The Louvre in Paris is the most visited museum in the world. Nearly 9 million people visited in 2023. The Louvre is impressive and unique, attracting both art lovers and the uninitiated. This guide will give you all the practical information and tips for visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris, including entry, tickets, attractions, opening times, transport and more.
- Interesting facts about the Louvre Museum
- Where is the Louvre in Paris?
- How to get to the Louvre?
- Entrance to the Louvre Museum
- How to skip the queues for the Louvre?
- Opening hours of the Louvre Museum
- Entrance to the Louvre Museum
- The most interesting parts of the Louvre
- Things to do at Louvre
- How much time to set aside to visit the Louvre?
- When to visit the Louvre
- What to see around the Louvre?
- Map of the Louvre Museum
- How to enjoy a visit to the Louvre Museum in Paris?
- More information about France
- Louvre Museum in Paris FAQ
Interesting facts about the Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum. In 2023, 8.9 million people visited the museum, making it the world’s most visited museum. Just for comparison, the second most visited museum was the Vatican Museums with 6.8 million visitors.
The Louvre was originally built in 12th century as a fortress and in 16th and 17th centuries, it underwent extensive renovation to become a stunning palace. It has been operating as a museum since 1793.
One of its most famous parts is the glass pyramid designed by Chinese architect IM Pei. Next to the main pyramid there are two smaller pyramids, which perfectly illustrate the overall impression. In the evening the whole area is beautifully lit.
Where is the Louvre in Paris?
The Louvre is located in the first arrondissement of Paris on the right bank of the Seine River, stretching along several blocks of Rue de Rivoli. The Île de la Cité, with Notre Dame Cathedral and the Chapel Saint, and the Palais Royal are within walking distance.
☞ Make sure you get into the Louvre in advance to avoid selling out on the spot.
How to get to the Louvre?
The Louvre is within easy walking distance of many iconic sites in Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Orsay Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.
There are also several metro lines nearby:
- Line 1 – Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre or Louvre-Rivoli station (I recommend getting off at Louvre-Rivoli station, where you will find the first works of art from the Louvre).
- Line 7 – Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre station.
- Line 14 – Pyramides station (slightly further than the previous station).
Entrance to the Louvre Museum
There are four entrances to the Louvre, which vary depending on the type of ticket and the way you visit:
- The main entrance is through the largest pyramid in the courtyard of the museum.
- Carrousel du Louvre underground shopping centre (access from Rue de Rivoli or Palais Royal-Museé du Louvre metro station).
- Porte des Lions (to the south of the museum from Quai François-Mitterrand on the Seine).
- Richelieu (in the north of the museum, used exclusively for guided tours)
If you don’t have a ticket, you have to enter through the pyramid in the main courtyard – there is a special queue for visitors without a ticket.
With a ticket, you can enter via the pyramid and, at busy times, also via the Carrousel du Louvre or Porte des Lions.
On your ticket you will find clearly marked which way to enter the museum (in most cases it will be through the pyramid).
When you arrive at the pyramid, you will see several entrances (see the photo above, where it is after opening hours). One is for visitors without a ticket, another for visitors with a ticket and another for people with a disabled person’s card or a pram. Everything is marked, or. there are staff here to guide you to the correct entrance.
Upon entering the museum, you will be given a quick security check. Do not bring large luggage or backpacks inside. Smaller backpacks and handbags are allowed. You can store them in the lockers provided – you choose your own 4-digit code when you put things in the locker, you don’t need a coin.
If you don’t have a ticket, after the security check you still have to go to the ticket office to buy a ticket (if free tickets are available).
How to skip the queues for the Louvre?
The easiest way to avoid queues is to buy tickets online in advance. You’ll receive your tickets via email and just show them on your mobile phone or printed out at the door. However, even with a reservation, you will have to go through a security check. I recommend a visit early in the morning or in the evening when the queues are shortest.
Opening hours of the Louvre Museum
The Louvre is open every day except Tuesday:
- Season: Monday, Thursday, and weekend from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (09:00-18:00), Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (09:00-21:00).
- Low season: from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (09:00-18:00)
The last entry is one hour before the end of opening hours. Rooms close half an hour before closing time.
Entrance to the Louvre Museum
- Full admission: €22
- Free admission: Free admission for children up to 18 years of age, young people up to 26 years of age in the European Economic Area, and persons with a disability ID card or severe disability ID card with a need for assistance, including an accompanying person. Free admission for all then applies on the first Friday of the month after 6:00 PM (18:00) (except July and August) and on Bastille Day, 14th 7.
Your ticket to the Louvre also includes admission to the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix.
The most interesting parts of the Louvre
- Richelieu Wing: French statues from the 5th-19th centuries and the apartments of Napoleon III.
- Sully Wing: The oldest part of the Louvre with Egyptian, Greek and Roman art.
- Denon Wing: The most popular part with parts like the Mona Lisa and Nike Samothrace.
Richelieu Wing
The Richelieu Wing is the part of the museum that receives the fewest visitors. The apartments of Napoleon III, which were renovated for the Foreign Office in the style of Louis XIV (creator of the magnificent Palace of Versailles), are particularly worth seeing here.
Don’t miss the French sculpture gallery on floor -1, which we personally liked very much.
Sully wing
The Sully Wing is the oldest part of the Louvre, where you can learn about the history of the museum and see art from Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquity, including the Great Sphinx of Tanis and the statue of Venus de Melo. The top floor is dedicated to French painters.
You enter the Sully wing from the west end of the entrance hall – everything is marked and you can walk freely between the wings.
☞ Make sure you get into the Louvre in advance to avoid selling out on the spot.
Denon wing
The Denon Wing, named after the first director of the museum, is the most popular part of the Louvre. It is here on the first floor that you can walk through the Grand Gallery lined with Italian paintings and see works such as the Mona Lisa and Nike Samothrace.
The Mona Lisa has its own room, with a branch from the Grand Gallery. This is where most people congregate, so it’s a good idea to plan your museum tour first thing in the morning so you can see the painting without the crowds.
Things to do at Louvre
You don’t have a chance to see everything in one visit – it’s a good idea to set out which places you want to visit before you visit.
At the beginning of the tour you can pick up a map from the information desk to help you find your way around the museum (you’ll need it, it’s huge).
These are our tips on what not to miss at the Louvre:
Mona Lisa: the world’s most famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, located in the Denon Wing. The Mona Lisa attracts thousands of visitors a day.
Grande Galerie: In this long gallery you will find some of the most beautiful paintings of the Italian Renaissance.
Galerie d’Apollon: I recommend not to miss it – one of the most beautiful and important parts of the Louvre, a great example of the French Baroque style. You’ll find it on the first floor of the Denon Wing, a short walk from the Grand Gallery.
Napoleon III Apartments:Luxurious apartments that are richly decorated and represent the pinnacle of French decorative art from the 19th century. (they were under reconstruction in June 2024).
Venus of Melia: An ancient Greek statue that is an iconic symbol of female beauty and elegance. This statue is located in the Sully Wing.
Great Sphinx of Tanis: An imposing Egyptian sculpture that is one of the largest and oldest exhibits in the Louvre.
Nike Samothrace: a magnificent statue of the Greek goddess of victory, which stands on the monumental staircase of the Dar.
How much time to set aside to visit the Louvre?
There are 35,000 objects on display in the Louvre. If you spent one minute on each work, it would take you 64 days to see the entire Louvre. You may not spend your youth here, but it’s impossible to walk through the entire Louvre in one visit.
I recommend setting aside 2-4 hours depending on your interest in art. You can’t walk through the Louvre in one day, but after 4 hours you’ll probably be tired. You can visit the museum several times and still discover something new.
When to visit the Louvre
The best time to visit is early in the morning or in the evening when there are fewer visitors. The biggest crowds are from May to October and on weekends. In winter, the number of visitors is the lowest, which you will feel especially inside the museum.
Palace of Versailles is closed on Monday, so some visitors will plan a visit to the Louvre.
☞ Make sure you get into the Louvre in advance to avoid selling out on the spot.
What to see around the Louvre?
Adjacent to the Louvre are the vast Tuileries Gardens, full of ponds, flowers and relaxation areas. Through the north gate you cross the road to the Palais Royal with its interesting courtyard and park.
Due to the Louvre’s central location, there are many places to go from the museum – the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Le Centre Pompidou, Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie, Notre-Dame Cathedral and more are all close to the Louvre. In our 5-day itinerary in Paris for tips on where to go from the Louvre.
Map of the Louvre Museum
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of the Louvre Museum in Paris. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in my guide to the Louvre. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
How to enjoy a visit to the Louvre Museum in Paris?
- Do not bring large luggage or backpacks. Smaller backpacks/purses are allowed – there are lockers inside where you can store them.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The museum is large and you can walk around quite a lot.
- Wear more thin layers – it’s warmer inside the Louvre, so you can adapt to the changing temperatures.
- The museum has refreshments, plenty of toilets and rest areas.
- For easier orientation, take the map in the information in the lobby.
This was our guide and practical tips for visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
☞ Make sure you get into the Louvre in advance to avoid selling out on the spot.
More information about France
PARIS: See tips on what to see in Paris (including entrance fees, opening times and maps). Plan your itinerary for 3 days in Paris. Do you have more time? Here is the itinerary for 5 days in Paris (including a map and practical information).
In the following article you will find out everything you need to know before visiting Versailles. Are you planning to visit Disneyland? Read our detailed guide to Disneyland.
Find out all about transport in Paris (airport, public transport, metro, bicycle) and more tips on prices, food and accommodation in the Paris guide. Read our tips on how to visit Paris on budget. The Paris Pass is a popular way to save money in Paris – find out more about the Paris Pass.
PROVENCE: Here is a detailed guide to Provence, one of the most beautiful regions in France.
Louvre Museum in Paris FAQ
The Louvre Museum is located in the first arrondissement of Paris on the right bank of the Seine River. It is so vast that you can’t miss it.
The Louvre is easily accessible from central Paris or by metro lines 1, 7 and 14.
Full admission is €22. Free admission: Free admission for children up to 18 years of age, young people up to 26 years of age in the European Economic Area, and persons with a disability ID card or severe disability ID card with a need for assistance, including an accompanying person.
The Louvre Museum is open every day except Tuesday at the following times:
– Season: Monday, Thursday, and weekend from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (09:00-18:00), Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (09:00-21:00).
– Low season: from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (09:00-18:00).
If it’s your first time at the museum and you want to see the best works, don’t miss the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and Nike Samothrace statues, the Galerie d’Apollon, the Great Sphinx of Tanis and the Napoleon III apartments.
