Know Before You Go: Visiting the Louvre

Visiting the Louvre Museum is an essential experience for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Home to an astounding collection of art and historical artifacts, the Louvre offers a journey through human history and creativity ... and there's more than enough to see to justify repeat visits, too. From the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa to the grandeur of the Venus de Milo, the museum’s masterpieces have shaped the artistic landscape over centuries. This makes the Louvre a must-visit for any visitor in Paris.

Purchasing your Louvre Museum tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during high season (May to early September); doing so will help you avoid long lines and make the most of your visit. Also, the museum has a daily cap on visitors and only sells a limited number of tickets on-site, so pre-purchasing tickets is a good way to guarantee entry. If you're looking for a hassle-free experience, consider booking a skip-the-line guided tour that includes ticket reservations. This way, you can focus on enjoying the art without worrying about logistics.

Insider tip: It’s a good idea to get pre-purchased tickets that include timed entry; this will guarantee you can enter even if the museum is overcrowded.

While exploring the Louvre independently is a rewarding experience, taking a guided tour can significantly enhance your visit. With convenient skip-the-line access and expert commentary, a guided tour allows you to make the most of your time and connect with the art on a deeper level.

Plus, you can choose from kid-friendly art adventures to express masterpiece tours, which will provide you with a deeper understanding of the artworks, historical context, and hidden stories that make visits only the richer and more interesting.

Expert-led guided Louvre tours offer insightful narratives about the artworks as well as historical context and hidden stories. Many small-group, private, or kid-friendly options also often include skip-the-line access, making them particularly convenient.

You can also opt for thematic tours that focus on specific genres or artists and provide a deeper dive into particular aspects of the collection; options include tours focused on Egyptian antiquities, murder mysteries, or hidden treasures.

To experience the Louvre at its best, consider visiting during the less crowded shoulder seasons of spring and fall. These periods—outside Paris’ peak tourist months—offer a more serene and enjoyable time to explore everything the museum has to offer. That said, the museum's popularity makes it fairly crowded in all seasons, so you should aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want a (relatively) quieter visit, whenever you find yourself in Paris.

Insider tip:Purchase Louvre tickets online or book a tour in advance of your visit to ensure an ideal time slot.

The Louvre Museum is open Wednesday through Monday (and is closed on Tuesdays). On most days, the Louvre Museum opens mid-morning and closes in the early evening; on Fridays, the museum stays open well into the late evening. Plan to arrive early to make the most of your day and leave ample time to explore the museum's vast collection. Check with the official Louvre website or trusted tour operators for the most up-to-date information on the museum’s hours.

The Louvre is vast, and the amount of time you should spend there will depend on your level of interest and how much you want to explore. If you want to get a good overview of the collection and see some of the most famous artworks, you’ll want to give yourself at least half a day. If you're a true art enthusiast, however, you should consider dedicating a whole day to fully immersing yourself in the museum's riches; you might also want to book a private full-day tour. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can take an express group tour that takes you to all the museum’s main highlights in under two hours.

Insider tip: Pace yourself by taking a break at one of the museum’s restaurants, cafés, or gardens partway through your visit.

The Louvre remains open late into the evening on Fridays. While these later hours can be crowded, they do offer a pleasantly different ambiance. The Louvre also hosts occasional evening events and special exhibitions that allow visitors to experience the museum in unique ways; events can include classical musical performances, artist talks, and workshops. For the ultimate Friday experience, consider taking a private guided nighttime tour.

The Louvre Museum offers free admission to visitors under the age of 18, European Union residents under 26, and disabled persons (along with those accompanying them). Art teachers, journalists, and people on income support are also granted free entrance with proper documentation. Additionally, from September to June, Friday evening hours are free for all visitors on the first Friday of each month. Keep in mind that this free entry period can be quite busy, and plan accordingly.

Insider tip: During free entry periods, you’ll still want to reserve your tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines.

For anyone not eligible for free or reduced admission, the Louvre’s base entry fee is €17 (as of 2024) when purchased online; tickets purchased on-site (which are only available on off-peak hours, subject to availability) cost slightly less. Audio guides, tours, and workshops are extra. Some guided tours also include the museum entrance fee as part of their package, offering a comprehensive and potentially cost-effective way to explore.

The Louvre boasts an array of iconic artworks, including Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa, the mesmerizing Venus de Milo sculpture, and the captivating Winged Victory of Samothrace statue. Other highlights include the paintings Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix and Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault, both iconic pieces of French art. These masterpieces, and others, are all conveniently located in the museum’s Denon wing.

Insider tip: With 35,000 works displayed across 400 rooms, the museum offers far more than just its most famous works. Don’t forget to check out the Sully and Richelieu wings.

There is no strict dress code for the Louvre Museum. When planning your attire, opt for comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as you'll likely be wandering through the museum halls for a few hours. Additionally, it's advisable to remember that the Louvre is a cultural institution and a place of historical significance. As a result, many guests choose to wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.

Insider tip: Don't forget to bring a light jacket or shawl; temperature inside the museum’s galleries can vary.

The Louvre Museum is committed to making its treasures accessible to all visitors. Services include escorts and dedicated hands-on spaces for visitors with visual impairments and an augmented audio guide for those with hearing impairments. The museum also provides adapted routes for guests with developmental and learning disabilities and special materials for those with sensory issues. Facilities for people with reduced mobility or other accessibility needs include priority access, ramps, elevators, wheelchair rentals, and specially designed routes. If you require assistance or have specific accessibility needs, contact the museum in advance to make necessary arrangements.

• When did the Louvre become a museum? The Louvre was first opened as a public museum on August 10, 1793, during the French Revolution. The former royal palace was transformed into a museum as a way to make art and culture accessible to the French public.

• What is the most famous work of art in the Louvre Museum? The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is arguably the most famous piece of art in the Louvre. Known primarily for the subject’s enigmatic smile, the iconic painting attracts millions of visitors annually.

• What was the Louvre Museum first used for? The Louvre was first constructed as a fortress in the late 12th century. In the 16th century, King Francis I expanded the site into a grand palace, setting the foundation for its evolution into the cultural landmark it is today.

• How many tourists visit the Louvre Museum every year? In 2022, the Louvre Museum hosted 7.8 million visitors. The museum recently instituted a daily cap of 30,000 visitors.