Musee d'Orsay (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Musee d'Orsay?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Children enter free, can follow the Pompon audio trail and holiday workshops, yet galleries forbid touching and require quiet, so curiosity is fed but youthful energy may outpace available play space.
Positives:
- Kids Enter Free: Children under 18 have free admission—no ticket costs for your two kids.
- Family Facilities: Strollers, folding chairs, elevators and ramps are available on request.
Challenges:
- Crowded Rooms: Popular Impressionist galleries can get busy—visit early or late afternoon.
- No Metal-Frame Strollers: Bring a lightweight or folding stroller or borrow one at the cloakroom.
What is Musee d'Orsay?
- A museum that presents major 19th- and early 20th-century European art collections
- Housed in the monumental former Gare d’Orsay railway station, featuring Beaux-Arts architecture and a soaring glass-roofed nave
- Housing an extensive ensemble of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and their contemporaries
What is so special about Musee d'Orsay for with kids?
- Free entry for under-18s makes it budget-friendly
- Interactive family trail keeps kids engaged
- Iconic clock and outdoor sculptures spark fun photo ops
- Child-friendly café break under the glass dome
- Accessible facilities and stroller loans ease movement
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore key floors, join a family trail, and rest at the café without rushing kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Musee d'Orsay
Family Self-Guided Trail:
Follow the “Enfant & Compagnie” map to spot fun details in Impressionist works.
Tip: Pick up your free map at the entrance desk and start on the second floor to keep kids engaged.
Iconic Clock Window:
Admire Paris through the giant clock face in the Impressionist galleries.
Tip: Plan a quick snack break by the clock in Café Campana so kids can rest and enjoy the view.
Sculpture Alley:
Walk down the central row of marble and bronze sculptures from 1850–1870.
Tip: Point out the animal forms in the statues to spark your child’s imagination.
Café Campana:
Relax with pastries and hot chocolate under the museum’s large glass dome.
Tip: Order early to claim a seat by the clock window and soak in the natural light.
Bronze Continents on the Square:
Explore six bronze statues outside representing each continent.
Tip: Let kids match each statue to its continent and take a family photo in front.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Musee d'Orsay
- Book Tickets Online: Reserve time-slot tickets in advance to skip the main line.
- Top-Floor First: Start on the upper level then descend; kids see big sculptures and clocks first.
- Use Cloakroom: Store bulky bags and strollers to move quickly between floors.
Reviews of Musee d'Orsay
Sivatharjini Sivarajasingam
This place is honestly incredible! Due to limited time I focused on my personal favourite - Impressionists but you could easily spend a whole day here. The building itself it stunning. Would recommend going out of peak season, I visited in August and it was very busy. I wonder how it would feel with less hustle and bustle. A memorable part of my trip to Paris! Also there is a queue for tickets ...
John Abrahamson
Nice collection of art. Very affordable/fair prices compared to many other museums and galleries. The collection wasn't as large as I imagined, especially being such a large building. But it's worth a visit. There are some great photo opportunities from above, and the impressionists art is fantastic.
Carlota Garcia-Manas
Do not miss this architectural and artistic gem! Do a bit of research first so you target the areas of greatest interest. Impressionists and Art Nuveau were a must for me. Meals are available in various places and they are good. Only downside is the layout of the building, it can be confusing. But the staff were helpful and we found our way at the end. (Uploaded photos are from two different trips...
Thomas Wohl
Everybody knows how fantastic these places. The museum itself is just simply fantastic. Well organized and clean easy to get around. Advice: get Timed Tickets otherwise lines are really long. Audio guide well worth a little extra to learn about the paintings. Many different spots to take photos. The card can get very big around famous artists and pictures. 5 start!! Bring comfortable shoes :-)
Ivan Tan
I'm using Paris Museum Pass, just join the line via Entrance C. This is one of the coolest art museums in Paris, it’s a must-visit if you’re Van Gogh's fan or simply into art. What makes it really special is that the building itself used to be a huge train station, it was the Gare d’Orsay, built around the early 1900s. Instead of tearing it down, they turned it into a museum, which means you get ...
When is the best time to visit Musee d'Orsay (Paris, France)?
During school holidays, join free creative workshops for ages 3–12 at the museum’s education space. In spring and summer, the outdoor square is great for a family picnic after your visit.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult museum tickets | EUR 32 |
| 2 kids audio guides | EUR 7 |
| Café snack for 4 | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 49 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Musee d'Orsay
Address: Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris, France
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About Musee d'Orsay
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+33 1 40 49 48 14Explore Popular Things to Do
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