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 out of 5
We booked the Guide in advance in order to get in. Truly Iconic.
Make sure you book early ahead of time.
The moment you walk through its grand entrance, you’re surrounded by centuries of masterpieces – from the Notorious Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo to Egyptian mummies and royal French artifacts.
LHOOQ Mona Lisa try to say it in French real quick.
The museum itself is a work of art, with its elegant palace architecture and the striking glass pyramid in the courtyard.
It’s massive!! you could spend days exploring and still discover new rooms. My tip: plan your visit, wear comfortable shoes, and focus on a few sections you’re most interested in to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you’re an art lover or just a curious traveler, the Louvre is an unmissable Paris experience. Every hallway tells a story, you would learn more if you had the tour guide explaining the history. Every priceless piece connects you to a moment in history.
The Visit, a walkthrough a thousand years of history, made us appreciate the evolution and intelligence of humankind.
Tates Napawan (Tates) - 2 weeks ago
Absolutely wonderful place. If I am ever back in France I would go again. So much beautiful art to see and history to learn.
If it is your first visit I highly recommend getting a tour, either a group or a private tour. I lean more towards a private so you can see what you want & focus on your visit.
It does get a bit warm inside, so take a water bottle if you are visiting in the warmer/hotter months.There is nudity, so be mindful if you take younger children.
Brianna Luce - 2 weeks ago
I feel incredibly lucky to have added such an experience to my life. Seeing the Mona Lisa with my own eyes is certainly a unique experience, but I don't think you should overlook all these magnificent works just for the Mona Lisa. Every room, every work, holds a unique story. It might be a lengthy trip, but I'd love to come back and see each work in its own different details.
Zeynep Arslan - a week ago
As expected, it was spectacular. The museum is so enormous that you really need adequate time to go through it. We had a guide that took us to the highlights which I highly recommend. Whatever you do, purchase tickets ahead of time.
Mark Goldsmith - 3 weeks ago
Amazing experience and also overwhelming. So much history. Loved the Mona Lisa even though it had queue, it goes fast so no issues. My biggest advice is to buy tickets in advance
Fadi Samour - 2 weeks 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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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: szeke - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Patrik Seiler - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: szeke - cc license via Flickr -
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: docoverachiever - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Carl Campbell - cc license via Flickr
