Embark on a magical journey through the Musée d’Orsay! Discover giant golden clocks, animal sculptures, ballet dancers, and vibrant Impressionist paintings.
THE ULTIMATE PARENT’S GUIDE
Visit the Musée d’Orsay — A Family Adventure Guide
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Musée d’Orsay
- WOW! The building was almost torn down in 1970 before becoming a museum – imagine if this beautiful place had disappeared!
- HOLY MOLY! The giant clock faces are actually made of real gold and are as big as a car!
- SUPER COOL! There are over 2,000 paintings in the museum – if you spent just one minute looking at each one, it would take you more than 33 hours!
- INCREDIBLE! The museum’s floor is made from real wood blocks that were designed to muffle the sound of footsteps, just like when it was a train station!
- AMAZING! The ceiling is made of glass to let in natural light, and it’s as long as two football fields put together!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Musée d’Orsay
The Giant Clock Get Ready for the The Giant Clock : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This enormous clock is like stepping into a giant’s pocket watch! It’s actually a window where you can see all of Paris spread out below.
INTERESTING FACT! The clock is original from when the building was a train station, and it still works perfectly after more than 100 years!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Time Detective” – Have your child pretend to be the clock’s keeper and count the giant numbers. Can they tell what time it is on this massive timepiece?
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could build a house inside this clock, what would you put in it?
DISCUSS: The clock face is so big that if you laid it flat on the ground, you could fit three cars on top of it!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Imagine being a tiny mouse living in this clock! The gears would be like huge playground equipment. The clock has been keeping time since 1900 – that’s over 120 years of tick-tocks! Back then, people used to check this clock to make sure they didn’t miss their trains. The clock is made of real gold and glass, and it takes special clockmakers to keep it running perfectly.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they made the clock so big?
DISCUSS: Train conductors could see this clock from over half a mile away!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: In the old days, before everyone had phones and watches, this clock was like the neighborhood’s timekeeper. People would gather under it to meet friends and family. The clock helped thousands of travelers catch their trains on time. Even today, it still helps visitors find their way around Paris – it’s like a giant compass in the sky!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Can you spot all four numbers on the clock that show meal times (breakfast: 8, lunch: 12, snack: 4, dinner: 7)?
HINT: Look for the big numbers that point to when you’re usually hungry!
OBJECTIVE: Try to find your reflection in the glass of the clock.
HINT: Stand back a few steps and wave – you might see yourself with Paris in the background!
The Animal Gallery Get Ready for the The Animal Gallery : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? It’s like visiting a magical zoo where animals are frozen in bronze and marble! You’ll find lions, bears, elephants, and even tiny mice crafted by famous artists.
INTERESTING FACT! Some of these animal sculptures were once displayed in the Paris Zoo to help artists study real animals!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Animal Action” – Have your child mimic the pose of their favorite animal sculpture. Can they roar like the bronze lion or stand tall like the elephant?
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If these animal sculptures could come to life at night, which one would you want to be friends with?
DISCUSS: The artists who made these sculptures sometimes lived with real animals in their studios to study how they moved!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Just like you might draw your pet at home, these artists spent months watching animals to make their sculptures look real. They noticed how cats stretch, how birds fluff their feathers, and how dogs wag their tails. Some artists even went to the circus to sketch the elephants! The sculptures are so detailed you can see individual fur strands and feathers.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Can you spot which animals are doing something silly or unusual?
DISCUSS: One of the sculptures shows a monkey looking at its reflection in a mirror, just like people do!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Animals in art tell us stories about how people lived with them long ago. Some were pets, others worked on farms, and some were only seen in circuses or zoos. Artists loved showing animals being playful or doing human-like things. Look for the bear catching fish, the dancing horses, and the sleeping cats – they’re just like our animal friends today!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different animals that you might see in your neighborhood.
HINT: Look for cats, dogs, and birds – they’re hidden throughout the gallery!
OBJECTIVE: Spot an animal doing something that your pet does at home.
HINT: Watch for animals sleeping, playing, or eating.
The Ballet Dancer Sculptures by Degas Get Ready for the The Ballet Dancer Sculptures by Degas : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? These delicate dancers look like they could twirl to life any minute! They’re wearing real fabric tutus and have realistic hair ribbons.
INTERESTING FACT! The artist, Degas, watched over 100 ballet classes to learn exactly how dancers move.
COOL ACTIVITY! Strike a ballet pose next to your favorite dancer statue. Can you balance on one foot like they do?
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think these dancers stay so still while balancing on their toes?
DISCUSS: Real ballet dancers can spin 32 times in a row without getting dizzy!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Ballet dancers train just like superheroes! They practice every day for years to become strong enough to dance on their tiptoes. Their special shoes, called pointe shoes, have a hard tip made of layers of fabric and glue. When these sculptures were made, ballet was as popular as movies are today – everyone wanted to see the dancers perform!
ASK YOUR KIDS: What kind of music do you think these dancers would dance to?
DISCUSS: The tutus on these sculptures are made from real fabric that’s over 100 years old!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Ballet dancers move to all kinds of music, from gentle piano songs to big orchestra pieces. Each movement tells a story – a jump might show happiness, while a slow spin might show sadness. These dancers are frozen in the middle of their dance, like pressing pause on a video. Can you imagine what move they’ll do next?
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Count how many different ballet positions you can find.
HINT: Look at the dancers’ feet and arms – each position is different!
OBJECTIVE: Find a dancer wearing a hair ribbon.
HINT: Some dancers have their hair in buns with pretty decorations.
The Model of the Opera House Get Ready for the The Model of the Opera House : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? It’s like peering into the most amazing dollhouse ever made! This tiny version of the Paris Opera House shows every tiny detail, from miniature curtains to tiny golden decorations.
INTERESTING FACT! The model was used by builders to help construct the real Opera House – it’s like their LEGO instructions!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “I Spy” with the model – can you find tiny chairs, windows, and even the famous chandelier?
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could shrink down to the size of a toy, which room in this tiny opera house would you want to explore first?
DISCUSS: The real Opera House has a secret underground lake, just like in the story of “The Phantom of the Opera”!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: This model is like a time machine showing us how theaters looked long ago. Imagine hundreds of tiny people in fancy clothes watching shows here! The real Opera House is so big that you could fit three swimming pools inside its main hall. The builders used this model like we use instruction manuals to build furniture – but this was much more complicated than putting together a bookshelf!
ASK YOUR KIDS: How many different colors can you spot in the decorations?
DISCUSS: The real Opera House used over 12,000 sheets of gold leaf to make everything sparkle!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Opera House was built to be the most beautiful building in Paris. Every tiny piece in this model represents real marble, gold, and crystal in the actual building. The architects wanted people to feel like they were walking into a fairy tale palace. Even today, people dress up in their fanciest clothes to visit the real Opera House, just like they did 150 years ago!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the biggest room in the model where people watched performances.
HINT: Look for the room with rows and rows of tiny red seats!
OBJECTIVE: Spot three different types of decorations that make the Opera House fancy.
HINT: Look for golden statues, sparkling chandeliers, and painted ceilings.
The Impressionist Gallery Get Ready for the The Impressionist Gallery : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? These paintings are like windows into a colorful dream world! They’re full of bright gardens, sunny days, and happy scenes that look like they’re dancing with light.
INTERESTING FACT! The artists painted outdoors to capture real sunlight – they were like nature photographers but with paintbrushes!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Rainbow Hunter” – pick a color and see how many paintings you can find it in.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could jump into one of these paintings for a picnic, which one would you choose?
DISCUSS: These artists mixed their colors right on the canvas, creating paintings that look different as you move closer or farther away!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: These painters loved capturing special moments, just like taking photos with a phone today. They painted their friends having fun, children playing in gardens, and boats floating on sparkly water. The artists used tiny dots and dashes of paint to make their pictures shimmer and move. It’s like they sprinkled magic dust on their paintings to make them come alive!
ASK YOUR KIDS: What sounds would you hear if you were inside these paintings?
DISCUSS: Some artists painted the same scene over 30 times at different times of day to show how sunlight changes colors!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Each painting is like a frozen moment of joy. You might hear birds chirping in the garden scenes, water splashing in the boat paintings, or people laughing at a party. The artists wanted to capture not just what things looked like, but how it felt to be there. They painted wind moving through trees, sunshine sparkling on water, and even the warm glow of sunset!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find a painting that makes you feel happy and explain why.
HINT: Look for bright colors and scenes of people having fun!
OBJECTIVE: Spot three different types of weather in the paintings.
HINT: Some paintings show sunny days, others might show rain or snow.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Musée d’Orsay
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Musée d’Orsay:
Tuileries Garden: A beautiful park right across the Seine River where kids can ride a carousel, play at playgrounds, and enjoy puppet shows in summer.
Orangerie Museum: Home to Monet’s amazing water lily paintings that wrap around entire rooms – it’s like being inside a giant picture book!
Seine River Boats: Take a kid-friendly river cruise to see Paris from the water – spot gargoyles, bridges, and wave to people on the banks!
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “Katie and the Impressionists” by James Mayhew – A delightful picture book about a little girl who jumps into famous paintings
- “Linnea in Monet’s Garden” by Christina Björk – A charming introduction to Impressionist art for young children
- “The Mixed-Up Museum: A Seek-and-Find Adventure” – A fun activity book that teaches kids about art museums
- “My First Trip to the Museum” – A colorful board book perfect for preparing young children for their museum visit
- Download the museum’s free family guide from their website, which includes simple games and activities
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Musée d’Orsay
- The Musée d’Orsay houses the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in a stunning former railway station.
- WHOA! The building was almost demolished in 1970 before being saved by a group of passionate citizens and turned into a museum!
- MIND-BLOWING! The museum’s collections were actually hidden in different locations throughout France during World War II to protect them from the Nazis!
- AMAZING! The building’s original train platforms are still visible beneath some of the gallery floors!
- INCREDIBLE! The museum’s restaurant still has its original 1900 décor and was featured in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris”!
- SUPER COOL! The rooftop terrace offers a view of Sacré-Cœur Basilica through the giant clock, creating one of Paris’s most photographed views!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Musée d’Orsay
THE GIANT CLOCK Get Ready for the THE GIANT CLOCK : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This massive clock-window offers one of Paris’s most Instagram-worthy views and tells the story of how this former train station transformed into an art museum. Standing behind it feels like being inside a timepiece!
INTERESTING FACT! The clock is actually the original from 1900 and is fully functional. The numbers are over 4 feet tall, and the minute hand alone weighs more than 500 pounds!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a human sundial! Stand in front of the clock and have someone trace your shadow. Come back 30 minutes later and see how your shadow has moved, just like the clock’s hands.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they kept the giant clock instead of replacing it with a regular window when they turned this building into a museum?
DISCUSS: The clock actually helped keep thousands of trains running on time during the building’s 86 years as a train station. The glass face is made of opaline glass, which was specially designed to withstand Paris’s harsh weather while letting light through.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The clock represents the intersection of art and engineering. During the Industrial Revolution, train stations were considered “modern cathedrals,” showcasing the best architecture and engineering of their time. The clock’s preservation tells us about how Parisians valued both progress and preservation. The building’s transformation from train station to museum in 1986 is considered one of the most successful architectural conversions in history. The clock remains as a symbol of both innovation and timelessness.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a building that could transform from one thing into another, what would you choose and why?
DISCUSS: The Musée d’Orsay’s transformation required moving 6,000 tons of metal structures and adding 40,000 square feet of new floors while preserving the original architecture.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The concept of adaptive reuse (giving old buildings new purposes) is becoming increasingly important in modern architecture. The Musée d’Orsay’s success inspired similar projects worldwide, like the Tate Modern in London (former power station) and the High Line in New York (former elevated railway). This kind of transformation saves historical buildings, reduces waste, and creates unique spaces that tell multiple stories. The building itself becomes an exhibit, showing how architecture can evolve while respecting its past.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find all six numbers on the clock face that are fully visible from the viewing platform.
HINT: Look carefully at your angle – some numbers might be partially hidden by the clock’s metalwork.
OBJECTIVE: Locate three different architectural elements that reveal the building’s past as a train station.
HINT: Look for high ceilings, metal beams, and large arched windows typical of 19th-century train stations.
VAN GOGH GALLERY Get Ready for the VAN GOGH GALLERY : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience Van Gogh’s most famous works up close, including his self-portraits and stunning landscapes that seem to move with energy. The bold colors and thick paint strokes are even more impressive in person!
INTERESTING FACT! Van Gogh created over 30 self-portraits because he couldn’t afford to pay models, and he used them to practice his painting techniques.
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Emotion Detective” – Choose one of Van Gogh’s paintings and try to identify three different techniques he used to show emotion (like swirling brushstrokes, color choices, or the direction of lines).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If Van Gogh were alive today, what do you think he would use instead of paint to create his unique style?
DISCUSS: Van Gogh used paint straight from the tube and applied it so thickly that some of his paintings took months to dry completely. He would sometimes use more than 10 tubes of paint for a single canvas!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Van Gogh was actually a pioneer of artistic expression, much like today’s digital artists and animators. His bold technique of impasto (thick paint application) created a 3D effect that was revolutionary for his time. Modern artists use everything from light projections to virtual reality to create similar effects. Van Gogh’s work has inspired numerous digital experiences, including immersive exhibitions where people can walk through his paintings. His style has influenced everything from animated movies like “Loving Vincent” to Instagram filters.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think Van Gogh’s paintings are still so popular with people your age, even though they were painted over 130 years ago?
DISCUSS: Scientists have discovered that Van Gogh’s paintings follow a pattern similar to the way turbulent fluids move in nature, making them naturally appealing to our brains!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Van Gogh’s art speaks to universal emotions and experiences that transcend time. His bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes capture feelings of anxiety, joy, and wonder that today’s viewers still relate to. The artist’s personal struggles with mental health and his determination to keep creating despite rejection resonate with modern conversations about perseverance and mental wellness. His work has become a symbol of expressing yourself authentically, even when others don’t understand you. The fact that he sold only one painting during his lifetime but is now one of the most celebrated artists ever teaches us about believing in ourselves.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and count how many different shades of yellow Van Gogh used in his famous painting “The Church at Auvers.”
HINT: Look not just at the obvious yellow areas, but also where yellow mixes with other colors.
OBJECTIVE: Locate a self-portrait where Van Gogh is looking directly at the viewer.
HINT: Pay attention to the direction of his eyes and the position of his head in each self-portrait.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: Look for circular patterns that create movement, especially in outdoor scenes.
THE IMPRESSIONIST GALLERY Get Ready for the THE IMPRESSIONIST GALLERY : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is where you’ll find the “rock stars” of Impressionism – Monet, Renoir, and others who changed art forever by painting everyday life in a completely new way.
INTERESTING FACT! The term “Impressionism” actually started as an insult! A critic mockingly used it to describe these paintings, but the artists proudly adopted the name.
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Light Detective” – Pick one painting and try to determine what time of day it was painted by looking at the shadows and light. Then find another painting from a different time of day and compare the colors used.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were an Impressionist painter today, what modern everyday scene would you paint that might shock people like these paintings shocked people in the 1870s?
DISCUSS: When these paintings were first shown, people were scandalized because artists painted modern life instead of mythological or historical scenes. It would be like if someone today made fine art about people scrolling on their phones!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Impressionists were the rebels of their time, breaking all the traditional rules of painting. They took their canvases outside to paint in natural light (en plein air), which was revolutionary. They captured everyday moments – people having picnics, dancing at clubs, or working – rather than formal poses. Their style influenced photography, cinema, and even modern social media, where we also try to capture fleeting moments of daily life. The Impressionists’ focus on light and atmosphere changed how we think about capturing moments in time.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How is looking at these Impressionist paintings different from looking at photos on a phone? What can you see in the paintings that you might miss in a quick snapshot?
DISCUSS: Impressionist painters often worked on multiple canvases at once, switching between them as the light changed throughout the day. Monet would sometimes work on more than 10 paintings of the same scene!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Unlike today’s instant digital images, Impressionist paintings capture the feeling of a moment through visible brushstrokes that show the artist’s hand at work. Each painting took hours or days to complete, forcing the artist to really observe and understand their subject. The Impressionists were like early Instagram filters, changing colors and focusing on certain aspects to create a specific mood or feeling. Their technique of using small, visible brushstrokes is similar to how digital images are made up of pixels, but each brushstroke was deliberately placed by human hand.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find a painting where you can clearly see the individual brushstrokes when you stand close, but the image becomes clearer when you step back.
HINT: Monet’s water scenes are perfect for this optical illusion.
OBJECTIVE: Locate three paintings showing different times of day or weather conditions of the same subject.
HINT: Look for series paintings where artists painted the same scene multiple times.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: These painters loved showing how industrialization was changing their world.
THE OPERA HOUSE MODEL ROOM Get Ready for the THE OPERA HOUSE MODEL ROOM : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This incredible scale model of the Paris Opera House shows every intricate detail of one of the world’s most famous theaters, complete with tiny seats, curtains, and architectural details that will blow your mind!
INTERESTING FACT! The model was built in 1862 and is exactly 1/100th the size of the real Opera House. Even at this tiny scale, it took months to create all the miniature details.
COOL ACTIVITY! Become an “Architectural Detective” – Use the provided viewing tools to peek into different sections of the model and sketch your favorite architectural details you discover.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a modern performance space today, what technology or features would you include that the original architects couldn’t even imagine?
DISCUSS: The Opera House model includes a complex system of miniature pulleys and ropes that actually work, showing how stage sets could be changed – just like a tiny version of the real thing!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Paris Opera House was the most technologically advanced building of its time, like the Apple headquarters of the 1800s. It had an innovative counterweight system for moving scenery, revolutionary stage lighting, and even an underground lake that helped balance the building’s weight. The model helped workers understand how to build these complex systems. Today’s theaters still use many of these same principles, though now they’re controlled by computers. The underground lake even inspired the story of “The Phantom of the Opera”!
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think architects still make physical models like this one in our digital age?
DISCUSS: This model was so detailed and accurate that it helped save the real Opera House during later renovations – architects could study how the original building was constructed by examining the model!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Physical models provide a unique 3D understanding that even the best computer models can’t fully replicate. They help us understand scale and proportion in a way our brains naturally process. Modern architects often combine traditional model-making with 3D printing and digital design. The model room shows us how architects solved complex design problems before computers existed. Just like modern video game designers create detailed virtual worlds, these model makers created miniature worlds that helped bring grand visions to life.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the tiny chandelier in the main auditorium and count how many levels of seating are below it.
HINT: Use the provided magnifying tools to get a better view of the interior details.
OBJECTIVE: Locate the model’s stage area and try to spot the miniature pulleys used for scenery changes.
HINT: Look carefully at the areas above and below the stage.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: Compare the columns used on different levels and in different areas of the building.
THE FORMER TRAIN STATION GREAT HALL Get Ready for the THE FORMER TRAIN STATION GREAT HALL : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This massive space showcases how a bustling train station transformed into an art museum. The soaring metal arches and stunning glass ceiling make you feel like you’re in a cathedral of art!
INTERESTING FACT! The hall is long enough to fit three Boeing 747 airplanes end-to-end, and its ceiling is high enough to stack four double-decker buses on top of each other!
COOL ACTIVITY! Do a “Sound Safari” – Stand in different spots in the Great Hall and notice how sounds change. Try whispering near walls or standing under the arches to experience the unique acoustics of this massive space.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the experience of catching a train here in 1900 compares to catching a train at a modern station?
DISCUSS: The station’s original design included special ventilation systems that used the height of the ceiling to draw out steam from the trains, keeping passengers comfortable – like a giant natural air conditioner!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Train stations in 1900 were like today’s airports – symbols of modern technology and luxury. The grand architecture was designed to make passengers feel important and excited about their journey. The station had restaurants, hotels, and even special waiting rooms for different classes of passengers. The metal and glass design was revolutionary, using materials that were cutting-edge for their time, similar to how modern buildings use smart glass and solar panels. The station’s transformation shows how buildings can evolve while preserving their historical significance.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could transform any modern building into something completely different in 100 years, what would you choose and why?
DISCUSS: When the museum was created, architects discovered that the original iron framework was strong enough to support not just trains, but millions of pounds of art and sculpture – talk about built to last!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Great Hall represents one of the most successful examples of adaptive reuse in architecture. The building’s “bones” were so well-designed that they could support an entirely new purpose. This kind of transformation is becoming increasingly important as cities look for sustainable ways to preserve historic buildings. The hall’s design influenced modern “green building” practices, showing how natural light and ventilation can be used effectively. The space demonstrates how industrial architecture can be beautiful as well as functional.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and count the number of original iron arches spanning the ceiling.
HINT: Look for the dark metal beams that curve from floor to ceiling.
OBJECTIVE: Locate three different features that reveal the building’s past as a train station.
HINT: Look for platform markings, old station clocks, or architectural elements that would have helped manage crowds.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: Look for subtle changes in the floor pattern or wall structure.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Musée d’Orsay
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Musée d’Orsay:
Tuileries Garden: Just across the Seine, this beautiful garden is perfect for a post-museum stroll, with outdoor sculptures, fountains, and a fun seasonal carnival.
Musée de l’Orangerie: A short walk away, featuring Monet’s massive Water Lilies paintings in specially designed oval rooms – it’s like being inside the paintings!
Pont des Arts: This famous pedestrian bridge offers amazing Seine River views and street performers – perfect for family photos with the Paris backdrop.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- 13 Art Mysteries Children Should Know by Angela Wenzel – Perfect for getting kids excited about art detective work in the museum.
- Katie and the Impressionists by James Mayhew – A fun introduction to Impressionist paintings for younger visitors.
- The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg – While set in a different museum, this classic novel gets kids thinking about museums as places of mystery and adventure.
- Watch “Midnight in Paris” (PG-13) as a family – Several scenes were filmed at the museum and show its magical atmosphere.
- Download the official Musée d’Orsay app, which includes interactive games and child-friendly audio guides.
- Visit the museum’s YouTube channel for virtual previews of the collections and behind-the-scenes content that will build excitement for your visit.
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Musée d’Orsay
- A stunning transformation from train station to art temple, the Musée d’Orsay houses the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
- HOLY SMOKES! The museum’s original train station clock weighs over two tons and required specialized engineering to preserve during renovation.
- MIND-BLOWING! The building’s unique curved roof is covered with 34,000 square feet of glass panels, designed to maximize natural light for both trains originally and now artwork.
- INCREDIBLE! The museum’s collection includes over 3,000 artworks created between 1848 and 1914, a period of radical artistic and social transformation.
- WOW! During WWII, the building served as a mailing center for sending packages to prisoners of war, showing its continued importance to Paris even after its life as a train station.
- AMAZING! The museum’s restoration in the 1980s cost 1.3 billion francs (about €198 million) and took six years to complete.
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Musée d’Orsay
THE GRAND HALL (FORMER TRAIN STATION) Get Ready for the THE GRAND HALL (FORMER TRAIN STATION) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This breathtaking space showcases the perfect marriage between industrial architecture and artistic beauty, demonstrating how a bustling train station transformed into a world-class museum.
INTERESTING FACT! The station’s original clock is still functional, and the building was almost demolished in 1970 before being saved by cultural heritage advocates.
COOL ACTIVITY! Find a spot in the center of the hall and do a slow 360° turn, photographing the architectural details that catch your eye. Compare the industrial elements (iron beams, glass ceiling) with the artistic additions (sculptures, lighting fixtures) to create a visual essay about transformation.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the transformation from train station to museum reflects changes in society from the industrial age to the modern era?
DISCUSS: The station was built in just two years for the 1900 World’s Fair, using cutting-edge technology that allowed for the massive glass ceiling without internal support columns.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The conversion from station to museum represents a broader shift in European society from industrial to cultural priorities. The building’s transformation mirrors Paris’s evolution from industrial powerhouse to cultural capital. The original station served the Orleans railway company until 1939, and the building’s survival through WWII and near-demolition in the 1970s reflects changing attitudes toward architectural preservation and cultural heritage.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were to design a modern train station today that would become a museum in 100 years, what elements would you include?
DISCUSS: The station’s original architectural plans included specific features to handle steam from locomotives, which now create perfect conditions for preserving artwork.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Modern architecture often considers future adaptability. The Musée d’Orsay’s successful transformation has inspired similar projects worldwide, including London’s Tate Modern (former power station) and Madrid’s CaixaForum (former power plant). This concept of “adaptive reuse” is becoming increasingly important in sustainable architecture and urban planning.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate three different types of original railway station features that have been repurposed for the museum.
HINT: Look up at the ceiling for clues about train ventilation and down at the floor for old track patterns.
OBJECTIVE: Find the spot where the original train platforms would have been and imagine how the space was divided.
HINT: The main sculpture gallery follows the original track layout.
VAN GOGH COLLECTION Get Ready for the VAN GOGH COLLECTION : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience some of Van Gogh’s most powerful works, including his self-portraits and landscapes that revolutionized the art world through their emotional intensity and unique style.
INTERESTING FACT! Van Gogh created over 30 self-portraits in his lifetime, viewing them as a way to practice portraiture when he couldn’t afford models. The ones displayed here show his psychological depth and technical evolution.
COOL ACTIVITY! Choose one of Van Gogh’s paintings and create a quick sketch focusing only on the directional lines of the brushstrokes. This helps understand his unique technique of expressing emotion through brush movement.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think Van Gogh’s mental health struggles influenced his artistic style, and how does this relate to modern discussions about mental health?
DISCUSS: Van Gogh’s famous yellow phase was possibly influenced by digitalis poisoning from his epilepsy medication, which can cause people to see yellow halos around objects.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Van Gogh’s art provides a powerful lens for discussing mental health and creativity. His letters to his brother Theo reveal a deeply thoughtful artist who found beauty in struggle. Modern medical experts have suggested various diagnoses, from bipolar disorder to temporal lobe epilepsy. His work demonstrates how personal challenges can be transformed into universal artistic expression. The intensity of his colors and brushstrokes often directly corresponded to his emotional state.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Looking at Van Gogh’s brushwork technique, how does it differ from traditional painting methods, and what emotions does it evoke?
DISCUSS: Van Gogh developed his signature impasto technique (thick, textured paint application) so quickly that he would often complete a canvas in a single day, using wet-on-wet painting.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Van Gogh’s technique revolutionized painting by prioritizing emotional expression over realistic representation. His brushstrokes create movement and energy that seem to make his paintings vibrate with life. This approach influenced entire generations of artists and helped pave the way for abstract expressionism. His work demonstrates how breaking traditional rules can lead to innovative forms of expression.
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OBJECTIVE: Compare Van Gogh’s self-portraits from different periods and identify three specific changes in his style or technique.
HINT: Pay attention to color choices and brush stroke directions in each portrait.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of Van Gogh’s use of complementary colors (opposite colors on the color wheel) in his paintings.
HINT: Look particularly at his use of blue and orange, or yellow and purple in the same composition.
IMPRESSIONIST GALLERY (5TH FLOOR) Get Ready for the IMPRESSIONIST GALLERY (5TH FLOOR) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is the world’s largest collection of Impressionist masterpieces, showcasing how artists like Monet, Renoir, and Degas captured modern life and changing society through revolutionary painting techniques.
INTERESTING FACT! The term “Impressionism” began as an insult when critic Louis Leroy mocked Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise” in 1872. The artists embraced the term, transforming it from criticism to a badge of honor.
COOL ACTIVITY! Choose a painting and photograph it from different distances. Start far away, then move closer in increments. Notice how the seemingly chaotic brushstrokes form clear images when viewed from different perspectives.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How does the Impressionists’ focus on modern life and leisure reflect the social changes happening in 19th-century Paris?
DISCUSS: The development of synthetic pigments and portable paint tubes in the 1800s allowed artists to paint outdoors for the first time, revolutionizing how they captured light and movement.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Impressionists were essentially documenting the birth of modern leisure time. The industrial revolution created a new middle class with free time to spend in cafés, parks, and at entertainment venues. These paintings capture the first emergence of modern urban life, showing new fashion trends, social customs, and technologies like railways and electric lighting. The artists were also rebelling against the rigid academic art system, similar to how today’s digital artists challenge traditional art forms.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think photography’s invention influenced these artists’ approach to painting?
DISCUSS: Many Impressionist compositions were inspired by Japanese woodblock prints, which became available in Paris after Japan opened to Western trade in 1853.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Impressionists were working during photography’s early days, which freed them from the need to create exact representations. Instead, they focused on capturing moments, atmospheres, and sensations that cameras couldn’t record. Their cropped compositions and focus on everyday scenes mirror photographic techniques. This relationship between technology and art continues today with digital media influencing traditional art forms.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three paintings that show different effects of natural light on the same type of subject (water, buildings, or people).
HINT: Look for Monet’s series paintings or compare works by different artists depicting similar scenes.
OBJECTIVE: Identify paintings that show modern life in Paris, focusing on new technologies or social activities.
HINT: Search for paintings featuring railways, bridges, or café scenes.
ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE COLLECTION Get Ready for the ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE COLLECTION : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
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WHY VISIT? This collection demonstrates how artistic revolution extended beyond paintings to transform everyday objects, showcasing the intersection of art, design, and functionality.
INTERESTING FACT! Art Nouveau furniture often incorporated hidden mechanisms and transformable elements, making pieces multi-functional – a concept that influenced modern space-saving furniture design.
COOL ACTIVITY! Choose a piece of furniture and sketch a modern interpretation that maintains the organic Art Nouveau style but serves contemporary needs (like a charging station or laptop desk).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How does Art Nouveau’s philosophy of making everyday objects beautiful relate to modern design trends like Apple products or contemporary furniture design?
DISCUSS: Art Nouveau designers studied plants under microscopes to create their signature organic patterns, making them pioneers in combining science with artistic design.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Art Nouveau represented one of the first movements to eliminate the hierarchy between fine art and decorative arts. This democratization of beauty influenced everything from iPhone designs to IKEA furniture. The movement’s emphasis on organic forms and functionality predicted many principles of modern design, including ergonomics and biomimicry. The style’s integration of nature with industrial materials parallels current sustainable design practices.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think this style emerged during the Industrial Revolution, and what does it say about society’s relationship with technology?
DISCUSS: Many Art Nouveau pieces were actually mass-produced using new industrial techniques, despite their handcrafted appearance – an early example of combining artisanal aesthetics with modern manufacturing.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The movement represented a reaction against industrialization’s uniformity while paradoxically embracing new technologies. This tension between handcraft and machine production continues in contemporary design debates. Art Nouveau’s solution – using machines to create organic, natural forms – influences current discussions about artificial intelligence in art and design. The style’s emphasis on sustainability and natural materials was ahead of its time.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify three different natural motifs (plants, animals, etc.) incorporated into furniture designs.
HINT: Look for subtle details in handles, legs, and decorative elements.
OBJECTIVE: Find a piece of furniture that demonstrates multiple functions or hidden features.
HINT: Pay attention to pieces with unusual hinges or moving parts.
THE GIANT CLOCK Get Ready for the THE GIANT CLOCK : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
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WHY VISIT? This iconic window offers both spectacular views of Paris and a perfect photo opportunity, while symbolizing the intersection of industrial heritage and artistic transformation.
INTERESTING FACT! The clock is actually transparent from the inside, creating a unique view of Paris framed by its mechanism, while appearing solid gold from the outside.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a time-lapse photo series through the clock window as the light changes, documenting how the view of Paris transforms throughout your visit.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Musée d’Orsay
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Musée d’Orsay:
Tuileries Garden: A beautiful historic park perfect for reflecting on the art you’ve seen, featuring outdoor sculptures and great photo opportunities.
Louvre Museum: Just across the Seine, housing the world’s largest art collection, including the famous Mona Lisa and ancient sculptures. Read the parent’s guide
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Historic neighborhood known for its intellectual history, cafés, and boutiques where many artists featured in the museum once lived and worked.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- The Private Lives of the Impressionists by Sue Roe – Offers fascinating insights into the artists’ world and the birth of modern art.
- Van Gogh’s Letters – Available online through vangoghletters.org, these provide incredible context for understanding his works and mindset.
- Watch “The Impressionists” BBC series (2006) – Brings to life the revolutionary artists and their times.
- Download the official Musée d’Orsay app for interactive floor plans and artwork information.
- Visit Google Arts & Culture’s Musée d’Orsay section (artsandculture.google.com) for virtual tours and high-resolution artwork images.
- For architecture enthusiasts, read “From Station to the Renovated Musée d’Orsay” by Jean Jenger to understand the building’s transformation.
LOCATION SUMMARY
Imagine stepping into a magical train station that transformed into an amazing art museum! The Musée d’Orsay is like a treasure chest filled with colorful paintings and sculptures, housed in what was once a real railway station. What if I told you that underneath the museum’s giant golden clock, you could see all of Paris sparkling before your eyes? Get ready for an adventure where art comes alive and every corner holds a new surprise!
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