The main reason why the Musée d’Orsay has won the title of top museum in the world comes down to the rare Impressionist treasures it has acquired. There are around 2,000 paintings and 600 sculptures and other artworks on show, but it’s not just quantity that counts.
The museum is special because it houses the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world. You can peruse beautiful landscapes by the likes of Monet, Manet, Seurat and Sisley to name just a few. There are also unique pieces by Degas, Renoir, Gauguin, Martin and Cézanne on show.
The crowning glory of the collection is the Van Gogh works. The story of Van Gogh, the tortured soul, has seduced tourists for years and the impressive collection of his works on offer at this museum is partly why art lovers flock here in droves.
There are 25 Van Gogh works on display, including world-favourites like Starry Night Over the Rhône (1888), Vincent’s Bedroom in Arles (1889), Self-Portrait (1889) and The Church at Auvers (1890).
The best way to discover what the Musée d’Orsay has to offer is to enjoy a guided tour, which can be booked directly with the museum. There are plenty of tours offered in English and each one is rich in expert reflection. However, if you’re a little short on cash, then you can easily download a free walking tour in advance.
You can also download an intimate audio walking tour of the Musée d’Orsay by travel writer Rick Steves for free via iTunes or via his website. His fabulous series of cultural podcasts explore the rich artistic heritage of Paris.
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