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Museum · Paris, Ilha de França
Musée du Louvre
Former palace of the kings of France, converted into a museum in 1793. It houses the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, among tens of thousands of works on display. The main entrance is through the glass pyramid.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Musée du Louvre
The Louvre was a fortress in the Middle Ages and later a royal palace, until Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles. It opened as a museum on 10 August 1793, during the Revolution. Today it is one of the largest museums in the world, with more than 35,000 works on display, from Antiquity to the 19th century.
The building has three wings, called Denon, Sully and Richelieu. In the Denon wing are the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Winged Victory of Samothrace at the top of a grand staircase, and major French paintings such as Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix. The Sully wing houses the Venus de Milo, the Egyptian antiquities and the foundations of the medieval fortress. In the Richelieu wing are the Code of Hammurabi and the apartments of Napoleon III.
The glass pyramid, designed by architect I. M. Pei, was inaugurated in 1989 and marks the main entrance in the courtyard called the Cour Napoléon. To the west, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel leads the way to the Jardin des Tuileries.
No one sees everything in one visit. It's best to choose two or three areas before entering and follow the signs. The museum is closed one day a week: check before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 3 to 4 hours for a route covering the most famous works. Art lovers can spend the whole day and still return.
Best time
Right at opening or on nights when the museum stays open later, when crowds usually thin. In July and August and on holidays the Mona Lisa rooms get very crowded. On rainy days the museum fills up more.
How to get there
Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre metro (lines 1 and 7), with direct access to the museum's underground level. On foot it's about 15 minutes from the Île de la Cité and 5 minutes from the Jardin des Tuileries.
Tip
Book an entry time via the official channel: in several periods reservation is mandatory for all visitors. Besides the pyramid, there are other entrances that usually have shorter lines, such as the Carrousel du Louvre entrance in the underground. Large backpacks are not allowed in the galleries; bring only a few items.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musée du Louvre
Do you need to reserve a time for the Louvre?
Yes, it is recommended, and in several periods reservation is mandatory. Buy a timed ticket on the official website before traveling; the most sought-after time slots sell out.
How long does it take to see the Mona Lisa?
It depends on the queue inside the room, which on busy days can exceed 30 minutes. Going right at opening and heading straight to the Denon wing helps.
What day is the Louvre closed?
The museum is closed one day a week, plus certain holidays. Check the official website for closing days and hours before you go.
Can you see the Louvre in half a day?
You can see the main works: the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo and the major French paintings. Choose your route in advance and don’t try to cover every wing.