Fancy an evening at the museum? Airbnb offers stays at the Musée d’Orsay

On By Vaseline

When the Musée d’Orsay moved into a historic Paris train station in 1986, it filled the building’s train hall with large-scale sculptures and the former railway hotel with its prized collection of Impressionist works.

The fifth-floor bell chamber was open to visitors who could inspect the interior of the 19th-century timepiece while enjoying views of Sacre Coeur and the Tuileries Gardens across the Seine. It’s a breathtaking view from a remarkable structure, enough to make you want to stay, right?

Inside the Musée d’Orsay. Photo: Frederik Vercruysse, courtesy of Airbnb.

Well, you can, says Airbnb. This summer, the online short-term rental platform is offering stays in the The bell chamber of Musée d’Orsay, which has been renewed by the French designer Mathieu Lehanneur. “For the first time ever, and for one night only,” he wrote in the ad, “the museum’s iconic clock room will be transformed into a bedroom. I have created a unique space that is both romantic and contemporary, intimate yet opulent.”

A lounge area in the bell room of Musée d’Orsay, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur. Photo: Frederik Vercruysse, courtesy of Airbnb.

The space is now completely clad in wood paneling, furnished with lounge-friendly furniture and anchored by a soft-looking bed that hangs off the ground. A punching bag has been installed in a niche, a sporty touch that refers to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. After all, Lehanneur designed the torch and cauldron for this year’s games.

A niche in the bell chamber of Musée d’Orsay, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur. Photo: Frederik Vercruysse, courtesy of Airbnb.

The stay in the Clock Room includes private access to view d’Orsay’s Impressionist possessions, as well as a behind-the-scenes visit to “a space not available to the public.” And of course you also get a nice view of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games from the vantage point of the room.

“Since the most beautiful room must have the most beautiful balcony, the museum’s large terrace is also reserved for you,” Lehanneur said. “Paris is yours; the ceremony can begin…’

Mathieu Lehanneur in the bell chamber of Musée d’Orsay. Photo: Frederik Vercruysse, courtesy of Airbnb.

The Musée d’Orsay is one of 11 experiences Airbnb is offering in a new category called “Icons,” with art, film and sports-inspired stays released throughout the year. “Icons transport you to worlds that previously only existed in your imagination,” said Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky.

Some of the highlights include staying in a recreational area of ​​the lovely cozy house from Pixar Upwards in New Mexico; at the X-mansion from the animated series X Men ’97, remade in Westchester with a comical, dynamic color scheme; and in the room occupied by Prince in the 1984 film Purple Rain.

The Ophuis. Photo: Ryan Lowry, courtesy of Airbnb.

The Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy, will also open its doors to overnight visitors. There they will sleep in a bed made from the same leather used in sports cars, among an array of Ferraris and 110 elite trophies. The booking also includes a private tour of the museum, dinner at Enzo Ferrari’s favorite tent Cavallino and a ride in a Ferrari with racing driver Marc Gené.

The bedroom in the Ferrari Museum. Photo: Thomas Prior, courtesy of Airbnb.

Other Icon experiences range from a private “living room” performance from Doja Cat to a members-only access to a ‘secret speakeasy’, where one will be joined by Kevin Hart, for a tequila tasting and live stand-up sets.

Follow Artnet News on Facebook:

Do you want to stay one step ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter and receive the latest news, revealing interviews and sharp critical takes that move the conversation forward.