structure served as the setting for several films, including Orson Welles's version of Franz Kafka's The Trial, and is a central location in Bernardo Bertolucci's The Conformist. General Charles de Gaulle held a press conference in the ballroom of the Hotel Palais d'Orsay on 19 May 1958 at which he announced his "availability to serve his country", ushering in the end of the French Fourth Republic. As well, it was the inspiration for the larger Penn Station in New York City when Alexander Cassatt, president of the Pennsylvania Railroad, traveled on his annual trip to Europe in 1901. Museum In 1977, the French Government decided to convert the station to a museum. The building was listed as a historical monument in 1978 and reopened as the Musée d'Orsay in December 1986. The chief architect for the conversion was the Italian Gae Aulenti. There is a huge clock which still works in the main terminal housing the museum. References External links Satellite image from Google Maps Railway termini in Paris Defunct railway stations in Paris History of Paris Hotel buildings completed in 1900 Railway stations in France opened in 1900 Railway hotels Beaux-Arts architecture in France Historicist architecture in France Buildings and structures in the 7th arrondissement of Paris