The works from artists such as Van Gough and Renoir had to compete with the curvaceous models from lingerie firm Etam for the eyes of bewildered spectators who didn’t know they were part of a viral marketing campaign.
The video shows the three models waiting outside the art gallery in trench coats as they tell viewers they are about to go inside for a fashion show.
Once the models are inside the gallery they shed their overcoats to reveal their scantily-clad bodies to astonished art lovers.
The women then walk briskly out of the room attracting stares, photos and more discrete glances from men with their partners.
As they approach the museum's exit the models pick up the pace, breaking into a jog despite wearing high heels. They giggle at the dropped jaws and gasps of surprised patrons.
However, the museum was unamused by the stunt and has called the incident "a serious infringement of the Orsay's rights and the rights of others," New York Daily News reports.
The museum's director has reportedly threatened legal action against Etam if the lingerie maker does not remove the video from its website.
The video shot at the museum is one of three promotional pieces featuring the same models.
In one of the other videos the women ice skate underneath the Eiffel Tower in their underwear.
