Paris Part Two: Musée d’Orsay

The Orsay museum is housed in a former, XIXth century railway station, on the left bank of the Seine. In it you can find not only paintings, but sculptures, furniture and photography as well.  “It is probably best known for its extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces (the largest in the world) by such painters such as Monet, Manet,Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin and Van Gogh.” (my favorite part of the expo)

Musee d’Orsay, Paris

I remember when I stepped in I was actually awestruck by the beauty of the old railway station! I found the surroundings somewhat close to magical, and even as we were walking past the world-famous paintings and sculptures, I couldn’t help myself in taking a glance at the beautiful ceiling and the amazing railway clock.

Orsay Museum from the other side

clock looking over the Orsay Museum

The sculptures magically came alive once you were walking among them and the beautiful scenery offered by the “vintage” railroad station.

checking out the artwork

one of my favorites of the collection

Although I don’t have a passionate penchant for sculptures, I like paintings more. Especially the colorful ones, which catch your eyes and you can just stare at them for a long period of time, examining every brush mark the artist left behind. One of my favorites is Salvador Dali, but unfortunately his paintings were not among the collection of the Orsay. I did, however, get to see a few awesome artworks from such masters as Vincent van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Cezanne, etc. Here are my top favorites:

Paul Cezanne’s Still life with basket

Claude Monet’s The sun shining through the fog

and my ultimate favorite: Vincent van Gogh’s Starlight over the Rhone

If you’d like to visit the museum, the entrance fee costs 9 euros. For info about opening hours and additional information, visit the museum’s site.

Related posts:

The Paris Series: I. Rodin Museum Paris from above Eiffel. The Louvre Experience