3 hours
How long are the lines at the Musée d'Orsay?
Orsay used to be known for long ticket queues along the Seine. While the entrance halls are renovated (planned to last until 2028), a timed booking is required for everyone. That means fewer queues at the door, but slots on weekends and in summer can sell out, and there's still a security check.
Before you pick your slot, check how busy the Musée d'Orsay is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for French holidays, school breaks and weather.
Check today’s crowds at Musée d'Orsay →