Musée d'Orsay Opening Hours 2026
Tue–Sun 9:30–18:00, Thursdays until 21:45. Closed Mondays. And since March 2026, timed entry is mandatory for everyone — walk-up no longer works.
Musée d'Orsay is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 to 18:00. Thursdays it stays open until 21:45. It is closed every Monday.
One thing has changed since March 2026: timed entry is now mandatory. The ongoing renovation of the reception areas means walk-up visitors are no longer accepted. You need a booked time slot before you arrive — at the door or not at all.
Full opening hours
| Day | Hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 9:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Thursday | 9:30–21:45 | 21:00 |
| Friday | 9:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Saturday | 9:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Sunday | 9:30–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Monday | Closed | — |
Also closed: 1 May and 25 December.
The renovation and mandatory booking (2026–2028)
From 10 March 2026 until summer 2028, booking a timed entry slot is compulsory for all visitors. This applies to everyone — including Paris Museum Pass holders and visitors with free admission. The change was introduced because the entrance hall renovation reduces the capacity that can be managed without pre-assigned slots.
All galleries remain fully open throughout the renovation. The collections, temporary exhibitions, and programming are unaffected.
Where to book timed entry
Our take: GetYourGuide bundles a digital audio guide app for €9 more — useful since the museum's own audio guide is paid separately. If you don't need the audio commentary, the official site is cheaper. Either way, book a few days ahead in peak season — walk-up is no longer accepted.
When to visit by day and time
Thursday evening is the best window. After 18:00 the museum thins dramatically. The Impressionist galleries on the 5th floor — Monet, Renoir, Degas — feel almost private. Ticket price drops to €12. It's the single best value-to-crowd ratio in Paris.
Tuesday at 9:30 is the second best slot. Monday is the Orsay's closing day, so Tuesday morning sees the lightest general crowds of the week. Avoid Tuesday afternoon — the Louvre closes on Tuesdays and some of that crowd migrates here.
Worst time: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00–15:00, especially on days following a Louvre closure.
Weekends are consistently the busiest, regardless of the time slot. If you're visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, book the first available slot and arrive on time.
Free admission days and who qualifies
First Sunday of each month: free for all visitors. All 12 first Sundays of 2026 are open (no cancellations) — booking mandatory since 10 March 2026, even for under-18 and under-26 EU visitors. Always-free year-round: under 18 worldwide, EU/EEA under 26, students up to 30 in art and culture fields, job seekers, RSA recipients, disabled visitors plus one companion, and several professional categories. For the full 2026 calendar, the Easter Sunday 5 April overlap, and the booking timing, see our Musée d'Orsay free admission 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Musée d'Orsay opening hours in 2026?
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 to 18:00 (last entry 17:00). On Thursdays the museum stays open until 21:45 (last entry 21:00). The museum is closed every Monday, on 1 May, and on 25 December.
Is the Musée d'Orsay open on Mondays?
No. The Musée d'Orsay is closed every Monday, without exception. The Louvre is also closed on Tuesdays, so the two closures don't align — Orsay on Monday, Louvre on Tuesday.
Do I need to book in advance for the Musée d'Orsay?
Yes, since 10 March 2026. Timed entry is now mandatory for all visitors while reception areas are under renovation (through summer 2028). Walk-up entry is no longer available. Book online before your visit.
What time is best to visit the Musée d'Orsay?
Thursday evening after 18:00 is the best window — the crowd drops sharply, reduced €12 ticket price, and the Impressionist galleries feel almost private. Opening time (9:30) on Tuesday or Wednesday is the second best option.
When is the Musée d'Orsay free?
The first Sunday of each month is free for everyone. It's also permanently free for visitors under 26 from EU countries, and for all visitors under 18. First Sundays draw long queues — arrive before 9:30 or expect a wait.
Last verified: April 2026