Louvre vs Musée d'Orsay: which should you visit?
Quick answer
Choose the Louvre for ancient civilisations, Old Masters, and the Mona Lisa — plan half a day minimum. Choose the Orsay for Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Rodin in a more manageable 2–3 hour visit. The Louvre: €22 for EEA visitors, allow 3–5 hours; Musée d'Orsay: €16 online, allow 2–4 hours.
Paris, France
The Louvre
€22 for EEA visitors; €32 for non-EEA visitors (since 14 January 2026)
⏱ 3–5 hours
Paris, France
Musée d'Orsay
€16 online; €14 at the museum; Thursday late entry from 6 PM €12 online
⏱ 2–4 hours
Side by side
| The Louvre | Musée d'Orsay | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Paris, France | Paris, France |
| Museum type | Art Museum | Art Museum |
| Admission | €22 for EEA visitors; €32 for non-EEA visitors (since 14 January 2026) | €16 online; €14 at the museum; Thursday late entry from 6 PM €12 online |
| Free entry | Under 18 free (all nationalities) · EEA citizens and residents under 26 free · Everyone free on the first Friday of the month after 6 PM (not July or August) · Bastille Day (14 July) free · Disabled visitors + 1 companion free | Under 18 free · EU/EEA citizens and long-term EU residents aged 18–25 free · First Sunday of each month free for all (time-slot booking required) · Disabled visitors + 1 companion free |
| Time needed | 3–5 hours | 2–4 hours |
| Closed | Tuesdays | Mondays |
| Standout works | Mona Lisa; Venus de Milo | A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte; Olympia |
| Good for | Art Lovers, History Enthusiasts, First-timers, Families | Art Lovers, First-timers, Rainy-day visits |
Facts from our verified data file (last verified 2026-09-25) — confirm on each museum's official site before travelling.
Should I visit The Louvre or Musée d'Orsay?
Choose The Louvre if…
Choose the Louvre for ancient civilisations, Old Masters, and the Mona Lisa — plan half a day minimum.
Choose Musée d'Orsay if…
Choose the Orsay for Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Rodin in a more manageable 2–3 hour visit.
Can you visit both The Louvre and Musée d'Orsay in one day?
Many visitors do Orsay in the morning and a focused Louvre wing in the afternoon, or split across two days.