A Day at the Louvre Museum in Paris
Journey into the heart of Paris and unlock the wonders of the Louvre Museum! Avoid long queues by pre-booking your tickets online, especially crucial during the summer months. Explore masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo within the Richelieu, Sully, and Denon wings. Download the Louvre app for easy navigation and discover convenient amenities like cafes and a cloakroom. Plan your visit now for an unforgettable experience.
Important information
- The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
- Booking tickets online is highly recommended, especially for visits between June 19th and August 31st, to save time and skip long queues.
- The museum is divided into three wings: Richelieu (French sculptures, decorative arts, Near Eastern antiquities), Sully (Egyptian antiquities, Greek sculptures, French paintings), and Denon (Italian paintings including the Mona Lisa, and French Romantic paintings).
- Key artworks include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Great Sphinx of Tanis, Coronation of Napoleon, and Liberty Leading the People.
- Use the Louvre app for maps, information, and to plan your visit effectively. Wear comfortable shoes.
Planning Your Day at the Louvre Museum in Paris
Plan your Louvre visit accordingly, as the museum is closed on Tuesdays. For visits between June 19th and August 31st, advance booking is essential. A pre-purchased ticket provides access to all permanent and temporary exhibits. Save time by purchasing your tickets online. Before you travel, make sure you have the necessary visa or permits. Check the latest entry requirements here.
Trip Planning and Reservations
Planning a trip to the Louvre? Pre-booking your tickets is highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season (June 19th to August 31st). Reserving your tickets online allows you to skip long queues and ensures a smoother experience. To minimize waiting time, arrive early. Enhance your visit by downloading the Louvre’s official app or renting an audio guide for detailed information about the exhibits. Enjoy your visit!
Entry Time and Ticket Information
The Louvre Museum is open daily except Tuesdays, inviting you to discover its captivating collections. Check the official website for current opening hours and ticket prices. One ticket provides access to both the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Enjoy free admission on the first Saturday of each month, or if you are within a qualifying age group.
Guided Tours and Private Tour Options
Explore the Louvre with our expert-led tours and unlock the museum’s captivating history and breathtaking architecture. Discover masterpieces while gaining insights into diverse art forms. Our tours offer both comprehensive overviews and deep dives into specific themes, such as Renaissance art. For a more personalized journey, we offer private tours in multiple languages.
Understanding the Louvre’s Layout
The Louvre Museum’s artwork is displayed across three interconnected wings: Richelieu, Sully, and Denon. Each wing offers a unique experience with distinct exhibits and layouts. Detailed maps highlight key areas and masterpieces, helping visitors navigate the vast museum. Planning your route beforehand using these resources ensures you’ll find specific exhibits quickly.
The Louvre’s main entrance is I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid, a central hub connecting all three wings. From here, you can access additional entrances like the Passage Richelieu.
Richelieu Wing: French sculptures, decorative arts, and Near Eastern antiquities.
Sully Wing: Egyptian antiquities, Greek sculptures, and French paintings.
Denon Wing: Italian paintings, including the Mona Lisa, alongside French Romantic paintings.
Navigating the Louvre is straightforward. Maps are available at information desks, online, and through mobile apps, guiding visitors to specific artworks and facilities, enhancing the museum experience. Digital maps offer additional interactive features and real-time location information.
Exploring the Three Main Wings: Richelieu, Sully, and Denon
The Richelieu wing houses French sculptures, decorative arts, and Near Eastern antiquities, a collection of intricate carvings and ancient artifacts.
The Sully wing, the oldest part of the Louvre, displays Egyptian antiquities and the medieval foundations of the museum, offering insights into ancient Egypt and the Louvre’s history.
The Denon wing showcases iconic Italian paintings, including the Mona Lisa, and French Romantic masterpieces.
Pei’s Glass Pyramids and Main Entrances
While the Louvre’s main entrance is I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid, visitors can also enter through the Carrousel du Louvre, a convenient underground shopping mall.
Navigating the Museum: Maps and Directions
Planning your Louvre visit is easy. Use the following options to navigate efficiently: explore online maps, pick up a map at the museum, or use the Louvre app with digital maps and directions. Locate specific artworks, restrooms, and cafes with ease. Planning your route helps navigate the museum’s three wings – Richelieu, Sully, and Denon – more efficiently. For further help, visit an information desk for paper maps and advice.
Must-See Artworks and Exhibits at the Louvre
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa captivates viewers with her enigmatic smile, a masterpiece of sfumato. The Venus de Milo, a Greek statue, embodies classical beauty. The Winged Victory of Samothrace, a Hellenistic sculpture, captures the essence of motion.
The Great Sphinx of Tanis projects Egyptian strength and power. French art contributes iconic works like Jacques-Louis David’s Coronation of Napoleon and Eugène Delacroix’s powerful Liberty Leading the People. The Gallery of Apollo displays French Crown Jewels, including crowns and other royal treasures.
The Mona Lisa in the Denon Wing
Housed in the Louvre’s Denon Wing, the Mona Lisa is the museum’s star attraction, drawing massive crowds. This popularity can make viewing a challenge, but the experience is truly rewarding. Witnessing the Mona Lisa’s subtle details firsthand and feeling a connection to history makes it unforgettable.
Gems of Greek Antiquities: Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace
Start your Louvre experience in the Sully wing, ground floor, room 345, to view the Venus de Milo.
Then, proceed to the Denon wing, 1st floor, room 703, to admire the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
These two sculptures, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, are iconic masterpieces of ancient Greek and Hellenistic art and are highlights of the Louvre Museum’s collection.
The Great Sphinx of Tanis: Guardian of the Louvre
The Great Sphinx of Tanis, sculpted from pink granite, exudes an aura of power as a majestic protector guarding the Louvre.
French Masterpieces: Coronation of Napoleon and Liberty Leading the People
David’s Coronation of Napoleon captures the emperor’s rise to power.
Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People immortalizes the 1830 July Revolution’s fight for freedom.
Housed in the Louvre, these masterpieces offer powerful glimpses into pivotal moments of French history.
The Gallery of Apollo: Crowns and French Crown Jewels
Witness the splendor of the French Crown Jewels at the Gallery of Apollo. These remarkable artifacts embody French royal history and showcase exquisite artistry.
