Eric W.United States
Pamela was exceptional! She brought the paintings to life with her description of both the artists and the art world at the time of the painting. Pamela’s passion for art is contagious! Thank you for a memorable day!
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Private tour in Paris Pamela B
The Orsay Museum with an Art Historian (PhD) - private tour
5.0
(42) reviews
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Pamela B.
5.0
Guide rating
253
Reviews
Tours delivered
6 hrs
Avg. response time
Hi there, my name is Pamela, and I am an Italian Art Historian. I'm a professor of art history, with a PhD in history and theories of arts (Paris 8 University), and I have lived in Paris since 2012. Currently, I am a professor of art history at the University of Architecture (ENSAPB) of Paris-Belleville. Since 2013, I've been an affiliated researcher at the University of Paris 8, specialising in modern and contemporary art, the history of art collections, and museum architecture. In the past 14 years, I have been a researcher at the Pompidou Centre and a lecturer in art history at various Parisian Universities, including Paris 8 University, the National Institute of Art History (INHA), and the School of Architecture Paris-Malaquais. As an art historian and museum guide, I have organised visits to the most important Parisian museums, galleries, and foundations (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou, Louis Vuitton Fondation, Palais de Tokyo, Musée Rodin . . . ), I've participated in many international conferences, and I've published three books and several scientific papers. With my students and my travellers, we have experienced art differently. I pursue an active pedagogy to foster creative vision and to accompany viewers during their encounter with art. Art must be lived, touched, and listened to through a visual and spatial experience. Visiting a museum doesn't just mean seeing a set of artworks; it is rather a matter of understanding its history, its soul, its relationship with space, and with you. So, come visit the most beautiful Parisian museums with me and enjoy art as you never have before! ------------ PhD in Art History - Paris 8 University (2015) Master's in History and Criticism of Art - Milan University (2011) Bachelor's in Theory and Practice of Contemporary Artistic Languages - Academy of Fine Arts in Bergamo - IT (2004-2008) Bachelor's in Theory and Practices of Conservation and Restoration - "Lorenzo Lotto" Private School, Bergamo - IT (2004) ------------ Qualified for Associate Professorship in History of Art, Visual Arts, and Architecture (2016-2019) Awarded “APAHAU for Young Researchers in History of Art” (2016) National Licensed Guide Card by Ministère de la Culture (2014) Member AAH – Association for Art History – London (2014-/) Member RSA - Renaissance Society America (2017-/) ------------ Affiliated Researcher - Lab. AIAC (Arts des Images et Art Contemporain), at the Paris 8 University
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Pamela B.
Skip the lines and come encounter avant-garde artists with an art historian
Overview of your Paris tour
"One morning, one of us ran out of black and used blue instead", and so, Renoir said, impressionism was born. This tour is a journey that takes you beyond the traditional museum visit to discover this former train station, its amazing architecture, and its huge collections through the lens of Impressionism. We'll discover the drama and scandals of the movement, artists' secrets, and the true history hiding behind the paintings that made art history… We'll stroll through its spaces, its sculptural central nave, its elevated walkways, until we discover the masterpieces it contains. Also, we'll explore how the Italian architect Gae Aulenti took up the challenge of creating a new museum setting up in the 1980s. From Manet to Van Gogh, from Courbet to Renoir, up to Millet and Monet's masterpieces, we will plunge into the essence of the Musée d'Orsay and its secrets.
Recent Reviews
Jennifer L.United States
This was my 4th tour with Pamela on 4 different trips to Paris. She is an extraordinary tour guide - really interesting interpretations of the art, and puts the art in context of the space. I did the audio guide at the museum 1 year ago, and it hardly covered even an iota of what Pamela taught me.
John M.United States
For our first trip to Paris in 15-years we utilized Pamela B. for both the Louvre and the Orsay Tours. Pamela has a Ph.D. in Art History and teaches in Paris. As many visitors may know, the experience at the Louvre and Orsay are very different. Because Pamela has such a deep understanding of art, the artists, art history and the motivations behind the individual works she was able to tailor both tours to the different venues and our interests. Pamela is an excellent teacher and so inviting in sharing all her knowledge. The tour elevated our understanding of the great works and artists in the Louvre and Orsay. Pamela has an excellent personality and made both tours so enjoyable and interesting. I highly recommend Pamela and both tours for those visiting these beautiful museums.
Michael O.United States
Pam is by far the best art historian I have ever met at Tours by Locals. Her knowledge is deep and she enjoys questions. Im not at all surprised that she was chosen for a Golden Guide award. I highly recommend her tours.
Sam A.United States
WOW! my wife and I were immensely impressed with Pamala. Her knowledge of the art work we saw was amazing. She provided background for each artist, a sense of the times when the pictures were painted and the details of each painting. She truly made this a memorable tour. We highly recommend Pamala if you are going to visit the Orsay.
John C.United States
This was a tour that we enjoyed VERY MUCH! Our guide, Pamela B., was extremely knowledgeable about the Museum and the most important works in the Museum's collection. Her detailed explanations, patient manner, and willingness to answer all of our group's questions were truly remarkable. Her work as our guide made the visit to the Museum MUCH more meaningful than it would have been otherwise. We are so pleased that we had her as our guide, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND her services to all others who are interested in getting the most of a visit to The Orsay Museum!!
Your Paris tour itinerary
*Sculpture 1850-1910 (Rodin…) *Academic (Ingres…) *Realism (Millet…) *Courbet and Bazille (The history of the painted studio) *Symbolism (Moreau…) *Manet *The Impressionists' gallery: Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cezanne … *Post Impressionism: Van Gogh and Gauguin *Toulouse Lautrec And we'll finish with a look in Design galleries, on 2nd floor…. This is a suggested itinerary, let me know what you would like to see and do and I will customize the tour accordingly!
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking tour
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Tickets
Meeting location
Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France
I will meet you in the little square, in front of the museum. For more details, please send me a message (please note that there is currently work underway outside the museum, with scaffolding and barriers in place).
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
Museums
Architecture
History
Tour reference number
801058
Languages
English
French
ItalianActivity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Paris best suited for?
This private tour in Paris is perfect for art enthusiasts and history buffs who want to delve deeper into the world of Impressionism and the Musée d'Orsay. It's also ideal for those who appreciate architecture and want to explore the museum's transformation from a train station to a world-class art venue. With Pamela B., an art historian with a PhD, you'll gain unique insights into the artists and their masterpieces. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Can this private tour in Paris be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.