Visiting the Louvre museum in Paris? Even people with little or no interest in museums or art should put a visit to the Louvre in Paris on their to-do list. The glass pyramid of the Louvre is one of the most famous museums in Paris and the world, with some of the greatest works of art that you must see. And then we are without a doubt talking about Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Besides the Mona Lisa, the Louvre museum offers a wealth of other masterpieces. From the ancient Egyptian collection with the imposing Sphinx of Tanis to the Greek and Roman sculptures, such as the Venus de Milo, the museum embodies the grandeur of the ancient civilizations.
Visitors can also enjoy Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Titian, Raphael, and Michelangelo. In addition, the museum houses an extensive collection of European paintings, including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Delacroix.
The Louvre is a large museum, so seeing everything in one day is not possible. That is why it is good to think in advance about what you want to visit & see in the Louvre. Buy your tickets for a visit to the Louvre online in advance. By ordering your tickets in advance, you can avoid the queue and enjoy a visit to this beautiful museum in Paris much faster.Â
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
1. Tickets & prices for the Louvre museum in Paris
How to book your tickets online and how much does a ticket cost to visit the Louvre in Paris? The price for a ticket to the Louvre with a fixed entry time is around 22€ per person. You can buy your tickets to visit the Louvre at the box office and tickets can of course also be ordered online. The Louvre is immensely popular. So you can imagine that the queues are sometimes very long. One way to avoid these queues is to buy your tickets for the Louvre online in advance, where you can then book entrance tickets for a specific time slot. Every half hour a new group of visitors is admitted to the Louvre museum.
The Louvre museum can be visited free of charge for everyone under the age of 18, young people up to the age of 25 from the European Union and the disabled. Did you know that many museums in Paris, including the glass pyramid of the Louvre, can be visited for free every first Sunday of the month (from October to March)? You must of course take into account large crowds. Buying a ticket for the Louvre in Paris at less busy times usually turns out to be the best option if you want to enjoy the museum in peace.
2. What you must see in the Louvre: unmissable works of art
– The Mona Lisa, the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, is of course not to be missed. One of the most famous works of art in the world, it attracts millions of visitors to the Louvre each year.
– Another must-see work at the Louvre is the Venus de Milo, a statue of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Created in the 2nd century BC and is considered a symbol of classical beauty.
– There is also the Winged Victory of Samothrace, a statue of the goddess Nike. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, this statue is a wonderful example of Hellenistic art.
– Finally The Raft of the Medusa, a painting by ThĂ©odore GĂ©ricault from 1819. This painting is one of the most impressive examples of French Romanticism and tells the story of a shipwreck in which many people died.
3. Visiting the Louvre museum: history of the glass pyramid
Are you planning to visit the Louvre museum in Paris? A bit of history before visiting the Louvre glass pyramid is definitely a must. The origins of the Louvre in Paris date back to the 1200s. Once a royal residence, it was decided to turn it into a public museum during the French Revolution. The museum opened its doors on August 10, 1793 and is now known as the world’s largest art museum. With more than 35,000 works of art in eight different departments. Beautiful masterpieces from antiquity to about the middle of the 18th century from different cultures across Europe.
The Louvre museum is the cultural symbol of Paris with a number of world famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci or the Venus de Milo. The works of art cover a history period of no less than 5000 years. The Louvre is also the most visited museum in the world, receiving more than 10 million visitors every year.
4. Practical tips for visiting the Louvre
• Thursday is usually the best day to visit the Louvre museum. Avoid visiting during the weekend.
• Plan the day and time of your visit to the Louvre well in advance. During peak hours (11am to 4pm) it can be very busy. So come as early as possible in the morning or towards the end of the day, then it is also a bit quieter in the museum.
• Make a list in advance of what you want to see. The Louvre has different sections with art collections from certain periods or areas and there are also a number of temporary exhibitions to admire. Choose certain departments or you can consider only visiting the highlights such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
• A map is available at the box office to make your visit as smooth as possible. Be sure to take advantage of this.
• Did you know that the Louvre museum has several entrances? In addition to the main entrance, there are 3 other entrances that are often much less busy. Therefore, choose the entrances Passage Richelieu, Porte des Lions or Carrousel du Louvre.
• Do you want to do some shopping before or after your visit to the Louvre? This is possible at the Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping center with beautiful handbags, perfumes, clothing and nice gadgets.
• Are you planning to visit several museums in Paris? The Paris Museum Pass offers access to 60 museums in and around Paris. You then have direct and unlimited access for 2, 4 or 6 days.
Visiting the Louvre glass pyramid in Paris is a must-do during your Paris city trip. It is best to book tickets for a visit to the glass pyramid of the Louvre in advance to avoid waiting times. Enjoy a visit to the Louvre museum in Paris with these tips. Discover here the other highlights in Paris that you should not miss.
FAQ about visiting the Louvre museum in Paris
1. What is the Louvre and why is it so famous?
The Louvre is one of the world’s most famous museums, home to iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Liberty Leading the People. Once a royal palace, it’s now a stunning museum packed with art, history, and plenty of wow moments.
2. Where is the Louvre located?
Right in the heart of Paris! You’ll find it along the Seine River in the 1st arrondissement. The main entrance is through the glass pyramid in Cour Napoléon, just a short walk from Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre metro station.
3. What are the opening hours of the Louvre?
The Louvre is open every day except Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On Wednesdays and Fridays, it stays open later until 9:00 PM, perfect for a quieter, moonlit museum visit!
4. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, especially in high season! Booking online in advance is highly recommended to skip the long lines. Time-slot reservations are often required.
5. How much time should I plan for a visit?
You could spend a full day (or several) in the Louvre, but most visitors explore for 2 to 4 hours. It’s huge, so it’s smart to focus on a few sections rather than trying to see everything at once.
6. Is the Louvre suitable for children?
Absolutely! Kids under 18 get in for free, and there are family-friendly routes and themed guides. The Egyptian and medieval sections tend to be favorites among younger visitors.
7. What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Try early mornings or late Friday evenings. Wednesdays and weekends tend to be the busiest. Off-season (October to March) is also a great time for a more relaxed visit.
8. Is there more to see than the Mona Lisa?
Definitely! While the Mona Lisa is a must-see, don’t miss the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Napoleon III Apartments, and the incredible Islamic Art collection. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
9. Is there food or a café inside the Louvre?
Yes! There are several cafés, restaurants, and even takeaway counters within the museum. You can also step out into the Carrousel du Louvre shopping center for more dining options without leaving the complex.
10. Is the Louvre free on certain days?
Yes! Entry is free on the first Saturday evening of each month (after 6 PM) and on Bastille Day (July 14). EU residents under 26 can enter for free all year round.
Bonus tip: download the official Louvre app or grab a free map at the entrance, it’s your best friend in navigating the museum’s endless halls.
