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Quick Information

ADDRESS

75001 Paris, France

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5 hours

Timings

09:00–21:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

7500000

TICKETS

From $10.73

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

4

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

2+ hours (Peak), 1-2 hours (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1991

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The Louvre’s story began over 800 years ago as a fortress defending Paris from Viking invasions. You can still see parts of the original medieval moat in the museum today.

During World War II, the Louvre’s deputy director, Jacques Jaujard, orchestrated a daring mission to hide over 4,000 priceless artworks in a château in Loire Valley to outwit the Nazis.

On 21 August 1911, Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia stole the masterpiece, Mona Lisa from the Louvre because he believed that she belonged in Italy. Her two-year disappearance made her a global sensation.

Why visit the Louvre Museum?

Step into the Louvre Museum, where 9,000 years of human history and artistry come alive under the iconic glass pyramid. As the world’s most visited museum, the Louvre is not just another art gallery—it’s a global cultural icon and a must-see destination in Paris.

Marvel at masterpieces like the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo, and Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix. Each piece tells a story, drawing visitors into the heart of artistic and cultural milestones.

The Louvre is not just about art—it’s a journey through time. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century to defend Paris, it became a royal palace and, during the French Revolution, the home of France’s national treasures. Today, it stands as a timeless testament to human creativity and resilience.

Dive into the Louvre’s diverse collections

With over 35,000 masterpieces spread across eight departments, the Louvre can feel like a maze. Here's how to navigate its treasures like a pro.

Paintings

  • Focus: European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
  • Key Highlights: Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, The Wedding at Cana by Veronese, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix
  • Significance: Features works by masters like Raphael, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Titian.

Egyptian Antiquities

  • Focus: Ancient Egyptian culture from prehistory to the Byzantine era.
  • Key Highlights: Great Sphinx of Tanis, Sarcophagi, mummies, and daily life artifacts like tools and jewelry.
  • Significance: Offers a comprehensive view of pharaonic art, including monumental sculptures and funerary objects.

Sculptures

  • Focus: Freestanding works from medieval to modern Europe and beyond.
  • Key Highlights: Michelangelo’s Dying Slave and Rebellious Slave and The Seated Scribe
  • Significance: Celebrates the human form through various periods and styles.

Near Eastern Antiquities

  • Focus: Civilizations of Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Levant.
  • Key Highlights: Code of Hammurabi, and Winged Human-Headed Bulls (Lamassu) from Khorsabad
  • Significance: Explores the cradle of civilization with artifacts from the earliest urban societies.

Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities

  • Focus: Classical art and artifacts from the Mediterranean basin.
  • Key Highlights: Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace
  • Significance: Showcases the artistic and cultural achievements of the ancient world.

Islamic Art

  • Focus: Art from Islamic cultures spanning the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
  • Key Highlights: Pyxis of al-Mughira, ceramic tiles, textiles, and illuminated manuscripts.
  • Significance: Celebrates the beauty and innovation of Islamic artistic traditions.

Decorative Arts

  • Focus: European decorative pieces from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
  • Key Highlights: Napoleon III’s Apartments, clocks, furniture, and exquisite jewelry.
  • Significance: A testament to European craftsmanship and luxury.

Prints and Drawings

  • Focus: Works on paper, including drawings, engravings, and illuminated manuscripts.
  • Key Highlights: Rare sketches by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Rembrandt.
  • Significance: Offers insight into the creative process and evolution of artistic ideas.

Highlights at the Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum interior with visitors viewing Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa painting, Paris.

Mona Lisa

Arguably the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo's enigmatic portrait captivates millions of visitors each year with its mysterious smile and masterful technique.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 711

Venus de Milo statue in Louvre Museum's gallery with visitors exploring the exhibit.
Winged Victory of Samothrace
Louvre Museum visitors viewing "Liberty Leading the People" painting in Paris, France.
The Coronation of Napoleon

History of the Louvre: Fortress turned cultural icon

1190s: Medieval fortress

Philip II built the original Louvre as a defensive fortress on the edge of medieval Paris.

14th–17th centuries: Royal palace

Successive monarchs transformed and expanded the fortress into an increasingly elaborate royal residence.

1793: Public museum

During the French Revolution, the Louvre opened as a museum, making the former royal palace accessible to the public.

19th century: Growing collections

The museum and its collections expanded considerably, including during Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule.

1989: The Louvre Pyramid

I. M. Pei’s glass Pyramid opened, adding a modern entrance to the centuries-old palace complex.

​Explore the Louvre’s full history ➡️

Architecture of the Louvre Museum

Visitors near the Louvre glass pyramid in Paris, France.

The Louvre brings together medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and modern architecture, reflecting centuries of transformation from fortress to royal palace and museum. Its most recognizable modern addition is I. M. Pei’s glass Pyramid, opened in 1989 as the museum’s main entrance.

Discover the architecture of the Louvre

The gardens in all its glory

Aerial view of the Louvre Museum in Paris with the Seine River in the background.

The Tuileries Garden stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, offering a green extension to the museum experience. Originally created for Catherine de Médici in the 16th century, the formal garden features tree-lined paths, fountains, sculptures, ponds, and open spaces where you can stroll or unwind after exploring the galleries.

Explore the Tuileries Garden

Eugène Delacroix Museum

Sign pointing to Musée Eugène Delacroix with a statue in the background.

The Musée Eugène Delacroix offers a more intimate look at the life and work of the French Romantic artist. Set inside Delacroix’s former apartment and studio, the museum brings together his paintings, drawings, personal objects, and creative spaces. It pairs naturally with the Louvre, where you can see his iconic Liberty Leading the People.

Explore the Musée Eugène Delacroix

Frequently asked questions about the Louvre Museum

The Louvre spans over 72,735 square meters (782,910 square feet) of exhibition space.

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