The ultimate guide to Louvre entrances

Entrances

The Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, offers several entrances to accommodate its millions of annual visitors. Each entrance has unique advantages, depending on your schedule, ticket type, or accessibility needs.

The 4 Louvre entrances

Tourist entering Louvre Museum through glass pyramid entrance in Paris, France.

Pyramid Entrance (Main Entrance)

Location: Under the iconic glass pyramid in the Cour Napoléon.
Access: Visitors with pre-purchased tickets, online reservations, or museum passes can enter here. Walk-up visitors without tickets can also buy them here, but lines may be longer.
Average wait time: With pre-purchased tickets, it could up to 10-30 minutes and without tickets could take between 30-90 minutes, especially during peak hours or tourist seasons.
Best for: First-time visitors who want to experience the grandeur of the iconic Louvre Pyramid.
Considerations: Often the busiest entrance, especially during peak times and holidays.

Louvre Museum entrance with Inverted Pyramid and visitors exploring the courtyard in Paris.

Carrousel du Louvre Entrance (Underground Entrance)

Location: Accessible via the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro station or through the underground shopping mall (99 Rue de Rivoli).
Access: Ideal for visitors arriving by Metro or those seeking shelter from weather conditions. You can find shorter lines compared to the Pyramid entrance.
Average wait time: Generally shorter than the Pyramid entrance, averaging 10–20 minutes.
Best for: A quieter and faster entry; also convenient for accessing shops and restaurants in the Carrousel du Louvre.

Porte des Lions Entrance

Location: On the southwest side of the Louvre, near the Seine River.
Access: Historically reserved for visitors to specific galleries, such as the Islamic Art collection, though its availability may vary.
Average wait time: Wait times here are minimal, often 5–15 minutes. However, this entrance is not always open, so check in advance.
Best for: Avoiding crowds; check in advance if it is open during your visit.
Considerations: This entrance is occasionally closed, so verify availability beforehand.

Richelieu Passage Entrance

Location: North side of the Cour Napoléon, under the Richelieu wing.
Access: Reserved for group tours and visitors with memberships like the Amis du Louvre pass.
Average wait time: Since it is reserved for groups and special pass holders, wait times are typically 5–10 minutes.
Best for: Group visits or those with special passes, offering expedited entry.
Considerations: Not open to the general public without specific qualifications.

Frequently asked questions about the Louvre entrances

Which entrance should I use during bad weather?

The Carrousel du Louvre Entrance is the best option during rain or extreme weather, as it provides underground access from the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro station and the Carrousel shopping mall.

Is there a separate entrance for families or groups?

The Richelieu Passage Entrance is ideal for groups, including families, as it is less crowded and offers direct access to the museum's Richelieu wing.

Are there entrances specifically designed for accessibility?

Yes, all entrances are wheelchair accessible, but the Pyramid Entrance provides priority access for visitors with disabilities. Staff assistance is available, and ramps are in place where needed.

Are there entrances where I can avoid security checks?

No, all entrances require mandatory security screenings. However, lines for these checks are generally shorter at the Carrousel du Louvre and Richelieu Passage entrances.

Which entrance is best if I want to start my visit with the Mona Lisa?

The Pyramid Entrance or the Carrousel du Louvre Entrance are the most direct options. Once inside, follow signs to the Denon Wing, where the Mona Lisa is displayed.

Are there exclusive or lesser-known entrances that avoid crowds?

The Porte des Lions Entrance is a lesser-known option that often has shorter lines. However, it is not always open, so check its status before your visit.

What is the best entrance for evening visits?

For late-night openings (Wednesdays and Fridays), the Pyramid Entrance and Carrousel du Louvre Entrance are the most convenient and usually less crowded in the evening.