Visiting the Musee d’Orsay in Paris is a must-do for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. As one of the world’s most renowned art museums, it houses a stunning collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. To ensure the safety of the artwork and an enjoyable experience for all visitors, the museum has a strict bag policy in place. This guide will outline everything you need to know about the Musee d’Orsay’s bag policy to help you plan your visit.
Bag Policy Musee d’Orsay: Bag Size Restrictions
The Musee d’Orsay does not permit large bags, backpacks, or suitcases inside the museum. To be allowed entry, bags must be smaller than 55cm x 35cm x 20cm (approximately 21.7″ x 13.8″ x 7.9″). Any bag larger than this will need to be left in the museum’s cloakroom.
All visitors must pass through a security check upon arrival at the museum. This includes submitting bags for inspection. Be prepared to open your bag and show its contents to the security personnel. They may also use a security wand to scan for prohibited items. Refusal to comply with the security check may result in denied entry.
Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed in the museum, provided they do not obstruct access to the exhibits or pose a safety risk to other visitors. Baby carriers and folding strollers are also permitted. If you have specific needs or concerns, it’s best to contact the museum’s information desk in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
Prohibited Items
In addition to oversized bags, the Musee d’Orsay prohibits the following items:
- Food and beverages
- Umbrellas (small collapsible ones can be stored in your bag)
- Tripods and selfie sticks
- Large photography equipment
- Sharp objects, including pocket knives and scissors
- Art materials (e.g., paint, markers, and spray paint)
- Any item deemed dangerous or potentially harmful by the museum’s security personnel
Lockers At Musee d’Orsay
The Musee d’Orsay offers a free cloakroom service for visitors to store their oversized bags, backpacks, and suitcases. Please note that space is limited, and the cloakroom operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak hours, you may experience longer wait times for this service. The cloakroom is located near the entrance of the museum, and you will need to collect your belongings before leaving the premises.
Luggage Storage Near Musee d’Orsay
Stasher is a convenient luggage storage service that allows you to safely store your bags at various locations worldwide. If you’re visiting the Musee d’Orsay in Paris and need to store your luggage nearby, Stasher offers several options within close proximity to the museum. Here’s how you can use their service:
- Visit the Stasher website or download their app: Head to https://stasher.com or download the Stasher app on your smartphone.
- Search for a location: Enter “Musee d’Orsay” or the museum’s address in the search bar to find nearby StashPoints. These are local businesses, such as hotels, cafes, and shops, that have partnered with Stasher to offer luggage storage services.
- Book your storage: Once you’ve chosen a StashPoint, reserve your storage space by selecting the drop-off and pick-up times, entering your payment details, and completing the booking process. You’ll receive a confirmation email with the necessary information.
Musee d’Orsay History
The Musee d’Orsay is a world-famous art museum located in Paris, France. Known for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, the museum is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. The history of the Musee d’Orsay is both fascinating and unique, involving the transformation of a once-bustling train station into a premier cultural institution.
- Gare d’Orsay: The Gare d’Orsay was designed by architect Victor Laloux for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, a world’s fair held in Paris to showcase the latest achievements in science, technology, and culture. As a terminus for the Paris-Orleans Railway, the station was a feat of engineering and architecture, incorporating extensive glasswork and metal structures. However, as railway technology evolved and trains became longer, the station’s platforms were deemed too short to accommodate them, rendering the Gare d’Orsay obsolete by the 1930s.
- Post-Railway Years: After its time as a railway station, the building took on various roles. During World War II, it served as a mailing center for sending packages to prisoners of war. Later, it was used as a set for several films and even housed a theater company. By the 1970s, however, the building faced the threat of demolition, as there were plans to construct a new luxury hotel in its place. This proposal sparked a public outcry, as many Parisians and architectural enthusiasts argued for the preservation of the historic structure.
- Creation of the Museum: In response to public sentiment and the desire to create a new museum dedicated to 19th-century art, the French government decided to repurpose the Gare d’Orsay as a museum. The project was led by the architectural firm ACT Architecture, with Gae Aulenti overseeing the interior design. The conversion involved extensive modifications, including the removal of tracks and platforms, the creation of exhibition spaces, and the preservation of the building’s original architectural features, such as the iconic clock and glass roof.
- Opening and Collection: The Musee d’Orsay officially opened its doors on December 9, 1986. The museum’s collection includes works from 1848 to 1914, bridging the gap between the collections of the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou. With a focus on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, the Musee d’Orsay houses masterpieces by artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Cézanne, among others.