musee du louvre

Rue de Rivoli,
75001 Paris
Located in 1st arrondissement

Your nearest metro station to the Louvre is:

Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre ​
​Lines

Official website: https://www.louvre.fr/en​

As one of the most important and most visited ( 8M+ annually) museums in the world the Louvre Museum is obviously a very busy Paris attraction.

It is another 'must see' attraction of Paris but one which deserves a bit of pre-planning (buy a guide) before you venture into its 14 kilometres of galleries (that's eight miles!) spread over 4 levels. It can, as I have learned from personal experience, be quite exhausting.

With star exhibition pieces such as the 'Mona Lisa', the 'Venus de Milo' and the 'Winged Victory' it is not hard to understand why it is so popular. These particular favourites have now been placed in a more accessible area by forward thinking management as they are sometimes all some visitors want to see - which is a bit of a shame when you consider the museum is home to over 35,000 artefacts!

We won't go into too much detail here as to what else you can see, suffice to say there is something for everyone.
The museums official website is a great source of information.

You can check which entrance to use here on official site.

Most tourists enter the Louvre through the main entrance under the glass pyramid in the central courtyard (“Napoléon courtyard”) of the museum. What they do not know is that there are several entrances to the Louvre, all of which are far less busy.
You can wait up to two hours or so just to get past the security area at the front door of the pyramid, then you have to wait in line again inside to buy tickets.
There is another  entrance 'Porte des Lions'**,at street level,a short distance away, it allows you to get your tickets, enter the museum and reach the Mona Lisa in no time at all, with little or no waiting. You can also enter through the 'Carousel de Louvre' shopping centre on Rue de Rivoli. Just enter the shopping mall, go down the elevator and you'll see the Louvre entrance to the left. You'll find handy ticket machines and normally a very short security line. 

**This entrance is only open on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Also if you’re going to the late night Louvre (open until 10pm on Wednesday and Friday nights) the Porte de Lion is closed on Friday and closes at 5:15pm on Wednesdays.
Entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month although, as you can imagine, it is very busy!

Tip: Consider visiting on a Wednesday or Friday evening or any day after 3.00pm to avoid the crowds.
 
Entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month although, as you can imagine, it is very busy.
 

Here are some key details about the Louvre:

1. History and Architecture:
   • The Louvre was originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century under King Philip II. Over the centuries, it underwent numerous transformations and expansions, becoming a royal palace during the Renaissance.
   • The iconic glass pyramid entrance, designed by architect I. M. Pei, was inaugurated in 1989, adding a modern touch to the museum's classical architecture.
2. Art Collections:
   • The Louvre is renowned for its extensive and diverse art collections, spanning from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. It is divided into eight departments: Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints and Drawings.
   • The museum is home to thousands of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.
3. Mona Lisa:
   • The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is arguably the Louvre's most famous and iconic work. It attracts millions of visitors each year who come to admire its enigmatic smile.
4. Winged Victory of Samothrace:
   • This ancient Greek sculpture of Nike, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, is displayed prominently on the Daru staircase. It is celebrated for its dynamic and dramatic portrayal of victory.
5. Temporary Exhibitions:
   • In addition to its permanent collection, the Louvre hosts temporary exhibitions, offering visitors the opportunity to explore thematic displays and special installations.
6. Islamic Art Department:
   • The Louvre's Islamic Art Department showcases a rich collection of art and artifacts from the Islamic world, spanning over thirteen centuries.
7. Visitor Experience:
   • Due to the vastness of the Louvre, visitors are encouraged to plan their visit in advance, focusing on specific sections or artworks of interest.
   • The museum offers guided tours, educational programs, and multimedia resources to enhance the visitor experience.
8. Louvre Abu Dhabi:
   • In addition to the main museum in Paris, the Louvre has expanded its presence with the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This international collaboration houses a diverse collection of artworks from various cultures.

The Louvre is not only a cultural institution but also a symbol of Paris and its rich history. It attracts millions of art enthusiasts, scholars, and tourists each year, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the world of art and history.

Main entrance via 'Pyramid'.
Full price: € 15.00 (€ 17.00 online)
Free to under 18s and EU residents 18 to 26
Open every day (except Tuesday) from 9 am to 6 pm
 
Evening opening until 9:45 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays
 
On the first Sunday of each month and Bastille Day (14 July), entry is free but for obvious reasons it can be very busy.
 
The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
​Official website: www.louvre.fr/

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“Quality over Quantity” is the motto for the new director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, who announced earlier this month that the museum recently began limiting the number of visitors to 30,000 per day, or between 7 and 8.5 million each year, “in order to facilitate a comfortable visit and ensure optimal working conditions for museum staff.” Read more about  this on this excellent article from 'Secrets of Paris' here.

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