Start with booking a timed-entry ticket online via the museum’s official site. That way, you sidestep the longest queues—especially useful on popular days like Wednesdays (when the Louvre is closed) and weekends. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., with late hours until 9:45 p.m. on Thursdays (last entry at 9:00 p.m.) Avoid visiting on Mondays, May 1, and December 25, when the museum is closed.

Ticket pricing is straightforward: €16 online for general admission, €14 at the door; discounted rates start at €11 when purchased in person. Late-evening visits on Thursdays come at a reduced €12 if booked online (€10 at the museum). There’s a handy “Enfant & Cie” rate of €13 (or €11 on-site) for EU-resident adults accompanying a child—perfect for families. A highlight: the first Sunday of every month is free for all, but registration is required—spots go fast.

Planning tip: aim for entry right at opening or in the late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) to dodge crowds. Thursday evenings are a secret gem: quieter, reserved for contemplative art time, and slightly cheaper.

Accessibility is seamless. The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible—with ramps, automatic doors, elevators, and accessible facilities throughout. Guide dogs, baby-changing areas, and assistance for hearing or visually impaired visitors (including induction loops, audio description, and special guided tours) are thoughtfully provided. Free admission is granted to visitors with disabilities and a companion.

Audioguides (available in ten languages) are inexpensive—€6 full price, €4 reduced. There’s also a young-audience guide (€3.50) and mobile download options for select exhibitions.

To make your Musée d’Orsay visit serene and soul-stirring: book an online, timed-entry ticket, visit early or late (especially Thursday evenings), take advantage of accessibility services and audioguides, and let the art—and not the lines—wash over you.