One of my favourite places to visit in Paris
is a museum where your attention is caught between both the incredible art collection
and the history and architecture of the building itself: the Musée d'Orsay.
If you've watched my videos for a while, you know that I love repurposed buildings
and the Musee d'orsay is an incredible example
of a building that once came very close to being torn down.
It was originally built as a railway station
and it opened in 1900 in time for the Universal Exhibition.
It functioned as a train station, with a built in hotel, until 1939.
By that time, the platforms had become too short
for the longer, more modern trains that were being used.
After 1939, it served a number of different purposes.
During World War II it was a mailing centre for sending packages to prisoners of war.
Then those same prisoners were welcomed home here
when they returned to Paris after the liberation.
It was even used as a movie set for several films, including one by Orson Welles.
It was nearly demolished to make way for a new hotel
but it was saved, thank heaven, and plans were made to turn it into the museum you see today.
Since its opening in 1986, it's housed the largest collection
of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world.
Even if you don't consider yourself an art lover,
as someone who exists in the world,
I can almost guarantee that you'll recognize many of the pieces here,
like the best known works of artists like Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, and Degas.
All together, there are around 2000 paintings
and 600 sculptures from the period between 1848 and 1914.
Expect lots of other people here because this is clearly a popular place.
You can buy tickets ahead online,
however, when we were there, there was still a line for reserved tickets
albeit shorter than the line we were in.
There are audio guides you can get for 5 Euros,
however, I recommend downloading a walking tour of the museum
on your phone ahead of time for free, like the one by Rick Steves.
Also, check ahead for concerts and special events here.
When we visited, there was a band getting set up to play in the main space
which would be really cool to see.
There are a couple of cafeteria-type places to grab a bite
as well as a fancier restaurant, which is located in the dining hall of the former hotel.
Even if you're not eating, it's still worth going to take a look
and imagining people eating here before jumping on a train downstairs.
Another point you don't want to miss is the big clock at the top
that has a spectacular view over Paris
right over to the Sacré-Cœur church in Montmartre.
It's a very popular spot to snap a photo.
Nearby is a big bean bag chair that kind of looks like a comfy baseball glove
where you can give your feet a break.
To fully appreciate the history of the building,
make sure to stand high on one end so you get a good look at the curved roof
and the best vantage point to imagine it as a busy train station
with the enormous gilded clock to keep things running on time.
I also recommend checking out the model of Paris
that's underneath the floor and gives you a bird's eye view of the city
plus the exquisitely detailed model of the Paris Opera House
that was built back in 1862.
If you've been to Musée d'Orsay, I'd love to hear about your experience.
And if you saw one of your favourite paintings or sculptures in this video
please leave me a comment and tell me what it is.
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to let me know by giving it a thumbs up
and subscribe for lots more travel adventures with Marc and I.
We've also made a bunch of other videos about Paris
so if you'd like more ideas on where to go and what to eat,
check them out in the description box.
I always feel inspired after visiting the Musée d'Orsay
so I hope you feel the same after this little peek inside the museum.
Thanks for watching!