Your Guide to Visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris

With close to 35,000 works on display at any moment, the Louvre Museum can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. As one of the most visited art institutions in the world, it requires some planning to fully appreciate. After more than two decades of guiding visitors through its vast collection, here are practical recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.

Getting to the Louvre

In Paris, the most convenient way to travel is by metro, which is fast, affordable, and efficient. The closest stop is Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre on lines 1 and 7.

During peak morning hours, the metro can become crowded, so a taxi may be a more comfortable option. The museum’s large courtyard also makes drop-off and pick-up by car quite simple. For those driving, an underground parking facility is available at Avenue du Général Lemonnier, typically open from early morning until late evening.

Understanding the Museum Layout

Because it would take many days or even weeks to explore everything, having a clear plan is essential. The museum’s most famous pieces—such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace—are clearly signposted.

Visitors with specific artworks in mind are encouraged to consult the museum’s official map in advance. There is also a dedicated accessibility map for guests with mobility needs, which helps with planning routes and elevator access.

Opening Hours

The Louvre is closed every Tuesday.

On other days, it generally opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m., although some sections begin closing around 5:30 p.m. On Wednesdays and Fridays, evening opening hours extend until 9:45 p.m. Additionally, on the first Saturday of each month, the museum also remains open late, with free admission for all visitors.

Evening visits are often recommended for smaller crowds, although some galleries may close earlier than usual.

Tickets and Fast Entry Options

Standard admission costs around €15 when purchased on-site, but this usually involves waiting in long queues.

Buying tickets online in advance typically costs only slightly more and allows timed entry with significantly shorter waiting times. However, tickets are valid only for the selected date and time, and re-entry is not permitted once you leave the museum.

Even with pre-booked tickets, all visitors must pass through security screening, which may involve additional waiting.

Avoiding Crowds Inside the Museum

As the most visited museum globally, the Louvre can become extremely busy during peak hours. One of the best times to visit is during Wednesday or Friday evenings when the museum stays open later and visitor numbers are lower.

If an evening visit is not possible, arriving later in the day can still help avoid large tour groups, which typically leave earlier in the afternoon.

Guided Tour Options

For those who prefer structured visits, several guided experiences are available, including small-group and private tours.

A three-hour crash course-style tour led by an art historian typically begins outside the museum before moving through key sections such as Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, followed by Renaissance masterpieces and French academic art.

Family-focused tours are also available, offering interactive storytelling and activities designed to engage younger visitors while still covering major highlights.

Evening tours take advantage of quieter hours, allowing for a more relaxed experience of the museum’s most important galleries.

The museum is also included in broader Paris itineraries that combine multiple landmarks in one day.

Practical Tips for Visiting

It is best to travel light when visiting the museum, as large bags and luggage exceeding 55 × 35 × 20 cm are not permitted inside.

Free lockers are available beneath the glass pyramid for storing personal items. It is also advisable to bring a reusable water bottle, as queues at in-museum shops can be long.

Restrooms are distributed throughout the building, with convenient facilities located near the Napoleon Hall under the pyramid. Dining options include cafés and restaurants throughout the museum complex and nearby gardens, with Café Richelieu-Angelina being one of the most popular choices.

History of the Louvre

The Louvre was originally a royal palace before becoming a museum. Its architectural layers still reflect its long history as a residence of French monarchs.

For example, the Salle des Caryatides was once a grand Renaissance banquet hall under Henri II. Other rooms served as royal apartments for figures such as Anne of Austria and Louis XIII, many of which have been preserved within modern gallery spaces.

When Louis XIV moved the royal court to Versailles in 1682, the Louvre gradually transitioned away from royal residence status. It later housed academic institutions before the French Revolution transformed it into a public museum in 1793, initially displaying fewer than 1,000 works.

Insider Advice: Start in the Richelieu Wing

While most visitors head directly toward the Mona Lisa, an alternative strategy is to begin in the Richelieu Wing.

This section contains some of the oldest artifacts in the collection, including the Code of Hammurabi. It also features the restored imperial apartments of Napoleon III, originally used for official receptions and later government purposes.

Another highlight in this wing is the extensive Rubens cycle commissioned by Marie de’ Medici. These large paintings, now displayed in a dedicated gallery space, illustrate her life story and represent one of the most significant examples of royal female patronage in European art history.