Masterpieces at the Museum
The Musee d’Orsay, is a renowned museum in Paris. It is located on the Left Bank of the Seine. The museum houses an extensive collection of French art dating from 1848 to 1915. Its collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces is the largest in the world; and includes iconic works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin and Van Gogh. Among the paintings on display are many that will seem familiar from your cruise, such as Monet’s series on the Rouen Cathedral and his Blue Water Lilies, and Van Gogh’s The Church at Auvers, Portrait of Dr. Gachet and Bedroom in Arles.
Though largely famous for its collection of impressionist paintings, the museum also exhibits different art forms, including sculptures, engravings, photos, film, architecture and urbanism.
A Museum with an Unusual History
The Musee d’Orsay comes with an unusual history you must know. The museum is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay- a grand railway station built in 1900 and is a masterpiece of industrial architecture. However, in 1939, it stopped operating as a railway station due to its short platforms that were unable to accommodate now much longer trains. It had been totally abandoned in 1961. In 1978, the President Giscard d’Estaing decided to use the Gare d’Orsay as a museum for 19th and 20th century art.
The restoration of the museum started in 1979 and it was inaugurated on November 29th, 1986 by the French president, François Mitterrand.
The museum is a must see destination as you will be mesmerized with countless works of art by great artists. Those interested in art and history will feel particularly delighted at the sight of these works on display. All visitors are thrilled with the experience once they visit the Musee d’Orsay and all it has to offer.
The 2013 Normandy Impressionist Festival is being held from April 27th through September 29th, 2013 highlighting Impressionist works at this museum and others in the area.
A visit to the museum is included in the post cruise land program of the Seine River Cruise on Ama Waterways. Book your trip with us and get ready for a splendid sight!