Monday 5:30 PM: Welcome reception
Thursday 6:00 PM: Guided tour of Musée d'Orsay
A choice of guided tours is offered:
OPTION 1: THE MASTERPIECES
The Orsay Museum, inaugurated in 1986, shows French and International art from 1848 to 1914, thus bridging the gap between the Louvre museum and the Centre Georges Pompidou. The “Masterpieces’ Tour” takes the vistor through the collections and shows some of the most famous works of art of the 19th century. The tour starts with a short introduction on the architecture of this building, opened as the “Orsay Railroad Station” for the 1900 World Show, and carries on with paintings and sculptures by Courbet, Manet, the Impressionnists, Rodin, Cézanne, Van Gogh
OPTION 2: ART AND PUBLIC OPINION : SCANDALS IN 19TH CENTURY ART
The 19th century was rich in controversies in art as much as in politics. The collections of the Orsay Museum include some of the most controversial art works created between 1848 and 1914. Courbet, Manet, Carpeaux, the Impressionists, Cezanne,Rodin, the “Douanier Rousseau” had all been in the heart of violent public scandals, being severely attacked by the Institute, critics or by public itself. Today, however, their paintings and sculptures belong to one of the most respectable chapters in Art History. How were these art works perceived a hundred years ago ? What made such a complete change in appreciation possible?
OPTION 3: ENIGMAS AND MYSTERIES OF THE MASTERPIECES OF THE ORSAY MUSEUM
The Orsay Museum shows French and International art from 1848 to 1914. The tour takes the vistor through the collections and shows some of the most famous works of art of the 19th century. The Poppies” , “Woman with a sun-shade”, “Rouen Cathedrals” by Monet and “The Swing”, “Dancing at the Moulin de la Galette”, “Young girls at the piano” by Renoir … are all works of international fame...
Following repeated viewings over and over, through reproductions in books, through advertising, posters and postcards, those masterpieces have become so familiar that they seem to hide no more surprises ! In fact, one needs to approach and inspect the original works, face to face literally, to realise that all those pieces of art conceal well hidden and unexpected secrets.
The visit is an amusing and thrilling voyage full of detailed revelations about the greatest secrets of those masterpieces we all thought we knew by heart:
Which unexpected patterns did Courbet hide within his “Burial at Ornans” ?...
Which secret symbol can you see in Manet’s “Asparagus” ?....
Why was Dali so obsessed with the Angelus by Millet ?, …
Lots of questions...
Many unexpected surprising answers...
A very entertaining visit into the deepest secrets of the greatest artists.
OPTION 4: IMPRESSIONISM
The Orsay Museum displays many of the essential paintings belonging to the most famous movement in Art History. Between 1874 and 1886, in eight exhibitions, a handful of painters broke with traditional artistic expression in the most revolutionary way. Monet, Renoir, Pissaro, Sisley... innovated both in subjects and in technique. Their work on colour and light, their way to call for the viewer’s active participation considerably influenced 20th century art. From the beginning (Manet) to the end (van Gogh), the visitor follows the evolution of this artistic movement.
Thursday 8:30 PM: Banquet in the Grande Salle à manger du Musée d'Orsay
(the restaurant is accessible to visitors with a museum ticket entrance)
