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.
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1. Tickets & Prices for visiting the Louvre Museum (+ When It’s Free)
• How much does a ticket to visit the Louvre in Paris cost?
A standard timed-entry ticket to the Louvre costs €22 per person. You can purchase skip-the-line tickets at the ticket counter, but tickets are also available online for added convenience.
The museum is extremely popular, so you can imagine that queues can be very long. One way to avoid these lines is to buy your tickets online in advance, allowing you to reserve a specific time slot. New groups of visitors are admitted every half hour. You can also book a guided tour with an expert, which provides much more insight into this impressive museum.
• Free entry to the Louvre museum
The Louvre is free for all visitors under 18, young adults up to 25 from the European Union, and visitors with disabilities. Did you know that many museums in Paris, including the Louvre Pyramid, are free on the first Sunday of each month from October through March? Keep in mind that these days are usually very crowded. Purchasing a ticket for less busy times is generally the best option if you want to enjoy the museum at your own pace.
• Updated ticket prices for non-EU visitors
Since 14 January 2026, visitors from outside the European Economic Area (EEA — the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) pay €32 for a Louvre ticket. This is €10 more than the previous ticket price.
2. Top 10 highlights you can’t miss at the Louvre
• Mona Lisa: Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, a highlight you simply can’t miss. One of the most famous works of art in the world, it attracts millions of visitors annually.
• Venus de Milo: a statue of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Created in the 2nd century BC, it is considered a symbol of classical beauty. It is, of course, one of the 10 highlights of the Louvre.
• The Victory of Samothrace: a statue of the goddess Nike. This statue dates from the 2nd century BC and is a magnificent example of Hellenistic art.
• The Raft of the Medusa: a painting by Théodore Géricault 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 lost their lives.
• The Code of Hammurabi: one of the oldest law codes in the world. Written around 1770 BC, it is almost 4,000 years old. The Codex was written in cuneiform.
• Sleeping Hermaphrodite: a statue in the Louvre depicting a sleeping Hermaphroditus. The statue is a Roman copy of a lost Greek original in bronze.
• The Kiss of Cupid and Psyche: a marble Neoclassical statue by the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova. He began the statue in 1787 but did not finish it until 1793.
• The Wedding at Cana: a 1563 painting by Paolo Veronese. The work is one of the Louvre’s masterpieces and hangs opposite the Mona Lisa.
• The Battle of David and Goliath: this oil on canvas, depicting the biblical story of David and Goliath, is 22 centimeters high. A blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles.
• Liberty Leading the People: a painting by the French painter Eugène Delacroix. It depicts liberty as Marianne, the national symbol of France, leading the revolutionaries in the July Revolution of 1830.
3. The fascinating history of the Louvre
Planning a visit to the Louvre Museum in Paris? A little history before your visit is a must. Its origins date back to the 1200s. Once a royal residence, it was converted into a public museum during the French Revolution.
The museum opened on August 10, 1793, and is now known as the world’s largest art museum. It houses over 35,000 artifacts in eight different sections. Magnificent masterpieces from antiquity to the mid-18th century, from various cultures across Europe.
It is the cultural symbol of Paris, home to world-famous artworks such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. These works of art span a history of no less than 5,000 years. The Louvre is also the most visited museum in the world, welcoming over 10 million visitors annually.
4. Some fun facts about the famous museum
• With over 72,000 m² of exhibition space, the Louvre is the largest art museum in the world. More than 35,000 works of art can be admired.
• Originally a fortress built in the 12th century, the Louvre later became a royal palace. It only became a public museum in 1793, during the French Revolution.
• Many visitors are surprised: Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous Mona Lisa measures only 77 x 53 cm. She hangs behind bulletproof glass and is guarded day and night.
• The Louvre has collections in eight departments, including Egyptian antiquities, Greek and Roman art, Islamic art, and paintings from the 13th to the 19th century.
• The striking glass pyramid in the courtyard was designed by the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei and completed in 1989. The design was initially controversial but has become a recognizable symbol of the museum. • Beneath the Louvre, you can still see parts of the original medieval fortress, which you can visit in the Salle des Donjons.
• It is the most visited museum in the world. Every year, the Louvre attracts more than 9 million visitors from around the world, more than any other museum.
• The Louvre is frequently featured in films and books, including Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. The famous pyramid scene boosted the museum’s global fame.
5. 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.
6. Opening hours, address, access, accessibility & (side) entrance
• The Musée du Louvre is located in the heart of Paris, at the Pyramide du Louvre, 75001 Paris. The museum is accessible via several metro and bus lines. The nearest metro stops are Palais-Royal/Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7) and Pyramides (line 14). For those arriving by car, there is an underground parking garage at 1 Avenue du Général Lemonier, with direct access to the museum via the Carrousel entrance. Cyclists can use the nearby Vélib’ stations, and taxis and Batobuses also stop nearby.
• The museum is open Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and until 9:00 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. It is closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. The last visitors are admitted one hour before closing, and the galleries begin to empty 30 minutes before closing.
The Louvre has several entrances. The most famous is the glass pyramid, but those who want to avoid the queues are better off using the Carrousel du Louvre (underground, through the shopping center), or the Porte des Lions, which is often quieter and located near the hall containing the Mona Lisa.
A visit to Paris isn’t complete without a stop at the world-famous Louvre. This impressive museum attracts over 9 million visitors each year, and that’s no surprise. The imposing historic building, the iconic glass pyramid, masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, and a collection of some 35,000 works of art make it an absolute must-see. 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.
