Musée d'Orsay Turns 40 with Thomas Jolly Dance Party and Major Exhibitions

The Musée d'Orsay celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long program titled 'Rêvons, c'est l'heure !' (Let's Dream, It's Time!), inspired by a verse from Paul Verlaine. Under new director Annick Lemoine, the museum focuses on democratization and contemporary issues. Highlights include the return of Gustave Courbet's 'Un enterrement à Ornans' on August 5 after a 15-month public restoration, a new Monet gallery opening September 30 for the centenary of his death, and a major Mary Cassatt retrospective from October 6—the first in a French national museum—featuring nearly 80 works. New permanent galleries for decorative arts open December 4 with over 200 objects. The mobile museum MuM'Orsay launches October 12, touring original works across French regions. An international symposium on December 2–3 and a mock trial engage the public. The climax is a free 'Boum 1986' dance party on December 12 in the grand nave, conceived by Thomas Jolly, director of the 2024 Paris Olympics ceremonies, with 1,500 spots available by reservation.