Creating the Musée d'Orsay: The Politics of Culture in France

The transformation of the Gare d'Orsay into the Musée d'Orsay is a captivating tale of architectural beauty and political intrigue. Professor Andrea Kupfer Schneider delves into the complex negotiations and decisions that shaped the museum, highlighting the conflicts among politicians, curators, and historians regarding its design and collections. The narrative reveals how a once-celebrated train station evolved into one of Paris's most esteemed cultural institutions, reflecting the rich history behind its creation and the artistic vision that guided its development.