Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum ("Musée du Louvre"), isn't just the largest art museum in the world but it is a historic monument on its own. Give or take 38,000 objects dated from the prehistory right up to the 21st century are displayed in this mastodont of a cultural treasure trove that measures about 72,000 square meters. Apart from the Eiffel tower, the Louvre is pretty much the biggest must-see that Paris has to offer.
Originally the Louvre was set up as a castle which is still visible in the basement of the museum. But as the city grew the fortress eventually lost its defensive function and was converted into the main residence of the French Kings. It got modified many times before becoming the Louvre as we know it today. King Louis XIV decided he'd like to live in the Palace of Versailles instead which left the Louvre basically a museum for the royal collection. During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre should be used as a museum to display the nation's masterpieces.
Much of the art at the Louvre has had a rocky past, being stolen from families and churches by kings and rulers. Napoleon being one of the big sources of the collection's expansion.
It is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement
Opening times
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 - 20:30 |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
⚠️ While planning your trip to Paris, remember that many museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays. For example, Palace of Versailles, Musée d'Orsay, Musée Carnavalet and Musée Rodin are closed on Mondays. The Louvre, Musée de l'Orangerie, Pompidou Centre and others are closed on Tuesdays.
Entrance is free for under 18 all year round. Everyone under 26 enters free on Friday evenings. Be aware that on July 14th (Bastille day) entrance is free for everyone so expect the galleries to be very busy!
Ongoing Exhibitions
Exhibition: Guillon Lethière: Born in Guadeloupe
Until: February 13th, 2025 (27 days remaining.)Description:
Visit the Clark Art Institute and the Musée du Louvre to see an exhibition about an artist from Guadeloupe. Learn about his career in France and his work as a professor and advisor.
See all ongoing local exhibitions.
Tickets for Louvre Museum
Frequently Asked Questions about Louvre Museum
- Q: What can visitors expect when visiting the Louvre Museum?
- A: The Louvre Museum is home to an unparalleled collection of art and artifacts, including the world-famous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
- Q: Does the Louvre Museum host special exhibitions?
- A: Yes, the Louvre regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring various themes and historical pieces.
- Q: Is there a cafe or restaurant on site at the Louvre Museum?
- A: Yes, the museum has several cafes and restaurants where visitors can dine during their visit.
- Q: Can I bring my own food into the Louvre Museum?
- A: Outside food is not permitted, but there are dining options inside the museum.
- Q: Is photography allowed inside the Louvre Museum?
- A: Photography without flash is allowed in most areas of the museum, but restrictions apply in certain exhibitions.
- Q: Are there restrictions on the type of bags brought into the Louvre Museum?
- A: Large bags, strollers, and umbrellas must be left in the museum cloakroom.
- Q: Is there a security check at the entrance of the Louvre Museum?
- A: Yes, all visitors must go through a mandatory security check.
Nearby
- La Monnaie de Paris → 555 meters
- Pont Neuf → 615 meters
- Musée d’Orsay → 669 meters
- Place Vendome → 836 meters
- Sainte Chapelle → 937 meters
- Musée de l’Orangerie → 987 meters
- Musee De L'orangerie → 988 meters
- FlyView Paris → 1 kilometer
- Place De La Concorde → 1.1 kilometer
- La Crypte archéologique de l'Île de la Cité → 1.2 kilometer
- Notre-Dame Space: Eternal Notre-Dame → 1.2 kilometer