Louvre Museum

The basics

Book skip-the-line tickets for quicker access to the museum or explore the Louvre with an art expert guide for a more in-depth visit—art lovers and novices alike will benefit from such insight. Private Louvre tours are a good option for those with specific interests, such as family-friendly Louvre tours tailored to entertain children. Alternatively, choose a Paris tour that combines the Louvre with stops at the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Louvre is spread across three main exhibition spaces: the Sully, Denon, and Richelieu Wings. Highlights from the ancient world include the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Seated Scribe, and Venus de Milo. If you like Renaissance art, don't miss famous works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian. French masterpieces from the 19th century include Gericault's The Raft of the Medusa and Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People.

Things to know before you go

• The Louvre always has big crowds—book skip-the-line entry to save time.

• Photography of certain major works inside the Louvre is prohibited.

• A 2-, 4-, or 6-day Paris museum pass includes skip-the-line access at the Louvre and Orsay Museum (Musee d'Orsay), as well as entry to other top attractions.

• Audio guides are available and are included in some Louvre tours and tickets.

• The Louvre is accessible for visitors with physical and learning disabilities, as well as visual and hearing impairments; disabled visitors enter for free.

• Give yourself plenty of time to visit the Louvre–this is not something you can see in only 30 minutes, and some people opt to spend multiple days exploring the museum.

How to get there

The Louvre is located between the Rue de Rivoli and the Seine River in central Paris’s 1st Arrondissement. Catch Metro line 1 or 7 to the Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre station. Alternatively, opt for an organized tour that includes round-trip transportation to and from the museum.

When to get there

On Friday evenings, the Louvre stays open well into the night, making it a great time to enjoy the museum with fewer crowds. You'll also see the glass pyramid majestically illuminated. From October through March. You can gain access to the Louvre's permanent collection for free on the first Sunday of every month.

Underrated artworks at the Louvre

Most visitors flock to the Mona Lisa, but the Louvre is so much more than da Vinci's moody muse. Make time for Ingres' Grande Odalisque, an 18th-century nude; the cheeky 16th-century Gabrielle d’Estrées and One of Her Sisters; and a Goya classic—The Countess del Carpio. You can even explore the ruins of the fortress upon which the Louvre is built.

Ways to explore

The Louvre is spread across the Sully, Denon, and Richelieu Wings. Highlights include the Nike of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, and other priceless masterpieces. Book skip-the-line tickets for quicker access to the museum or explore with an art-expert guide for a more in-depth visit. Private Louvre tours are a good option for those with specific interests, such as family-friendly Louvre tours tailored to entertain children. Alternatively, choose a Paris tour that combines the Louvre with stops at the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Accessibility

The Louvre is accessible for visitors with physical and learning disabilities, as well as visual and hearing impairments. Disabled visitors enter for free.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small sketchbook and pencil, camera

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, front-facing (not back-facing) carriers if coming with a baby

Not allowed

Suitcases, large or bulky items, flash photography, selfie sticks

Amenities

Restaurants and cafés, restrooms, lockers

Address

The Louvre is located in the 1st arrondissement, right in the heart of central Paris and just north of the River Seine. It is accessible by both car and public transportation, as well as river-boat services and taxis.

Driving

Visitors should rely on public transit or taxis to get to the Louvre, as Paris’ busy streets are challenging and parking is hard to come by. If you must drive yourself, you can find underground parking at 1 Avenue du Général Lemonier, which connects to the Galerie du Carrousel entrance.

Public transportation

To get to the Louvre via public transportation, take Métro lines 1 or 7 to Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre, located just moments from the museum’s entrance.

Best times to visit

As one of the world’s most-visited museums, the Louvre is perpetually crowded. It’s best to visit right when it opens or late in the evening, and book tickets well in advance.

Best days to visit

The Louvre has extended opening hours on Wednesday and Friday evenings—visit then to see the museum without quite so many other people. You can gain access to the Louvre’s permanent collection for free on the first Friday of every month.

Best months to visit

As is true across Paris, summer is the high season and when crowds are at their thickest. The museum is quietest during the winter low season (just avoid visiting during school holidays).

Special events

Time your visit for mid-May to take part in Nuit des Musées, when the Louvre—alongside other Paris museums—opens its doors late into the evening for free visits and cultural activities.