Discover the grandeur of the world’s most visited museum and learn how to explore it with ease.
A Royal Past Turned Global Treasure
The Louvre Museum Paris is not just a museum – it’s a powerful symbol of French history, culture, and heritage. The origins of the Louvre date back to the 12th century, when King Philip Augustus commissioned the construction of a fortress to protect Paris from Viking invasions. The citadel eventually came to be known as the Louvre – a name believed to be linked to the French word for wolf, loup, due to the area’s once-high population of wolves. Remnants of this original structure can still be seen in the museum’s medieval foundations today.
Over the centuries, the building evolved into a royal residence, particularly under the rule of Francis I, who initiated the collection of Italian masterpieces, and Louis XIV, who expanded and beautified the palace. When the Sun King moved the court to Versailles, the Louvre slowly transitioned into a hub for scholars and artists, setting the stage for its future role as a museum.
The transformation became official during the French Revolution, when revolutionary leaders declared that the royal collections should belong to the people. In 1793, the Louvre opened its doors as a public museum with just over 500 artworks. Today, its collection has grown exponentially to house more than 35,000 pieces on display (out of over 300,000 stored in total), drawing over 9 million visitors annually and spanning 72,000 square meters of exhibition space. The Louvre is not only the most visited museum in the world but also one of the largest and most ambitious. To see everything on display, one would need at least a full week of exploration.
A key moment in the museum’s modern identity came in 1989, when the controversial yet visionary glass pyramid designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei was inaugurated. Serving as the museum’s main entrance, the pyramid juxtaposes modern design with the classical architecture of the palace. Its sleek, geometric form and transparent structure have since become a defining symbol of the Louvre and one of the most photographed spots in Paris.
Must-See Masterpieces
The Louvre Museum Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic and historically significant artworks. A visit here is a journey through the greatest moments of human creativity.
- Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci (Room 711, Denon Wing): Arguably the most famous painting on earth, this Renaissance portrait captivates millions each year with its mysterious smile and enigmatic allure. Despite its modest size, the Mona Lisa attracts long lines of visitors every day, and due to the high demand, many may not be able to get up close. The painting is specially protected with thick bulletproof glass and round-the-clock security.
The Mona Lisa is widely considered the most famous portrait in the history of art, and naturally, many are intrigued by the identity of the woman depicted. While absolute certainty is elusive, most experts agree that the model was Lisa Gherardini (1479–1542), the wife of Florentine silk merchant and art patron Francesco del Giocondo. Hence, the painting is also known as La Gioconda, and its full title in Italian is Portrait of Madam Lisa del Giocondo.
Leonardo da Vinci began the painting around 1503–1505, but continued to refine it until his death in 1519. For centuries, the work has sparked intense debate – including questions about who painted it, who the woman truly was, and why she smiles. The Mona Lisa remains one of the most studied, speculated, and mythologized artworks in the world.
- The Winged Victory of Samothrace (Room 703, Denon Wing): Also known as Nike of Samothrace, this 244 cm tall marble sculpture represents the Greek goddess of victory. Created in the 2nd century BC, it is admired for its dramatic movement and intricate detailing.
- The Venus de Milo (Room 345, Sully Wing): A symbol of classical beauty, this statue of Aphrodite is celebrated for its graceful form and mystery, particularly due to its missing arms.
- Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix (Room 700, Denon Wing): This powerful 1830 painting embodies the spirit of revolution and republican ideals in France.
- The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David (Room 702): A monumental canvas depicting Napoleon crowning himself emperor in the presence of the Pope, rich in both historical and political symbolism.
Each of these masterpieces represents a pivotal moment in artistic history, offering insight into the political, religious, and cultural life of their time. Visitors can also explore entire departments dedicated to ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Islamic art, and Renaissance sculpture, making the Louvre an unparalleled cultural experience.
Temporary Exhibitions at the Louvre
In addition to its world-renowned permanent collection, the Louvre Museum Paris regularly hosts prestigious temporary exhibitions featuring rare loans, thematic displays, and cross-cultural projects. These exhibitions offer fresh perspectives on both classic and lesser-known works, often drawing connections across eras and artistic movements.
Some recent or upcoming highlights include:
- The Mamluks (1250–1517): A Political, Cultural, and Artistic History – An exceptional look at the Mamluk Sultanate’s power and cultural influence (April 30 – July 28, 2025).
- The Experience of Nature: Landscape in Rudolf II’s Prague – Exploring artistic views of nature in Central Europe (March 19 – June 30, 2025).
- A New Look at Cimabue – Shedding light on early Italian painting and the transition to the Renaissance (January 22 – May 12, 2025).
- Louvre Couture – A celebration of the relationship between fine art and fashion (January 24 – July 21, 2025).
For a complete list of current exhibitions and ticket information, visit the official site: louvre.fr – Exhibitions
The Museum’s Three Wings
The Louvre is divided into three main wings:
- Denon Wing – Home to Italian masterpieces, sculptures, and the most visited rooms.
- Sully Wing – Houses ancient antiquities, including Egyptian and Greek collections.
- Richelieu Wing – Features French sculpture, decorative arts, and Northern European paintings.
Each wing contains multiple levels and hundreds of rooms. First-time visitors are encouraged to pick a wing or theme to avoid burnout.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours:
Daily (except Tuesdays) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Late night openings on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9 p.m.
Last entry: 1 hour before closing
Clearing of rooms begins: 30 minutes before closing
Public Holidays:
The Louvre is closed on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December. It remains open on all other public holidays unless they fall on a Tuesday.
Tickets:
- General admission: €22.00
- Free for: visitors under 18 and under 26 years old who reside in the EEA (European Economic Area)
- Entry is free on the first Friday of each month after 6 p.m. for under 26s.
🎟️ Advance booking is highly recommended. On-site queues are often long, and during peak season tickets may be sold out days or even weeks in advance. It’s also smart to decide on your route in advance and set clear priorities for which works or wings you want to see, as it’s virtually impossible to cover the entire museum in one visit..** On-site queues are often long, and during peak season tickets may be sold out days or even weeks in advance.
Entrances:
- Pyramid Entrance – Main and most iconic.
- Carrousel Entrance – Underground access, often less crowded.
- Porte des Lions – A quieter alternative, close to the Denon Wing.
Facilities & Services:
Free wheelchair rental, baby carriers, and strollers available. Lockers, cafés, bookshops, and gift stores enhance the visitor experience.
Nearby Attractions:
Combine your visit with a stroll through the Tuileries Garden, a walk along the Pont des Arts, or a side trip to the Musée Eugène-Delacroix (free with your Louvre ticket).
Final Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Arrive early or book a late-night slot to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll walk a lot.
- Focus on one wing or era at a time.
- Bring headphones to enjoy your audio guide.
The Louvre Museum Paris is more than a place to see art – it’s a place to feel history, power, and inspiration. Whether you’re an art lover or a curious explorer, make the most of your visit with smart planning and the right tools.
Paris For You App – Plan Smarter Before You Go
While the Paris For You app does not provide navigation within the Louvre building itself, it’s a perfect companion for planning your visit and finding the fastest and easiest way to get there. With offline maps, real-time directions, and multilingual landmark guides, you’ll arrive well-prepared and confident.
📍 Locate nearby metro stations and entrances
📅 Get tips on when to visit and what to prioritize
📲 Navigate to the Louvre from any point in Paris – even offline
