We went to the Musée d”Orsay on Friday.  We actually walked there which was a  (a favorite New York word) undertaking.  It was, however, really nice to walk along the Seine all the way.

The museum was originally a train station, named the Gare d’Orsay and was built in the late 1800’s.  In 1986 it was turned into a museum.  It is known for the 19th century art collections featuring Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Manet, Cézanne, and Gauguin.  It is said to have one of the best collections of impressionist paintings.

There is a new policy that no photos are allowed. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to take lots of photos on previous visits.

It is a beautiful museum and a must see main attraction when in Paris.  One of our favorite things to do here is have lunch in the restaurant.  It is just beautiful flanked by gorgeous chandeliers, lovely sculptures and an incredible ceiling.  The large room is so bright and sunny.  I ordered the plat du jour which was the most wonderful whipped potatoes with fish.  It came with toasted walnuts and a little cream sauce.  It was delicious, and we were happy once again there.  I had read once before that the waiters  can be very rude, perhaps even hold the record for rudest.  We have never, never had a problem.  Last year, the waiter wrote down some names of places we should even give a try for evening entertainment.  This year we had a woman who offered with a nice smile, ice and lemon, when I gave in and ordered a diet coke!  I think this is a very old rumor.

I had previously downloaded a podcast with the audio guide and listened to it as I walked around. This made the visit organized and helpful as I entered different rooms and walked on the different levels.

The one thing I was disappointed about was last winter I looked for Whistler’s Mother by James McNeill Whistler painted in 1871.  It was on loan to another museum then.  So I looked this time to see it as it is one of the most popular works done by an American outside the U. S.  No luck finding it.  So I asked one of the guards and I was told it was on loan and was in Vienna!  I couldn’t believe it, I missed it again.

It reminded me of a visit I made to Madam Tussauds in London one time.  I wanted to see the wax figure of Frank Sinatra and I could not find it.  I asked a guard there and was told he was in Las Vegas!

Last night we saw Hugo, the movie made by Martin Scorsese. I think we appreciated seeing it on different levels while still here in Paris, though it would be great seeing it anywhere.  The very large clock at the Musée d’Orsay was used as the model for the one in the movie, as well as the train station here at Gare Montparnasse and other stations here in Paris.  I plan on buying the DVD to see it at home in 3D, that would really be enjoyable.

It was so nice going to the Musée d’Orsay and we enjoyed it all over again.