Visiting the Louvre vs. Musée d’Orsay: A definitive guide

The City of Light is renowned for its stellar art museums. Stroll along the banks of the Seine, one of the top things to do in Paris, and you’ll stumble on two of the most visited museums in the world — the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Whether you’re an art expert or a first-time visitor, both house priceless collections and famous pieces. However, the museums’ collections are devoted to different time periods and also differ in their size and scope. How’s a traveler to choose between two of the best museums in Paris? If you want to see what all the buzz is about, or are torn between seeing da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Monet’s Water Lilies, we’ve compiled some insider tips so you can confidently choose which museum is right for you.

If you want the “big picture”

For a comprehensive sampling of Western art, head to the Louvre. At this iconic museum, you can enjoy a veritable feast of more than 35,000 artworks and hundreds of thousands more artifacts. Wander the galleries, take in the sumptuous decor, and see some of the world’s most influential art through the millennia. Just not on Tuesdays — the Louvre is traditionally closed then.

Winner:

Louvre Museum. Not only does it cover Western art up to the mid-19th century, but it also has treasured artifacts from ancient Egypt and the Near East.

If quality over quantity is more your style

Compared to the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay has a compact selection of 3,000 artworks in its permanent collection. If you’re in the mood to stroll through the sculptures and peer at brushstrokes at your leisure, rather than dash from one artwork to the next, the Musée d’Orsay is your best bet.

Winner:

Músee d’Orsay. There’s so much to see at a relaxed pace. Meander past some of the most famous French artwork from 1848 to 1914.

If you’re all about iconic women

The Louvre is home to the triumvirate of iconic women: the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” (or Nike) and the “Venus de Milo” (or Aphrodite), both masterpieces of Hellenistic Greek sculpture, and, of course, that mysterious muse, the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci. If you want to lock eyes with the world’s most famous painting without the bustle of crowds in the Denon Wing, we recommend visiting her first thing in the morning or just before the museum closes. Don’t miss out on the Louvre’s female artists, either — check out the second floor of the Richelieu and Sully Wings.

Winner:

Louvre Museum. Not only does the Louvre house the most famous women in its Antiquities and Renaissance collections, but it also includes hidden gems, such as Marie-Guillemine Benoist’s “Portrait d’un Negresse” and Elisabeth Louise Vigée-Lebrun’s tender “Self-portrait with her daughter Julie.

If you can’t get enough of the Impressionists

If you love to get lost in the mesmerizing brushstrokes of the Impressionists, then you’ll be enchanted at every turn in the Musée d’Orsay. Here, you can get up close and personal with stunning works like Manet’s “Olympia,” Van Gogh’s “Starry Night over the Rhone,” Monet’s “Poppies,” Degas’s “The Ballet Class,” and many more. Take in the sensual sculptures of Rodin and the thrilling wildness of Carpeaux.

Winner:

Musée d’Orsay. The collection at d’Orsay is essentially the greatest hits of the French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists — you’ll be gobsmacked by a wall of van Gogh alone.

If you’re into history

While the Louvre is filled with paintings and sculptures, it’s also a history buff’s dream. Come face to face with the Great Sphinx of Tanis in the Sully Wing before exploring more treasures from the pyramids of Egypt. Marvel at the Code of Hammurabi and Phoenician artifacts before diving into Ancient Greek and Roman masterpieces. In the Richelieu Wing, you can peruse medieval scrolls and tapestries, while the 19th-century courtyard La Cour Visconti houses the Louvre’s collection of Islamic art.

Winner:

The Louvre wins this contest by a long shot. The incomparable historical artifacts and iconic masterpieces make the Louvre an absolute must-see.

If you love architecture

Both museums offer stunning architectural detail — the Louvre for its 12th-century fortress foundation, and the Musée d’Orsay for its converted 19th-century train station roots. You can still see many of the station’s well-preserved original features, like the intricate ironwork ceiling and the ornate station clock.

Winner:

This winner depends truly on your taste and preference. If you’re a fan of the late 19th century’s Beaux-Arts style, Musée d’Orsay is an exquisite specimen. The Louvre, meanwhile, has the marbled halls and luxurious former palace apartments of the French royalty.

If photography is your pastime

Don’t let the photo opportunity pass you by as you approach I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid which forms the entrance to the Louvre. This iconic structure was controversial when it was installed in 1988, but it’s now a landmark in its own right. Day or night, you can play with the angles and the light to create the perfect snapshot.

Winner:

For mesmerizing shots both inside and out, you can’t go wrong with the Louvre.

If you’re a foodie

During your exploration of the Louvre’s roughly 60,000 square meters (650,000 square feet), you’re likely to work up an appetite. The Louvre is prepared with over a dozen options to wine and dine you. Relax in timeless ambience at the Café Richelieu or treat yourself to a delightful meal under the pyramid at Bistrot Benoit. The Musée d’Orsay, by comparison, boasts of one café and restaurant — though the latter, Le Restaurant, is classified as a historic monument and is worth a visit for its exquisite interior.

Winner:

The Louvre takes the cake, literally, with myriad possibilities to enjoy French cuisine.

If you want one of the best views of Paris

Although one might think of the Eiffel Tower when it comes to views, the real deal is at the Musée d’Orsay. For a romantic location and one of Paris’ best-kept secrets, head to the top floor of the museum to indulge in panoramic views of the Seine, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, all the way to Montmartre and the Sacre-Ceour basilica in the distance.

Winner:

Musée d’Orsay. In addition to its distinct architecture and unparalleled Impressionist collection, the scenic views at d’Orsay can’t be beaten.

If you’re traveling with kids

For those with little ones in tow: you’re in luck with both the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. Inspire your future little Egyptologist with a private tour designed especially for families, or make the museum visit a little more exciting by combining your Musée d’Orsay entry ticket with a river cruise on the Seine cruise.

Winner:

The winner here comes down to what best suits your needs and wishes — families with intrepid explorers will be thrilled at every turn in the vast museum, while the Musée d’Orsay may be a more flexible experience overall.

If you’d like to get off the beaten path

If you’ve decided the crowds at the Louvre aren’t for you, or you want to see the progression of art into modern day, Paris has over 150 museums from which to choose. Expand on d’Orsay’s Impressionist collection with a visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie, which is filled with revolutionary masterpieces from Monet to Renoir, Matisse, and Picasso. At Musée Picasso, immerse yourself in the artist’s transition to Surrealism, or dive into the Centre Pompidou and Palais de Tokyo’s modern and contemporary art collections.

Winner:

If you’re looking for a short, sweet, exquisite treat of Impressionist and modern paintings, the Musée de l’Orangerie is the clear victor. However, if you prefer a wider offering of modern visual art or works by living artists, we recommend the Centre Pompidou or Palais de Tokyo, respectively.