How the clock in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris preserved its train station legacy

Iconic clock at Musée d'Orsay, a historic train station transformed into an art museum in Paris

When I think of clocks in Paris, the clock at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris is one of the first that comes to mind. It’s not just any clock; it’s a symbol of the history and grandeur of this city.
When I first saw the clocks in the museum, I recognized them from photos. But when you stand in front of them, they are truly impressive. The clocks are enormous and industrial, as if you are looking through a secret window into Paris.
What makes this clock in musée d’Orsay so special, and what is the story behind the iconic Musée d’Orsay?

Musée d’Orsay: From train station to art museum

The Musée d’Orsay is an art museum that highlights the development of Western art between 1848 and 1914, with a strong emphasis on 19th-century French art. However, it wasn’t always a museum. Originally, the building was Gare d’Orsay, a train station designed for the visitors of the 1900 ‘Exposition Universelle.’ The French architect Victor-Alexandre Laloux designed this magnificent station, connecting Paris with the south of France.

Knowing the rich history of this building brings the museum to life in a whole new way. You can almost imagine the trains arriving, full of travelers eager to begin their adventures in Paris. And, of course, where there’s a train station, there are clocks. In this case, there are iconic clocks that have withstood the test of time.

The iconic clocks of Gare d’Orsay

When it opened in 1900, the impressive clocks, designed in the Art Nouveau style, were not only used to tell the time but also to emphasize the grandeur of the station. Made of glass and steel, these clocks offered travelers a panoramic view of the city while they waited for their trains. It was a unique experience that made the journey through Paris even more special.

Not one but two clocks in the Musée d’Orsay Paris

People often refer to “the” famous clock, but there are actually two, both located on the street side. One clock is inside a restaurant, which is beautiful but less suitable for photos. The other is perfect for the photo ops you’ve undoubtedly seen. What’s special about this clock is that you can actually see the Louvre through it—it’s just across the river. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre.
So, besides telling the time, the clock has regained its original meaning: a window into the city.

Discover Versailles beyond the palace

Clock Musée d’Orsay Paris in history

The station did not always enjoy the glory it had at the beginning. In 1939, Gare d’Orsay was closed because the platforms were too short for modern, longer trains. During World War II, it served as a postal center for prisoners of war. It’s painful to realize that so many prisoners worked here. This adds an extra layer to the history of a place that was once so full of life but also so full of sorrow.

The transformation of gare d’Orsay into Musée d’Orsay Paris

The Italian architect Gae Aulenti oversaw the building’s transformation into a museum, which took place from 1980 to 1986. What I find so appealing about Paris is how it honors its history. The city excels at creating beautiful transformations from history to futurism, and this is well expressed in this museum. In this transformation, the clock played a crucial role once again. Today, the large clock is located on the upper floors of the museum, offering a stunning view of the Seine. It’s one of the most popular photo spots in the museum, where you can capture a unique perspective of Paris.

Practical Information
Address:
Musée d’Orsay
Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing
75007 Paris

Opening Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 9:45 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Discover the Musée d’Orsay
Have you ever visited this iconic clock? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *