The Musée d’Orsay is a renowned Paris museum located in a transformed train station. Originally the Gare d’Orsay, this Beaux-Arts railway station was built between 1898 and 1900 for the Universal Exhibition. Architect Victor Laloux designed the building with an elegant limestone exterior that blends seamlessly with the prestigious neighborhood.
After serving as a railway station until 1939, the building underwent a remarkable transformation. In 1986, it was officially opened as a museum by President François Mitterrand. Today, it houses the world’s largest collection of Impressionist paintings, featuring works by Manet, Degas, Monet, and Renoir.
The museum preserves many original architectural elements, including the massive station clock and the central nave where train platforms once stood. It specializes in Western art from 1848 to 1914, displaying an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The building itself is considered the museum’s first “work of art”, making it a must-visit destination for art and architecture enthusiasts.