Practical recommendation: Arrive with a small day bag only. If you carry a rolling suitcase, deposit it before your visit at a nearby station or via a commercial drop-off service.
The institution is located at 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur (7th arrondissement). Regular opening hours are Tuesday–Sunday 09:30–18:00, late opening on Thursday until 21:45; closed Monday. The checkroom operates during gallery hours, so plan the bag drop and pick-up within those times.
Accepted items at the cloakroom: coats, small backpacks, handbags, umbrellas and folded strollers. Prohibited items: large suitcases, sports equipment and oversized trunks. Security staff may require backpacks to be carried on the front while inside the galleries.
If you need to leave large baggage, use: SNCF automated lockers or staffed consignes at major stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare Saint-Lazare), or app-based commercial providers (examples include bag-drop networks charging roughly €5–€12 per item per day). Book a commercial slot close to Rue de la Légion d’Honneur to save walking time.
Quick tips: Reserve an external drop-off in advance for peak days, keep valuables with you, keep the deposit receipt until retrieval, and allow an extra 15–20 minutes for bag handover when timing your visit.
Bag policy and drop options at the Paris former railway-station museum
Use the museum cloakroom for coats, handbags and small daypacks; for suitcases or large trunks arrange external drop-off before your visit.
- What the onsite cloakroom accepts: coats, umbrellas, small backpacks and camera bags – oversized cases are generally declined at entry.
- If carrying a suitcase: book a commercial bag-drop or station locker rather than relying on the venue’s coat check.
- Recommended commercial platforms: Stasher, Bounce, Nannybag – compare prices and opening hours and reserve a slot online to guarantee space.
- Typical price range: about €5–€12 per item per 24 hours for private drops; station lockers can be similar or slightly higher depending on size.
- Before arrival: measure your case and check the venue’s bag rules on the official website or confirmation email; avoid bringing items that will be refused at the cloakroom.
- If using a private bag-drop: reserve, print or save the booking QR code, carry photo ID, and note opening/collection times (many providers close earlier than the museum).
- If using station lockers: locate the locker area inside the station concourse, take a ticket/QR receipt, photograph the locker number; cashless payment commonly available.
Security and timing tips: keep passports, cash and electronics on your person; allow extra time to drop off or collect bags (plan 15–30 extra minutes); verify opening hours of the chosen drop point the morning of your visit.
On-site cloakroom hours and exact location inside the museum
Use the ground-floor cloakroom immediately after the security checkpoint at the main entrance; it operates during public opening hours: Tue–Sun 09:30–18:00, with late opening on Thursday until 21:45. Last deposits accepted 30 minutes before closing.
Exact indoor position
Enter through the main entrance on Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, pass the security X-ray, then head straight into the entrance hall under the large clock; the cloakroom desk is on the left side of this hall, clearly signed “Vestiaire” or “Bag check” and adjacent to the information/ticket area.
Day | Cloakroom hours | Last acceptance | Location note |
---|---|---|---|
Monday | Closed | – | Building closed to public |
Tuesday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:30 | Ground floor, left of main entrance after security |
Wednesday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:30 | Ground floor, left of main entrance after security |
Thursday | 09:30–21:45 | 21:15 | Ground floor, left of main entrance after security |
Friday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:30 | Ground floor, left of main entrance after security |
Saturday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:30 | Ground floor, left of main entrance after security |
Sunday | 09:30–18:00 | 17:30 | Ground floor, left of main entrance after security |
Practical tips
Large suitcases or oversized items may be declined; ask staff at the entry desk before queuing. Collect all items well before closing; after-hours retrieval is not available. For group visits with many bags, arrange drop-off early in your visit to avoid last-minute refusal.
Allowed and prohibited bag types, size and item restrictions
Carry only a compact day bag sized no more than 40 x 30 x 20 cm into the exhibition rooms; large roller suitcases, trekking packs and bulky parcels will be refused entry and must be left at the cloakroom or off-site lockers.
Allowed items
Small backpacks and crossbody bags under 40 x 30 x 20 cm; purses and tablet-sized cases; coats, scarves and folded umbrellas; small camera bodies and standard lenses (without tripod); baby essentials (diapers, small changing mat); prescription medication in original packaging; personal electronic devices and power banks carried on your person.
Prohibited items and explicit size limits
Wheeled suitcases of any size; backpacks exceeding 40 x 30 x 20 cm or bulkier hiking packs; golf bags, large musical instruments, scooters and bicycles; professional camera rigs, full-size tripods and monopods; drones and remote-controlled devices; large coolers or food containers with strong odors; aerosols, flammable liquids, fireworks, real or replica weapons and any sharp tools. Containers of liquid larger than 100 ml are discouraged and may be rejected during security screening. Items left at the cloakroom may be inspected; label valuables and carry passports, cash and electronic devices on your person. Spare lithium batteries should be carried, not checked with stored items.
Fees, accepted payment methods and obtaining a storage ticket
Bring euros and a contactless bank card; for oversized items the staffed cloakroom normally charges a small fee (expect about €2–€6 per piece). Payment options at the desk: cash (EUR), Visa and Mastercard, contactless debit/credit and mobile wallets (Apple/Google Pay). American Express acceptance is less consistent, so keep cash as a fallback.
To deposit an item, hand it to the staffed cloak desk near the main entrance and receive a numbered claim slip plus an attached tag for your item; confirm the numbers match before leaving. Retain the slip until collection–returning items requires presenting that slip or an ID match verified by staff.
Lost-slip procedure: present valid photo ID, give a detailed description of the item and allow staff time to verify ownership; a recovery or handling charge may apply. Fees already paid are non-refundable.
If you need solutions for bulky trunks or overnight deposits, ask ticket-office staff for recommended commercial baggage services or consult the museum website before arrival. Keep valuables with you; only non-valuables should be left at the cloak desk.
Step-by-step process to check in and retrieve your bags
Present your museum admission and a photo ID at the cloakroom counter, then photograph the issued claim slip immediately and keep the physical stub on your person.
At the queue, unzip backpacks and open larger pieces so staff can inspect contents quickly; expect a variable wait time–plan an extra 15–30 minutes during peak hours.
When handing items over, confirm the total number of pieces with the attendant and watch them apply the numbered tag or sticker to each item; request that high-value items be recorded separately or retained by you if allowed.
Accept the receipt that matches the tag numbers and verify that the numbers on the receipt match those on your items; if the facility uses electronic lockers, test the lock code or token once assigned before leaving the counter.
To reclaim, return to the cloakroom desk, present the claim slip and the same photo ID used at check-in; staff will retrieve items and you should inspect each piece and its contents before leaving the area.
If the claim slip is lost, provide photo ID, describe items in detail and sign a retrieval form; staff will search by tag number, time of drop-off or camera records–expect a longer wait and additional identity checks.
Report any damage or missing contents to the cloakroom staff immediately and request a written incident report; follow the museum’s written instructions for filing a formal complaint or insurance claim.
If you arrive by bike and want a quick cleaning after museum visit, consider this handy tool: best bicycle pressure washer.
Security measures, liability limits and lost-item procedures
Report lost or stolen items immediately at the nearest security desk and insist on a written incident/reference number for every follow-up step.
- At the scene: approach the security team, present a photo ID and any proof of ownership (photo, serial number, purchase receipt). Request a photocopy or photo of the incident report.
- Request footage review: security can log a request for CCTV review; record the request ID and estimated completion time.
- If a personal item was handed over to a cloakroom or check-point, ask for the original deposit ticket number and the posted liability cap printed on that ticket.
- If theft suspected, file a police report on-site or at the nearest commissariat; attach the museum/security incident number to that police report for insurance purposes.
On-site protective measures and procedures
- Public areas covered by continuous CCTV; random bag inspections and manual searches during peak times or special exhibitions.
- Prohibited-item confiscation follows French law: hazardous objects surrendered will be held for collection by owner only after identity verification and completion of a written form.
- Security will log found items, assign a reference, and store articles in a secure room pending claimant identification.
Liability limits and compensation policy
- Most coat-checks and left-bag services display a monetary liability cap on the deposit receipt; common ranges are €50–€300 per item. Use the deposit receipt as the sole proof of the stated cap.
- Cash, negotiable instruments and precious stones frequently fall outside compensation rules; declared high-value objects may require prior written acceptance to qualify for higher limits.
- For items exceeding the posted cap, keep them on your person or purchase short-term travel insurance that explicitly covers loss/theft during visits.
Recommended documentation for claims
- Incident/reference number from security.
- Police report (if theft suspected).
- Proof of ownership: original receipts, serial numbers, photographs showing unique markings.
- Deposit ticket or ticket stub if the item was handed to a check-point.
Recovery timelines and escalation
- Small items found during opening hours often returned within 24–72 hours; unclaimed items are commonly retained for 30–90 days before transfer to the municipal lost-property service or police custody.
- If no recovery within 72 hours, contact the museum’s lost-property desk by email or phone, quoting the security reference. Follow up in writing and request a written status update for insurer use.
- If the museum indicates transfer to the municipal service, request the transfer reference and contact details to continue the search there.
Prevention and practical tips
- Avoid storing valuable electronics or jewelry; carry passports, wallets and cameras in a front-facing, lockable anti-theft bag.
- Record serial numbers and take clear photos before arrival. For phones, register IMEI with your provider and enable remote-tracking/wiping functions.
- Choose secure carry options with locking zips or anti-theft features; for recommendations on travel gear with convenient features, see best luggage with cup holder.
Nearby left-bag services, lockers and how to book them in advance
Reserve a spot with Stasher, Nannybag, Bagbnb or Bounce at least 24 hours before your visit; typical rates range €6–9 per item per day, payment by card or PayPal is accepted, and you must present a photo ID and the mobile or printed voucher at drop-off.
Where to look and what to choose
Search these peer-to-peer networks for partners within a 5–15 minute walk of 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur (museum address). Prioritize listings marked “24/7” if arrival or collection falls outside standard shop hours; choose staffed shops over automated lockers when storing valuable or oversized items.
Major train terminals with automated consignes (potential alternative if you need round‑the‑clock access) include Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Gare Montparnasse – check the station’s official site for current availability and pricing before relying on them.
How to book in advance – step-by-step
1) On Stasher/Nannybag/Bagbnb/Bounce, enter the museum address (1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur) or “Orsay” area; sort results by walking time and opening hours.
2) Select number of items and approximate dimensions; confirm that the provider accepts bags of your size and type (backpacks, suitcases, sports equipment).
3) Prepay with card or PayPal; keep the confirmation email and save the voucher QR code to your phone – some shops will not accept late arrivals without a voucher.
4) At drop-off present photo ID plus the booking voucher; record the collection code or receipt number and check the cut-off time for same‑day retrieval.
5) For pickup, arrive within the stated hours, show the same ID and voucher, inspect your items, and ask for a stamped receipt if keeping for multiple days.
Advance checks before booking: provider opening hours, cancellation/refund window (most allow free cancellation up to 24–48 hours), insurance or declared-value limits, maximum item size, and whether the partner accepts single- or multi-day deposits.