The Musee d'Orsay with children (Musée d'Orsay)

Member Name: misswilmotsghost

Product:	Musée d'Orsay
Date:	17/01/09 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a beautiful, calm atsmosphere in which to introduce childen to some wonderful works of art

Disadvantages: tempting to stay too long, and end up feeling jaded

When we were in Paris with our children (aged 8 and 5) I must admit we decided that the Louvre would be too much, but the Musée d'Orsay was ideal. It's a fabulous, light building, airy and spacious, set inside the old Gare d'Orsay - the railway station just South of the Seine, near the Tuileries gardens.

We bought a children's book about the museum (from the shop under the Louvre - the closest we got) in advance so that the children could take a look at what sort of things would be there - my Musée d'Orsay - we bought the French version, but they shop also sold it in English. We each chose two things that we wanted us all to look at, with an agreement that we could also each nominate up to two amazing things to stop and look at if we spotted them as we were going round. I know this sounds very prescriptive, but the worst thing in a place like this is overkill. With children (certainly with mine) it's a good idea for them to have a clear sense of what they are being asked to commit to doing, and to know that it's not going to go on forever, even if I could cheerfully stay there all day. It's very easy to feel that you have to get your money's worth, and then you can end up not really enjoying any of it. Which is hardly the point.

The children's highlight was definitely the beautiful sculpture of the polar bear, who we named Pompom after the sculptor, but we saw all sorts of other treasures too and came away with a sense of real satisfaction and enjoyment. The cafe on the top floor was a must, as you're sitting up behind the clock, with amazing views of Paris below.

It would be a shame to take your family to Paris and not see some of the wonderful art there, this is a great way to achieve that aim.

Summary: An inspiring setting in which to help your children enjoy great works of art.