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.