Musée d'Orsay Rules & Visitor Guidelines

The Musée d'Orsay is a French national museum and shares the strict security rules in place across all major Paris cultural institutions. The two surprises for first-time visitors are no flash photography or tripods anywhere in the building, and a strict bag-size limit. See our visitors guide and accessibility page for related info.

Key rules to know

A short list — the rest is normal museum etiquette

No flash, no tripods

Photography without flash is allowed in the permanent collections, but flash, tripods and selfie sticks are banned everywhere. Some temporary exhibitions ban photography altogether — look for signage at the entrance.

Bag size limit

Anything larger than 56×45×25 cm (cabin-bag size) must be checked at the cloakroom. Backpacks, large totes and umbrellas all go in lockers — no exceptions in the galleries. No suitcases at all are accepted.

Security check

Airport-style security at the entrance with metal detectors and bag screening (Vigipirate plan). Allow 5–10 extra minutes during peak hours, more during school holidays and around major holidays.

No food or drink

Eating and drinking are limited to the three café-restaurants inside. Water bottles must stay in your bag for the duration of the visit through the galleries.

Rules & Regulations FAQ

Common questions about what's allowed

Why is flash photography forbidden?

The pigments in 19th-century paintings — especially Van Gogh's chrome yellows and the reds in Manet — are extremely sensitive to flash and prolonged direct light exposure. The blanket ban also keeps the galleries flowing smoothly without people stopping to set up shots.

Are sketchbooks allowed?

Yes — pencil sketching is welcome and is a long-standing tradition at the d'Orsay. No pens, paint, ink or pastels in the galleries.

What size bag is allowed inside?

Up to 56×45×25 cm (cabin-bag size). Larger bags must be checked in the free cloakroom. Suitcases, even small wheeled cabin cases, are not accepted at all — store them at your hotel or at a luggage-storage office near Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon.

Are tripods or selfie sticks permitted?

No — neither is allowed inside the museum at any time, even in the great nave. Both must stay in the cloakroom.

Can I bring a baby carrier or stroller?

Baby carriers are welcome throughout. Strollers are permitted in the galleries; the museum loans free umbrella strollers at the cloakroom on a first-come basis if you'd prefer something more compact.

Is the museum quiet inside?

Voices are encouraged to stay low. Phone calls are not permitted inside the galleries — step back to the entrance hall if you need to take a call.

Can I bring food?

No food or drink is permitted in the galleries. Café Campana, Restaurant Musée d'Orsay and Café de l'Ours are open all day for sit-down breaks.

Is there a dress code?

No dress code — wear what you're comfortable in. The galleries are climate-controlled at a steady 20°C year-round, so layers help in summer and winter alike.