Free & Reduced Musée d'Orsay Tickets

Under-18s, EU residents under 26, the first Sunday of every month, Carte Blanche and ICOM holders, and one companion per disabled visitor — they all enter free. Here's exactly who qualifies, what to bring, and how to book the right ticket type.

The Musée d'Orsay has one of the most generous free-entry policies of any major museum in Europe — under-18s and EU residents under 26 always enter free, and the first Sunday of every month is free for everyone. The eligibility list is broader than most visitors realise. See our visitors guide and accessibility page for related information.

Who qualifies

Who enters free

Under-18s: Free for everyone, every day. ID may be requested at the entrance.
EU residents aged 18–25: Free with valid ID showing age and residence (passport, national ID card, residence permit).
First Sunday of every month: Free for all visitors with a timed-entry slot — book at least two weeks ahead, these dates fill up the fastest of the entire year.
Carte Blanche holders: Free unlimited entry as part of the membership.
ICOM, ICOMOS and CIMAM members: Free with a valid professional card.
Companion of a disabled visitor: One person, free of charge — added automatically when you book the disabled-visitor ticket.
French job-seekers, RSA & ASS recipients: Free with proof issued within the last 6 months.
Teachers (with French Pass Éducation): Free year-round.

Who gets a discount

The reduced rate of €14 (vs €16 full) applies to certain professional categories and to combo bookings with the Musée de l'Orangerie. The Musée d'Orsay does not offer a general non-EU student discount.

How to claim a free or reduced ticket

Under-18s: book a free timed-entry ticket online — it's in the same flow as the paying tickets, you just choose €0 for the child or teen. Bring an ID document with date of birth on the day.

EU residents 18–25: book a free timed slot on the official site, then bring valid ID showing both your age and your EU residence — passport, national ID card, or residence permit. Non-EU residents under 26 do not qualify; the rule is strict.

First Sunday of the month: book a free timed slot on the official site weeks in advance. These dates draw the largest crowds of the year — arrive at opening (09:30) and head straight to level 5.

Companion of a disabled visitor: book the disabled visitor's ticket first; the companion ticket is added automatically at no extra charge during checkout.

Bring proof: ID with date of birth for under-18s, ID + proof of EU residence for 18–25, the relevant card or pass for everyone else. Staff at the entrance check randomly — having proof on you avoids any awkward conversations.

Free & Reduced FAQ

Eligibility, documents, and edge cases

Do under-18s really enter free?

Yes. A free timed-entry ticket is still required — book it in the same order as paying adults. ID with date of birth may be requested.

Are EU residents under 26 free?

Yes — but only EU residents. Non-EU citizens aged 18–25 pay full price, even with a student card. Bring a passport, national ID card or French residence permit (titre de séjour) as proof.

Is there really a free first Sunday?

Yes, on the first Sunday of every month. Free timed slots open about a month in advance and disappear within days — book early.

Do students get a discount?

EU students under 26 enter free. Non-EU students pay the full €16; some temporary exhibitions offer a small student discount.

Can carers enter free?

Yes — one companion of a disabled visitor is admitted free, and the disabled visitor themselves also enters free with a valid disability card. See our accessibility page.

Is there a family ticket?

No single family ticket is needed — under-18s are free, so you only pay for the adults in the group. EU adults under 26 are also free.

What if I forget my Carte Blanche at home?

Show your booking and ID at the information desk — staff can verify your account in the system and let you in.

Are teachers free?

Teachers leading school groups enter free as part of the group booking. French teachers with the Pass Éducation card enter free year-round individually; foreign teachers don't qualify unless they hold ICOM or Carte Blanche.