All About Paris

The Louvre: A Journey Through Time and Art

Embark on a fascinating journey through time and art at the Louvre Museum in Paris, the largest and most visited museum in the world. With over 800,000 square feet of exhibition space, the Louvre is home to an unparalleled collection of masterpieces and artifacts, attracting more than 10 million visitors each year.

The museum’s extensive collection spans from ancient civilizations to the 19th century, including Roman and Greek relics, Egyptian antiquities, and works by celebrated artists like Da Vinci, David, and Picasso. The museum also houses one of the most famous paintings in history, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, always surrounded by throngs of tourists.

An early morning jogger runs near the Louvre in Paris, France.
An early morning jogger runs near the Louvre in Paris, France.

The Louvre’s rich history is a tale of transformation. Beginning as a 12th-century fortress, it evolved into a palace, and later a storage place for the French crown’s treasures. Following the French Revolution in 1789, it opened as a museum in 1793, showcasing the nation’s collective wealth. Though briefly closed for structural repairs, it reopened under Napoleon’s rule, who not only restored it but also named it after himself.

As you explore the museum, you’ll encounter an impressive collection of decorative arts, Islamic artifacts, and the history of France and the world. The museum’s vast array of exhibits warrants multiple visits to fully appreciate its grandeur.

The iconic glass Pyramide entrance, constructed in 1989 by French President Mitterrand, has become a symbol of change and acceptance in French culture. Initially hated, the Pyramide is now an iconic symbol of Paris.

A short introduction video to the Louvre Museum in Paris

Plan your visit using the official Louvre website, where you can find all necessary information and even explore the collection online. We also offer a private visit and a combination Paris Bike Tour and Louvre Visit. And if you’re in the area, don’t miss the Orangerie Museum in the Tuileries Gardens, home to Monet’s mesmerizing Waterlily series and an exquisite collection of paintings by renowned artists like Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse.

Delve into the captivating world of art and history at the Louvre Museum, and let it leave you in awe of the creativity and craftsmanship that have shaped the human experience across millennia.

Getting to the Louvre

AddressPyramide – Cour Napoleon, A.P. 34, 36 quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris
Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre (Line 1)
21, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 76, 95

Quick tip: you can enter off Metro Line 1, on which the museum has its own very elegant metro stop.  But that means you miss lining up to pass through security in the famed glass Pyramide.

Louvre Museum Opening Times

  • Open: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
  • Closed: Tuesdays and certain public holidays.

Please note that these hours may have changed since then, and it is always a good idea to check the museum’s official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.