| After the Orsay Palace burnt down in 1871, the site was rebuilt in 1900 as the Gare d'Orsay train station -- designed by Victor Laloux for the Universal Exposition. Though the station ceased operations just 39 years later, the structure was saved from demolition and converted into a museum in 1986. In addition to the great hall that greets visitors upon entry, the museum was organized on three levels, with exhibition spaces and various other facilities. The museum's art pieces, which include paintings, pastels, sculpture, furniture, photography, architecture and art objects, are completely devoted to works dating between 1848 and 1914. Collections are derived from the world-renowned Musee du Louvre, the Musee du Jeu de Paume and the Musee National d'Art Moderne, all of which contribute artwork from three separate periods within the 65 years. The museum also features a permanent multimedia room, offering twelve workstations that are freely accessible to all visitors. Located on the middle level, on the side of the Rue de Lille, the workstations are connected through a network that allows quick responding times and superior picture quality. Ultimately, the museum intends to constitute a multimedia library at the service of its public.Metro: Solferino - RER C : Musee d'Orsay |
