So, you’re headed to Paris and the Louvre Museum is on your list (as it should be!). But before you start daydreaming about gazing into Mona Lisa’s mysterious smile or wandering through endless marble corridors, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the museum’s opening hours. Trust us, timing your visit right can make a huge difference in your experience. Here’s everything you need to know, served with a side of travel-savvy tips.
1. Standard opening hours: what to expect
The Louvre is open six days a week, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These are the museum’s standard hours, and you’ll find that most people tend to arrive around mid-morning or early afternoon. If you want a quieter experience, aim to get there right when it opens, the early bird catches the masterpiece!
2. Late-night opening: the Wednesday and Friday bonus
Looking to avoid the crowds and add a touch of romance to your museum visit? Then Wednesday and Friday night is your golden opportunity. On Wednesday and Fridays, the Louvre stays open until 9:00 PM, giving you extra time to explore the galleries in a calmer, more atmospheric setting. Fewer tourists, dramatic lighting, and a glass of wine afterward? Yes, please.
3. Closing days: plan ahead!
Whatever you do, don’t show up on a Tuesday, you’ll find the doors closed and likely a few disappointed tourists milling around. The Louvre is closed every Tuesday, as well as on January 1st, May 1st (Labour Day), and December 25th. These are full closure days, so make sure to build your itinerary around them. It’s also a good idea to double-check opening times around French public holidays, just to be safe.
4. Bonus tip: when’s the best time to go?
If you’re trying to avoid crowds (and really, who isn’t?), go early in the morning or late on Friday evening. Mid-week visits (especially on Wednesday or Thursday) also tend to be less hectic than weekends. And for the extra budget-conscious traveler: the Louvre offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month after 6:00 PM, and on Bastille Day (July 14th), though expect it to be much busier on those days.
With just a little planning, your visit to the Louvre can go from chaotic to curated. Whether you’re there for a quick peek at the Mona Lisa or hours of artistic immersion, knowing when to go is half the battle. Bonne visite!
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
