Dive into the captivating world of 19th-century French art rebellions with this intimate private tour of the renowned Musée d’Orsay. Led by an experienced Irish artist, this exclusive 2-hour experience explores the innovative techniques and bold colors that defined the Impressionist revolution. Uncover the groundbreaking works of masters like Courbet, Manet, and Van Gogh, as you learn about the rich history and transformative era that challenged artistic norms. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the vibrant stories behind these iconic masterpieces.
Key Points
- Explore the 19th-century French art rebellions through a private tour of the Musée d’Orsay, focusing on the Impressionist revolution.
- Discover how artists like Courbet, Manet, and the Impressionists challenged the traditional Salon system and captured modern life.
- Admire masterpieces of the Impressionist movement, including Monet’s "Impression, Sunrise" and Van Gogh’s "The Starry Night".
- Trace the artistic journeys of Post-Impressionist painters Van Gogh and Gauguin and their radical transformations in 19th-century French art.
- Experience the tour led by an experienced Irish artist and Paris museum guide, with the use of headphones and audio receivers.
Tour Overview
This private tour of the Musée d’Orsay lasts 2 hours and is limited to groups of 6 people.
Led by an experienced Irish artist and Paris museum guide, the tour explores the origins of 19th-century French art rebellions.
Participants will see works by renowned artists like Courbet, Manet, Monet, and Cézanne, and discuss the significance of the Impressionist revolution.
Headphones and audio receivers are provided, though museum tickets must be purchased separately.
Free entry is available for children under 18, EU students under 25, and holders of the Paris Museum Pass.
Comfortable shoes are recommended.
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Exploring 19th-Century French Art Rebellions
As the guide leads the group through the museum, they explore the origins of the 19th-century French art rebellions that challenged the traditional Salon system.
The guide discusses how artists like Courbet, Manet, and the Impressionists rebelled against the restrictive rules and conservative tastes of the Salons.
Artists like Courbet, Manet, and the Impressionists rebelled against the restrictive rules and conservative tastes of the Salons.
Visitors learn how these artists sought to capture modern life and the changing world around them, using bold colors and innovative techniques that shocked the hotel.
The significance of the Impressionist revolution is contextualized, from the Salons of the 1840s to the radical visions of Van Gogh and Gauguin.
Masterpieces of the Impressionist Revolution
With the foundations of the 19th-century art rebellions established, the tour shifts its focus to the masterpieces that defined the Impressionist revolution. Guests will be captivated by the bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors of seminal works by Monet, Renoir, and Cézanne. A table highlighting key Impressionist paintings ensures visitors don’t miss these iconic masterpieces:
| Painting | Artist | Year |
| — | — | — |
| Luncheon on the Grass | Édouard Manet | 1863 |
| Impression, Sunrise | Claude Monet | 1872 |
| The Starry Night | Vincent van Gogh | 1889 |
Through the guide’s expert commentary, the significance of this artistic movement’s radical departure from traditional techniques will come alive.
Contextualizing the Salons of the 1840s
Leading up to the Impressionist revolution, the Salons of the 1840s played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic landscape.
These annual juried exhibitions were the primary platform for artists to showcase their work. Conservative juries often rejected avant-garde submissions, sparking debates around academic tradition versus artistic freedom.
This tension fueled the rebellious spirit that would culminate in the Impressionist movement. By contextualizing this precursor, the Orsay Museum tour provides deeper insight into the Impressionist revolution’s origins and the artists’ defiant responses to the artistic hotel of the time.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTracing the Artistic Journeys of Van Gogh and Gauguin
The Orsay Museum tour also traces the artistic journeys of two of the most influential Post-Impressionist painters, Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.
Visitors will explore how these artists broke from the Impressionist movement, experimenting with bold colors, expressive brushwork, and symbolic imagery. The guide will discuss van Gogh’s turbulent life and his innovative paintings like "Starry Night."
The Orsay Museum tour explores how Post-Impressionist artists like Van Gogh and Gauguin broke from Impressionism through bold colors and symbolic imagery.
Guests will also learn about Gauguin’s escape to Tahiti, where he created vibrant, mystical works inspired by the island’s natural beauty and indigenous culture.
This segment offers a deeper understanding of the radical transformations in 19th-century French art.
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Inclusions and Requirements for the Tour
The tour includes the use of headphones and audio receivers, which allow guests to clearly hear the guide’s commentary throughout the museum.
Museum tickets aren’t included, but they can be purchased online at orsay.fr for €16. Children under 18 with ID and EU students under 25 get free entry. The Paris Museum Pass is also valid for entry.
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Guests should bring a passport or ID for children. Babies under 1 year old aren’t suitable for the tour.
Prohibited items include selfie sticks and flash photography. Visitors can contact the guide via WhatsApp to confirm last-minute availability.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
The tour pricing starts from Kč 3,006 per person.
Booking the tour offers a "reserve now, pay later" option for convenience.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Pricing from Kč 3,006 per person
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"Reserve now, pay later" option available
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours for full refund
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Discounts for children under 18 and EU students under 25
Important Information for Visitors
Comfortable shoes are recommended for the tour, as visitors will be on their feet for the duration. All guests are required to bring a valid passport or ID, especially for children. Infants under 1 year old are not permitted on the tour. Plus, there are some prohibited items, including selfie sticks and flash photography.
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
| ———————— | ———————– |
| Comfortable shoes | Selfie sticks |
| Valid passport or ID | Flash photography |
| Children under 18 (free) | Babies under 1 year old |
| EU students under 25 (free) | |
For last-minute availability confirmations, visitors can contact the guide via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Headphones to the Tour?
The tour provides headphones and audio receivers, so you don’t need to bring your own. However, you’re welcome to use your own headphones if you prefer, as long as they’re compatible with the audio system.
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, it’s possible to extend the tour duration, but this must be arranged in advance with the guide. Additional fees may apply for the extended time. Speak with the guide to discuss your preferences and make the necessary arrangements.
Can I Request a Private Tour for More Than 6 People?
Yes, you can request a private tour for more than 6 people, but it’ll be subject to the guide’s availability and may incur an additional fee. The group size is typically limited to 6 to ensure an intimate experience.
Do I Need to Book the Museum Tickets in Advance?
No, you don’t need to book the museum tickets in advance. The tour doesn’t include them, but you can purchase them directly on the Orsay Museum website for €16. The Paris Museum Pass is also valid for entry.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
Yes, the tour offers free entry for EU students under 25 and children under 18 with ID. Some seniors may also qualify for discounted museum tickets, but this is not explicitly stated in the tour overview.
Recap
Discover the captivating world of 19th-century French art rebellions and the Impressionist revolution on this intimate private tour of the Musée d’Orsay. Dive into the innovative techniques and bold colors that challenged artistic norms, and learn about the rich history and masterpieces that transformed the art world. With an experienced Irish artist as your guide, this tour offers a unique and insightful exploration of this transformative era in art.
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