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Everything you need to know about the Louvre Museum in Paris

The Louvre, the world's largest art museum in Paris, is home to 35,000 artworks spanning 9,000 years. From the enigmatic Mona Lisa to the majestic Winged Victory of Samothrace, its vast collections encompass ancient civilizations, European paintin...

Also Known As

Musée du Louvre

Founded On

1793

Founded By

King Philip II

About

Quick Information

ADDRESS

75001 Paris, France

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5 hours

Timings

9am–9pm

VISITORS PER YEAR

7500000

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

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 Museum has its own secret underground tunnel system, connecting three of its main buildings.

Underneath the Louvre's courtyard lies the remains of a medieval fortress, the original structure from the 12th century on which the museum was built.

In 1803, the Louvre was renamed to Musée Napoléon, after Napoleon Bonaparte. The name remained till 1815 when Napoleon abdicated.

More insights

Why visit the Louvre Museum?

The Louvre Museum is not just an art gallery—it’s a world-renowned cultural institution, an architectural marvel, and an immersive experience that draws millions of visitors each year. The Louvre is home to over 3,80,000 artworks, of which only 35,000 make up the permanent exhibition. These exhibits are spread across eight departments - Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Decorative Arts; Sculpture; Paintings; Drawings and Prints.

In the 12th century, the Louvre was initially constructed as a stronghold to defend Paris against Viking raids. During the French Revolution in 1789, it was agreed that the nation's artwork would be housed at the Louvre. Since then, the museum has gained international recognition as the sacred centre of art.

Stand witness to some of the most famous artworks in the world as you marvel at the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese, The Venus de Milo, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, and many many more.

Whether you’re there for the iconic artworks, the incredible architecture, or the chance to learn something new, a visit to the Louvre is an unforgettable experience and a highlight of any trip to Paris.

Collections

The massive collection of the world’s largest art gallery consists of over 35,000 artworks and it spans eight thematic departments. The vast collections include artworks and artifacts dating back centuries, representing almost 11,000 years of human history and culture. The museum’s permanent collection consists of great works of art by maestros like Leonardo Da Vinci, Delacroix, Rubens, and Vermeer, among others. It also houses Egyptian, Islamic, and Greco-Roman collections of art. The eight thematic departments of the Louvre are:

Paintings

The most popular section of the Louvre Museum Paris, the painting department, exhibits more than 7,500 works of art. The department is further divided into schools of work based on regions such as French, Italian, German, Flemish, English, Dutch, and Scandinavian.

Egyptian Antiquities

The Louvre's Egyptian collection is considered to be one of the most extensive in the world, housing over 50,000 pieces. It dives deep into the lives of the ancient Egyptians and includes artifacts from the Nile civilization (4,000 BC) to the 4th century AD.

Sculptures

The Louvre Paris's Department for Sculpture is rich with works created before 1850 that do not belong in the Etruscan, Greek, and Roman departments. It holds the largest collection of French sculptures in the world. Some of the notable works are Satan by Jean-Jacques Feuchère and Diana the Huntress by Jean-Antoine Houdon, among others.

Near Eastern Antiquities

This department is massive with 25 rooms dedicated to the exhibition of art and artifacts from early Near Eastern civilization. The department is divided into three geographic areas: the Levant, Mesopotamia (Iraq), and Persia (Iran).

Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities

The Louvre Museum's Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities department focuses on Mediterranean history from the Neolithic era to the 6th century. One of the oldest departments of the Louvre, a large part of the collection was inducted by the French royalty in the 16th century.

Islamic Art

The Department of Islamic Arts at the Louvre is the newest section in the museum. Founded in 2003, the collection features 3,000 works from the Arabian Peninsula spanning the 7th to 19th centuries. Some important works showcased in this section are the Plate with Peacock, three pages of the Shahnameh, and the Barberini Vase.

Decorative Arts

The Department of Decorative Arts at the Louvre consists of artifacts, tapestries, ceramics, stained glass, and more from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century. Some highlights of the department include the coronation crown of Louis XIV, Giambologna's bronze Nessus and Deianira, and Napoleon III's apartments.

Prints and Drawings

This department houses the largest collection of drawings in the world with 1,40,000 pieces in the Louvre’s catalog. It is the least-known part of the museum as most of the works cannot be displayed due to the fragility of the drawings. The collection is organized into three sections: the core Cabinet du Roi, royal copper printing plates, and the donations of Edmond de Rothschild.

Highlights at the Louvre Museum

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

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History of the Louvre

The Louvre's history dates back to the 12th century when it was originally built as a fortress by King Philip II. Over time, it evolved from a royal palace to a public museum during the French Revolution in 1793. The museum’s transformation mirrored France’s evolving political and cultural landscapes, and its collections grew immensely during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, who expanded the Louvre's holdings through military conquests and acquisitions.

Today, the Louvre is more than just a museum; it is a living, breathing testament to human creativity and achievement. With millions of visitors each year, it is one of the most visited museums in the world, attracting people from all corners of the globe who come to marvel at its treasures

Architecture of the Louvre Museum

The Louvre's architectural grandeur is a blend of classical and modern design. The original medieval fortress is now hidden beneath the museum’s expansive Renaissance and Baroque wings. In 1989, the addition of the glass pyramid entrance by I. M. Pei marked a significant turning point in the museum’s history, blending contemporary design with historical architecture. The pyramid serves as a symbolic and literal gateway to the museum, drawing visitors into the museum's vast, interconnected galleries.

Over the years, the Louvre has undergone multiple renovations to accommodate its growing collection and to ensure that its historical and cultural significance is preserved for future generations.

Frequently asked questions about the Louvre Museum

What is the Louvre Museum?

The Louvre is an art museum and historic site in Paris. The museum, established in 1793, has an impressive collection of artwork and artifacts that trace 11,000 years of human civilization and culture.

Are there skip-the-line tickets to enter the museum?

There are reserved entry tickets to the Louvre that can be purchased online.

Are there guided tours available at the Louvre Museum?

Yes, guided tours are available at the museum, and you will learn about lesser-known facts about the building and the artifacts.

Can I access the temporary exhibitions as well?

Tickets cover admission to both the permanent collections and the temporary exhibitions of the Louvre.

Is admission to the Louvre free for children?

Yes, children under 18 years of age can visit the museum free of cost.

Is photography allowed inside the museum?

Yes, photography is allowed. However, you are not allowed to use selfie sticks, flash or lighting.

What are the museum's operating hours and when is the best time to visit?

The Louvre is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm. The best time to visit the Louvre is Friday evenings when the museum is open until 9:45pm, and the crowd is comparatively less.

Where is the Louvre Museum located?

The Louvre is located at Rue de Rivoli, 75001 in Paris, France.

How old is the museum?

The Louvre Museum opened to the public on 10 August 1793, making the museum 229 years old.

Is the Louvre the largest museum in the world?

With galleries spreading over 15 acres, and an impressive collection of 480,000 works of art, the Louvre in Paris is the largest museum in the world.

What can you see inside the Louvre?

The Louvre collection includes over 480,000 artworks, of which 35,000 are on display across eight curatorial departments. These include sculptures, decorative objects, paintings, drawings, and archaeological finds.