
The Louvre, located on the north bank (right bank) of the Seine in the heart of Paris, is the heart of the city. Construction began in 1204 and has undergone over 700 years of expansion and renovation to reach its present size. It is divided into two parts: the old part, built during the reign of Louis XIV, and the new part, built during the Napoleonic era.
The Louvre, founded in 1204 , is one of the most famous museums in the world. It now houses a collection of 400,000 pieces, with exhibits spanning more than 1,500 years. Treasures of civilizations such as ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt are magnificently presented here.
The pyramid-shaped glass entrance to the palace was designed by the Chinese architect I.M. Pei. It is one of the world's most famous and largest art treasure houses, a globally renowned art palace and a treasure trove of treasures. It is also the oldest royal palace in French history.
Originally built in the early 12th century, the palace underwent four renovations and expansions between the 15th and 18th centuries . Its collection includes the Venus statue, considered one of the three world treasures; the Mona Lisa oil painting; and the Winged Victory of Samothrace stone sculpture. It also boasts a wealth of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Oriental antiques, as well as ancient French and Italian relics. The palace boasts an exhibition area of 55,000 square meters and houses 25,000 pieces.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
15 euros per person
Monday , Thursday , Saturday - Sunday: 9:00-18:00 ; Last admission : 17:30
Wednesday , Friday: 9:00-21:45 ; Last admission : 21:30
Regular closing days each year : January 1 , May 1 and December 25
The Louvre Museum, originally a royal palace, has been transformed into one of the world's largest and most famous art museums. It houses over 380,000 objects, including masterpieces from the Renaissance, Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Its significance lies not only in the art it holds but also in its role as a symbol of French culture and history.
The Louvre Museum is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, along the right bank of the Seine. It is easily accessible by metro (Louvre-Rivoli station or Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre station) or by walking from nearby attractions like the Tuileries Gardens or the Seine River.
The Louvre is open every day except Tuesdays and holidays. The general hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but extended hours are available on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:45 PM. It is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
The general admission fee is €17 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online on the Louvre's official website or at the museum's ticket counters. There are discounts available for certain groups, including students and visitors under 26 from the EU.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can typically purchase tickets up to a few weeks in advance on the museum's website.
To fully explore the Louvre Museum, it typically takes about 3-4 hours. However, if you're focused on the major highlights, 2 hours may suffice. It's best to plan extra time if you want to explore in detail.
The Louvre offers both guided tours and audio guides. The audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German. Guided tours are available in several languages and can be booked in advance.
Start in the Denon Wing to view the Mona Lisa and other Renaissance masterpieces. Next, visit the Sully Wing to see the Venus de Milo and Ancient Egypt artifacts. If you have extra time, visit the Richelieu Wing for French sculptures and the Galerie d'Apollon.
Night visits are available on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:45 PM. The museum occasionally offers special evening events, such as art workshops or temporary exhibits.
The Louvre can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. The least crowded times are early mornings and late afternoons on weekdays, with Wednesdays and Fridays being slightly less busy due to extended evening hours.
The Louvre Museum is accessible for people with disabilities, offering ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs for visitors. It is also child-friendly, with family workshops and interactive tours available.
Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted at the museum, including for tickets and purchases in the shops and cafes. Cash payments are also accepted.
Many nearby cafes and restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. For halal options, try restaurants like Le Relais de l'Entrecôte or restaurants in the nearby Latin Quarter.
The Louvre has an official souvenir shop offering art prints, books, and replica artworks, including miniature sculptures and jewelry.
After visiting the Louvre, you can easily take the Paris metro or a taxi to other attractions. The Seine River offers boat tours, which are a scenic option for continuing your journey.