The Louvre
The Louvre is the most visited museum and arguably the most renowned museum in the world

There are few museums anywhere in the world that have attracted more attention than the Louvre. The world's most visited museum, the Louvre is home to in excess of 35000 pieces of art dating from the earliest times to the 19th century and displayed in an exhibition space covering an amazing 650,000 square feet. Some famous pieces of art include The Madonna and Leonardo da Vinci’s Saint Anne, however there are literally thousands more works of art and historical pieces for visitors to view.
The Louvre has a lengthy and interesting history. During the 12th century, Paris was Europe's largest city. To protect the capital from the Anglo Norman threat king, Philippe Auguste, who was reigning at that time, decided to build a garrison to reinforce its western defences on the shores of the River Seine. The large fortress comprised of a moat, a huge tower at the centre of the structure plus other towers encompassed narrow gates at the wall on south and east sides. The solid building had two inner buildings butt against the exterior walls on the south and west sides. This magnificant structure lost its ability to be Paris' defence fortress as the city grew far beyond the original wall by the mid 14th century. Other defences were developed under King Charles V which enclosed the Louvre within the expanding city. In 1364 he commissioned his architect, Raymon du Temple, to transform the ancient garrison into a splendid royal mansion.
Each section of the Louvre has its story to tell and bears the mark of a different influential personality. The Louvre was turned into a museum in 1791 and first opened its doors as such in 1793. The first pieces on display were works of art that were donated or loaned by families that could afford to do so. Since then, the Louvre has simply grown in splendour and has had many galleries added and renovations done to turn it into the amazing museum that it is today.
The Louvre, as with most famous museums, offers floor plans, audio guides and guide books to visitors. It also features a number of cafes, media centres and even a bookstore for those that wish to bring a little of the Louvre home with them. The Tuileries Gardens offer a number of activities for the restless little ones who may not enjoy taking in the art of the Louvre as much as their parents. Instead, they can be amused with boat rides and trampolines and other play area activities in the gardens.
Nearby attractions: Jardin des Tuileries and Museum of Decorative Arts
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Save time and skip the queueThe Louvre Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 75001 Paris, France
Phone: 01 40 20 53 17
Official Website: The Louvre
The Louvre Reviews
Rated
I mean what do you say about this place. It's the premiere museum on the planet. we used Babylon tours for our tour guide which I highly recommend. The architecture is stunning. The facility is massive. Far larger than you'd ever imagine. Definitely add this to the do not miss list if you're visiting Paris. It'll be tough to see it in one visit. But try to grab as much as you can. The Egyptian exhibit is pretty stunning.
Ryan Rowland - 2 weeks ago
Must visit place in Paris. So much of art and so much to see. The pics are from my second visit to this beautiful city in winters and the weather was cold but enjoyable. It took almost a full day to see the museum but it was time well spent. I'll suggest one to go through the info pamphlets and make a route tour for saving time. Read about the French history and historical events to make the best of the visit and prepare your kids for a long day if planning to take along.
Rajat Srivastava - a week ago
World's biggest museum so you have to visit it when in Paris. Worth the visit because there are some world class works of art here. Mona Lisa is the most popular art piece in this museum and it will always be crowded to view it. But plenty of signs leading you to exactly where this is located.
The queue was not too bad on a Thursday morning. I reserved for 10am and got in around 10:20am. You line up right outside the glass pyramid. There will be signs for the different times you reserved for.
Bring a water bottle with water because the museum did not have a single water fountain. I consciously looked for them and did not find any. Or you can buy an expensive bottle of water from their cafeteria.
I stayed for 4 hours and looks like prime time was around 1pm. The cafeteria was packed and people were standing to eat.
David - a month ago
Absolutely superb, a museum at its best, countless works of art, superb architecture. I recommend entering through the metro under the pyramid and buying tickets in advance so you don't have to worry about waiting too long. At this entrance there are maps in several languages and lockers to leave your things. Wherever you turn your head you will find something to like. Obviously all the attention is on the room with the Mona Lisa but there are many paintings that are worth seeing besides it. It is absolutely huge! I recommend giving a day exclusively to this museum in the morning to try to see all the floors and sections! I highly recommend this museum! It is absolutely necessary to see it if you arrive in Paris! If you are under 26 years old, access is free!
Adrian-Cătălin Manea - 2 weeks ago
The greatest museum I have ever seen in Europe. You can see so many different arts.
I recommend buying tickets in advance online, otherwise there is a 1-1,5 hour waiting time to entry.
Prepare to spend the entire day in the museum. You need about 6-7 hours to see all the museum. You can find coffee shops inside, or bring something to eat with you
Enea Kote - a month ago
Directions
Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
M1 or M7 | Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre | 3 minutes |
How to get to The Louvre by Metro / RER
By Metro: From Metro Line 1 or 7 exit at Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre Station and proceed to your right (west) along Rue de Rivoli and then cross the road to your left and proceed through the arches at Place du Corrousel. The entrance to the the Louvre is in the Glass Pyramid ahead and to your left.
The Louvre is also easily accessed from the Batobus.
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Accommodations near The Louvre:
Photo Gallery
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One of many expansive halls exhibiting paintings by the masters inside The Louvre cc licensed photo by vic15 -
Photo Credit: Rojs Rozentāls - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Patrik Seiler - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Gael Varoquaux - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: szeke - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Gael Varoquaux - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: docoverachiever - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: docoverachiever - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Carl Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/robertotaddeofoto28 - cc license via Flickr
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