The Louvre
★ 4.9🇫🇷 ParisSuggested visit 3-5 hoursBest season Avoid the summer peak, and prefer April to June or September to November
MuseumArtHistoric palaceRenaissance
The most visited museum in the world, holding 35,000 works of art including the celebrated Mona Lisa.
Overview
The Louvre is one of the largest art museums in the world, holding countless treasures including the Mona Lisa, and a paradise for art lovers.
History
The Louvre was begun in the 12th century as a military fortress, converted into a royal palace by Charles V in the 14th century and used as a store for the royal art collection after Louis XIV moved to Versailles in 1682. It opened to the public after the French Revolution in 1793. The glass pyramid entrance designed by I. M. Pei became its new emblem in 1989. The collection now exceeds 350,000 objects, of which about 35,000 are on display.
Highlights
- •The enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa
- •The timeless beauty of the Venus de Milo
- •The soaring Winged Victory of Samothrace
- •The glass pyramid designed by I. M. Pei
- •Ancient Egyptian treasures in the Denon wing
Practical tips
- •Consider a museum pass
- •Open until 21:45 on Wednesdays and Fridays, when it is quieter
Practical information
- Best time
- Year-round
- Tickets
- EUR 22 for adults when booked online; free on the first Friday evening of each month
- Opening hours
- 9:00 to 18:00, until 21:45 on Wednesday and Friday, closed Tuesdays
- Local food
- Crêpes, baguettes, macarons and onion soup
- Getting around
- The metro and RER cover the city; choose single tickets or a Navigo weekly pass as needed
- Visa
- France is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Book an appointment one to two months ahead and prepare itinerary, hotel and insurance documents.
Traveller reviews
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