The Louvre
The largest and most visited art museum in the world - a former royal palace holding the Mona Lisa and thousands of treasures, behind a glass pyramid.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
The Louvre is the largest and most visited art museum on earth, a vast former royal palace on the Seine entered through I. M. Pei's glass pyramid. Its collections span thousands of years, from the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo to Egyptian antiquities and the crown jewels, so overwhelming that it rewards choosing a few wings rather than attempting it all.
What you actually see
- The Mona Lisa - Leonardo's famous portrait, behind glass and crowds.
- The Venus de Milo and Winged Victory - the great ancient sculptures.
- The French and Italian painting galleries - the Old Master masterpieces.
- The glass pyramid and palace - the entrance and the former royal building itself.
When to go
Year-round; a fully indoor museum, worth a half day at least. Book a timed ticket and go early or on a late evening opening to avoid the worst crowds.
Honest expectations
It is enormous and hugely crowded, so trying to see everything exhausts, and the Mona Lisa in particular is a small painting mobbed by a scrum. Choose a few sections and a plan. Book ahead, as walk-up entry is difficult.
Nearby
The Tuileries Garden, the Palais-Royal and the Seine are alongside; the Musee d'Orsay is across the river.
What to pack for The Louvre
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
