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Explore the Louvre Museum in the best way possible | Deep dive into the inside of the Louvre Museum

Inside

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum, occupying 72,735 square meters of gallery space. To see as much of the artwork as possible, one must prepare ahead, as there are 35,000 permanent displays scattered throughout eight departments.

Given the museum's sheer size, it is not possible to see everything in one day. However, if you decide in advance which galleries and exhibits you want to visit, your experience will be much more fulfilling.

Floor plan summary

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The museum is spread over 5 levels, with 2 underground levels. The museum exhibits are located on levels -1, 0, 1, and 2. The museum stores, bookshops, and the entrances to the Carrousel du Louvre and the Richelieu are located on Level 2

Deep dive into the different levels

Level 0

Many of the museum's most famous pieces are located on the ground floor, which you can also enter if you're coming from the pyramid entrance.

Sculpture: This floor is largely dedicated to sculptures, particularly French and Italian works from the Renaissance to the 19th century. You’ll find the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and many others here.
Near Eastern Antiquities: The collection here features ancient artifacts from the Near East, including Mesopotamian, Persian, and Anatolian art.
Egyptian Antiquities: This area houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in the world, including mummies, sarcophagi, and statues.
The Denon Wing: This is one of the key wings of the Louvre and includes The Mona Lisa and The Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese.

Level 1

The first floor features more of the museum's painting collection, as well as decorative arts.

French Paintings: This section showcases masterpieces from French artists, including works by Delacroix, David, and Ingres.
Italian Paintings: This gallery displays many Italian Renaissance works, including Leonardo da Vinci's The Virgin of the Rocks.
Spanish Paintings: This area is home to works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco, among others.
The Richelieu Wing: This wing houses much of the French and European painting collection, as well as decorative arts, including ancient furniture and tapestries.

Level 2

The second floor features more art collections, focusing on European paintings from the 17th to the 19th century.

Northern European Paintings: Here, you can explore works by Flemish, Dutch, and German artists, such as Vermeer's The Lacemaker.
Dutch Golden Age: The Louvre houses an impressive selection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Romantic Art: This section includes paintings from the Romantic movement, including works by Delacroix and Gericault.
19th-Century European Paintings: This collection includes works from artists such as Courbet, Manet, and the early Impressionists.

Level -1

This floor is mainly dedicated to ancient civilizations and archaeological collections.

Ancient Mediterranean: The department showcases Greek and Roman antiquities, including statues, coins, and vases. One of the key highlights is the famous Laocoön and His Sons.
Greek Antiquities: This section features numerous statues, including the Venus de Milo and other famous sculptures from ancient Greece.

Visitor trails

Visitor Trail

Description

Highlights

Best for

Duration

Masterpieces Trail

This trail focuses on the most famous works from each department.

Mona Lisa Venus de Milo Winged Victory of Samothrace Liberty Leading the People The Raft of the Medusa The Lacemaker

First-time visitors who want to focus on the most iconic pieces

2-3 hours

The Da Vinci Code, Between Fiction and Fact

Based on the popular novel (and film), The Da Vinci Code.

The Wedding Feast at Cana Mona Lisa Virgin and Child with Saint Anne

Da Vinci fans

3 hours

From Palace to Museum, 800 Years of History

This trail takes visitors through the Louvre’s eight-centuries-long journey.

The Salon Denon The Galerie Campana The Napoleon III Apartments’ Large Drawing Room

History buffs

2-3 hours

French Painting Trail

This trail guides you through the rich history of French art.

Liberty Leading the People The Coronation of Napoleon

Admirers of French history, Revolution-era art, and Romanticism

1.5 hours

Egyptian’s Antiquities Trail

This trail guides you through the museum's incredible collection of Egyptian artifacts, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.

The Sphinx of Tanis The Seated Statue of Ramses II The Mummy of a Priestess The Papyrus of Ani The Great Egyptian Wall Reliefs

History buffs and fans of ancient Egypt

1.5 - 2 hours

Art of Eating, Rituals, and Symbolism

Go around the Louvre to see the depiction of meals and food in paintings from Antiquity to the 18th century.

The Feast of the Gods The Peasant Meal The Hunt Luncheon

Art and symbolism buffs and culinary history fans

1.5 hours

Visitor tips

Before you head out, check out a map and plot your must-see artwork. Maps are offered in 13 languages at the information desks under the Pyramid or can be downloaded directly from the museum's official website.
Consider downloading the "My Visit to the Louvre" app (available for iPhone and Android). This handy tool helps you find specific artworks with a 3D itinerary through the museum.
Avoid the long lines in front of the Pyramid by using alternative entrances. Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre shopping center for a smoother arrival.
Don’t stress about seeing every single artwork. With so much to explore, it’s impossible to cover it all even in several visits. Instead, prioritize the collections that genuinely interest you and take photos of pieces that resonate.
Start with the Sully Wing, where stunning Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art awaits. Next, explore the Denon Wing, home to majestic masterpieces from French, Spanish, and Italian artists. Save the Richelieu Wing for last.
Tailored guided tours like "Louvre Masterpieces Explained to Children" help young ones (starting from age 7) connect with iconic artworks such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Victory of Samothrace.

All your questions answered about what’s inside the Louvre Museum

How much time should I spend at the Louvre?

You could spend days together and there will still be things to cover at the museum. But you could spend half a day covering the main artworks displayed at the museum.

How many artworks are displayed at the Louvre?

There are more than 35,000 artworks in total, and it is not possible to cover all these artworks in detail in one day.

What are the must-see artworks at the Louvre?

The Louvre houses thousands of masterpieces, but the most famous ones include, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, Venus de Milo (Ancient Greek sculpture), Winged Victory of Samothrace (Hellenistic sculpture), Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, and The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault.

What is the best time to visit the Louvre?

The best time to visit the Louvre Museum is during the off-peak season, from October to March when crowds are smaller.

Are there guided tours of the museum?

Yes, guided tours are available. Find out more here.

Is it worth visiting the Louvre if I have limited time?

Absolutely! Even if you only have a couple of hours, you can focus on the most famous masterpieces, and you'll still walk away with an incredible experience.

Is there a map I can use to navigate inside the museum?

Maps are offered in 13 languages at the information desks under the Pyramid or can be downloaded directly from the museum's official website.

What are the timings of the Louvre Museum?

The Louvre is usually open every day (except Tuesdays and some holidays like May 1st and December 25th) from 9am to 6pm. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum stays open until 9:45pm.