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
One of the largest museums in Europe. It has collections from Egypt, Greece, French, Europe, Asia and one of the most famous pictures and sculptures in the world. It is worth going to see and I highly recommend for everyone; plus if you're under 26 and live in a country that is a member of the European Union you get in free!!
Marino Paradina - a week ago
Wow. What a museum. We honestly saw all the art we wanted to in 3 hours. Went late on the day on Friday (open late). Smaller crowds.
*** mummy section closed on Friday — that did cut our trip short. Be sure to get to the lower levels and walk what was the mote when the museum was originally a fort.
Michael Teleha - in the last week
This is without a doubt the best museum I've ever been to. I can't express how amazing it is. Floor to ceiling, wall to wall, absolutely packed to the brim with the finest art you'll ever have the privilege to see. I was overwhelmed by the size and magnitude of this place.
Do yourself a favor by grabbing a map and don't be in a hurry. You could easily spend all day inside. And definitely wear comfy shoes! There's tons of ground to cover and lots of stairs.
Buy tickets in advance!
We bought tickets for 10am entry and the crowds weren't too bad. By the time we left, around 2pm, the place was packed. O.o
Suomirakastaa - 3 weeks ago
Very big and many things to study/explore. Should reserve at least half day for that. If u visit there in the afternoon and Mona Lisa is one of your important spot, please proceed there not later than 5:00 PM. As the museum is very big, it may take some time to reach there from the spot you are and the museum prepare to close section by section around 5:30 PM.
MinMin Myitzu - a week ago
This is a great experience to see different types of cultural arifact in one place. The process to enter was smooth. The items on view are separated by its origins in different sections of the museum. The place can be very crowded especially the room that houses the Mona Lisa. You will still get to see what you want to. For the price, the overall experience is awesome.
Anthony Brown - a week 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: Gael Varoquaux - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Carl Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: docoverachiever - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Carl Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Carl Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: C. B. Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruben Holthuijsen - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D. - cc license via Flickr
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