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Musée d'Orsay: a Remarkable Revisit

2.11.2016
Paris Musee d'Orsay
Paris Musee d'Orsay
Paris Musee d'Orsay
Paris Musee d'Orsay
Paris Musee d'Orsay
Paris Musee d'Orsay
Paris Musee d'Orsay

On a rainy Wednesday morning, I had the great pleasure of revisiting the Musée d'OrsayMy last visit was more than 10 years ago, and back then I had completely missed the top floor... so this time, I arrived the moment it opened, raced upstairs and was able to take in the entire space. It was like being alone in the private ateliers of the Impressionist masters... 

No matter how many times you visit a museum, new experiences await and new discoveries are made. It's been said that art is never really about the piece or the artist, but how you see it, how it makes you feel. And so all our lives, with each visit, we can experience something new. This time, there were many pieces I had never really seen before,... my favorite new discovery were Edouard Manet's peonies series, specifically the one above. Stark and beautiful in its simplicity, timeless.

Originally a railway station, the Musée d'Orsay is today one of most visited museums (and one of the most beautiful), housing the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world. Did you know that the former station was to be demolished in 1970 because of lack of use? Fortunately it was agreed upon to convert it into a museum that would bridge the gap between the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou (National Museum of Modern Art) - and it does that beautifully in both its art and architecture, its size and style. The Musée d'Orsay has a smaller scale grandeur than the Louvre, geometric lines that recall the Pompidou, but it has an intimacy all its own.

When planning to visit, do plan ahead so you don't miss the top floor clock and your favorites. It can be done in a leisurely day, and when you need to take a little break or re-caffeinate, there are two cafés and a restaurant right inside!


19 comments

  1. Impressive photos !
    Greetings from Germany

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  2. stunning! i love that dark blue/black wall... i am planning on having our house painted that colour...

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  3. What an amazing building and amazing collection!

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  4. Wonderful! I believe it is true, no matter how many times you visit a museum, you always see something you haven't seen before.

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  5. Bonjour, Catherine! The Musée d'Orsay is my favorite museum and one of my favorite places in Paris. Your photos are stunning. I almost feel like I'm standing in front of "Le Moulin de la Galette". Merci!

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  6. Dear Catherine, How we interpret is so personal and extends to every facet of life. I will tell you that looking at your photos brought tears to my eyes this sunny day in Colorado. So far apart, yet you bring feelings of quiet contemplation to my day.

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    1. Thank you Barb, I'm so touched by your comments... and very happy you came along with me on this visit :)

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  7. Ohhhh, this brings back beautiful memories. One of the many places my husband and I visited on our not long enough trip to Paris a few years back. I am in love with everything Paris. Thank you

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  8. Your pictures are really beautiful... the museum seems quite empty, how lucky you were able to take some pictures then! I love that big giant clock! I'm going to follow you on your social media, hope you'll do the same for me! Thank you for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop & Link Party

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  9. What a beautiful space! Not to mention all the beautiful art ...

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  10. Ohhhhh la la...Thanks for taking me back! Such a magnificent place. I think my favorite visit there was with my brother and my daughter...each of us seeing different things. Your description is just right!

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  11. What a great re-purposing of a terrific building. The first view seen through the clock was my favorite as was the following one showing what was formerly the station interior and what great windows! This would definitely be on my "must see" list to visit and being there when it was not so crowded must have been a delight, Catherine.

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  12. Thank you all so much for your very kind comments! :)

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  13. I think I would be lost in the architecture. How amazing!

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  14. Hello, greetings and good wishes.

    Amazing photos. Every photo is a masterpiece and I am thrilled to see them. Surely this is a fabulous place to visit and gain knowledge and insight. A wonderful way to spend leisure time gainfully.

    Interesting write up.

    Best wishes

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  15. I loved the Musée d'Orsay when we visited Paris 10 years ago. But then impressionism is one of my favourite genres. The old railway station has certainly be transformed into a beautiful space. I was so surprised to see so few people in your photo, but then maybe winter is quieter. We were there in summer and had to queue. And you are right, each time your visit there are always new experiences and discoveries. Enjoy.

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