The Louvre Museum is more than just the world’s largest art museum — it is a palace of history, culture, and imagination, holding within its walls some of humanity’s greatest treasures. Set on the Right Bank of the Seine, the Louvre has stood as both a royal fortress and a seat of power before becoming the most visited museum on the planet. Each year, millions of visitors enter through the striking glass pyramid to wander among its endless galleries, where art spanning more than 9,000 years tells the story of civilization itself.
The Louvre’s history begins in the late 12th century, when King Philip II constructed a medieval fortress to defend Paris. Over the centuries, it evolved into a royal residence, with French kings and queens expanding and embellishing the palace. In 1682, Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles, leaving the Louvre as a home for artists and scholars. During the French Revolution, in 1793, the Louvre officially opened as a public museum — a revolutionary act that declared art the property of the people, not the monarchy.
Since then, the Louvre has grown into a monumental institution. Today, it covers more than 72,000 square meters of exhibition space, displaying around 35,000 works from a collection that totals over 500,000. Its departments span ancient civilizations and world cultures: Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Art, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints & Drawings. The museum’s layout is vast and labyrinthine — visitors often joke you could spend weeks inside and still not see everything.
Among its treasures are some of the world’s most iconic masterpieces. The Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic portrait, draws millions of eyes each year. The Venus de Milo, a timeless symbol of beauty, stands as one of the most celebrated sculptures of antiquity. The Winged Victory of Samothrace, with its dynamic pose and windswept drapery, greets visitors at the top of the grand staircase like a vision from another age. But beyond these icons, countless lesser-known works — Mesopotamian tablets, medieval tapestries, French royal jewels — tell stories of entire civilizations.
The architecture of the Louvre is itself a masterpiece. Its wings, courtyards, and palatial halls reflect centuries of design, from medieval foundations to Renaissance grandeur. The most striking addition came in 1989, when architect I. M. Pei unveiled the glass pyramid at the entrance. Initially controversial, the pyramid has become one of Paris’s defining symbols, a beacon of modernity that harmonizes with the historic palace.
To step inside the Louvre is to embark on a journey through time, from the banks of the Nile to the streets of 19th-century Paris. It is overwhelming, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable — a monument not only to art but to humanity’s endless quest for expression and meaning.
Why You Should Visit
- To stand before the Mona Lisa, perhaps the most famous painting in history.
- To explore masterpieces that span civilizations, from Egyptian mummies to Renaissance icons.
- To admire the Louvre’s architecture, from medieval fortress to I. M. Pei’s glass pyramid.
- To experience the world’s largest museum, with art that shaped human history.
Practical Information
Tickets & Entry
- Standard ticket: €17 (online booking strongly recommended).
- Free for EU residents under 26, and for all visitors on the first Friday evening of each month (except July and August).
- Admission is free on Bastille Day (July 14).
Opening Hours
- Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 9:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 – 21:45 (late opening)
- Closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Best Time to Visit
- Early mornings and late evenings are best for avoiding crowds.
- Wednesday and Friday evenings offer a calmer atmosphere.
- Off-season months (November–March) allow for a more relaxed visit.
Getting There
- Metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 & 7).
- Bus: Lines 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95 stop nearby.
- Walking: Located along the Seine, between the Tuileries and Île de la Cité.
Insider Tips
- Use the Carrousel du Louvre underground entrance to avoid long queues at the pyramid.
- Focus on a few sections or masterpieces rather than trying to see it all in one visit.
- Download the official Louvre app for maps, tours, and highlights.
- Wear comfortable shoes — distances inside the palace are considerable.
- Allow at least 3–4 hours, though a full day offers the best experience.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 1793 as a public museum.
- Collection Size: ~35,000 works on display.
- Building Size: 72,000 m² of exhibition space.
- Visitors: ~9 million annually.
- Famous Works: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace.
