Radiodiffusion Française established the orchestra in Paris in June 1937 under the name of the Orchestre Radio-Symphonique, under the auspices of Les Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones (PTT) and its minister, Robert Jardillier.

The orchestra performed regularly at the Salle Érard, and later the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in the 1950s.

In 1976, the orchestra was further renamed the Nouvel Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, with Gilbert Amy as its new musical director under its new name, and Emmanuel Krivine as principal guest conductor.

That same year, the orchestra received its current name, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.

In February 2024, the orchestra announced the appointment of van Zweden as its next music director, effective with the 2026-2027 season, with an initial contract of five years.