The Ultimate Guide to the Louvre Museum: Tickets, Artworks & Insider Tips

Bonjour and welcome! Today, I’m thrilled to guide you through one of the most spectacular cultural institutions in the world—the Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) in Paris.
 

Known for its legendary Mona Lisa, the Louvre is much more than just one painting. It's a palace of wonders, home to over 35,000 artworks across a history that spans more than 7,000 years.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious, this guide will help you navigate your visit with ease and excitement.

📍 Where Is the Louvre Museum?

📌 Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

🏛 District: 1st arrondissement

🚇 Nearest metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 & 7)

The Louvre sits in the heart of Paris, just by the Seine River, and near other landmarks like the Tuileries Garden and Pont des Arts.

🏛 A Short History of the Louvre

From Fortress to Art Haven

🏰 Built in 1190 as a medieval fortress under King Philip II

🏯 Converted into a royal palace during the Renaissance

🖼️ Officially opened as a museum in 1793, following the French Revolution

Napoleon's Impact

Napoleon expanded the Louvre’s collections significantly during his conquests. You’ll still find the “Napoleon Courtyard” and “Napoleon Apartments” reflecting his influence.

The Glass Pyramid

In 1989, architect I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid was unveiled at the main entrance, blending old and new in a now-iconic structure.

🖼 What to See in the Louvre – Must-See Highlights

With over 400 rooms, it’s impossible to see everything in one visit. Here are the top masterpieces you shouldn't miss:

🎨 1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

Arguably the most famous painting in the world

Located in the Denon Wing, protected behind glass

Expect crowds—but don’t miss her smile!

🗿 2. Venus de Milo

Iconic Greek sculpture of Aphrodite, dated around 100 BC

Famed for her missing arms and timeless beauty

🗿 3. Winged Victory of Samothrace

Striking Greek statue of Nike, goddess of victory

Positioned dramatically at the top of a staircase

🖼 4. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix

Romantic painting symbolizing the French Revolution of 1830

🏺 5. Code of Hammurabi

Ancient Babylonian law code carved in stone, one of the oldest in the world

🖌 6. The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David

Grand, detailed painting depicting Napoleon crowning himself

✨ Insider tip: Prioritize one or two wings (Denon, Richelieu, or Sully) depending on your interests to avoid being overwhelmed.

🧭 Louvre Museum Layout

The Louvre is divided into three wings, each with multiple floors:

Maps are available at the entrance or online. Or download the Louvre Museum App for a self-guided tour.

🎟 Louvre Museum Tickets & Entry Info

Types of Tickets

Standard entry: €17 (online), €15 (on-site)

Free entry: Under 18, EU residents under 26

First Saturday of each month: Free admission from 6 PM to 9:45 PM

🎫 Tip: Book online on the official website to avoid long lines!

Opening Hours

Open: 9 AM – 6 PM (Wednesday to Monday)

Closed: Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25

Night opening: Until 9:45 PM on Fridays

📸 Best Photo Spots

📍 Glass Pyramid Courtyard (Cour Napoléon) – iconic exterior shot

📍 Mona Lisa gallery – try to arrive early for less crowded shots

📍 Winged Victory staircase

📍 Napoleon III Apartments – chandelier glamour

📍 Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel – frame your Louvre photo here

🍽 Where to Eat at or Near the Louvre

Inside the Museum

Café Marly – Elegant spot with views of the Pyramid

Le Café Richelieu-Angelina – Perfect for a French pastry and hot chocolate

Food court (Carrousel du Louvre) – Casual dining, budget-friendly

Nearby Options

Café Saint-Honoré – Cozy French fare

Bistrot Benoit – Michelin-starred classic bistro

Paul – Great for sandwiches or a quick croissant

🛍 Shopping and Souvenirs

Gift shops inside the museum and at the Carrousel du Louvre

Pick up:

Mini Mona Lisa prints

Louvre guidebooks

Art-themed scarves, bookmarks, or puzzles

Replica sculptures and postcards

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Travel Tips

Strollers allowed

Free for kids and EU youth under 26

Kid-friendly activity booklets available

Try the “My First Louvre” audio guide for children

Nearby park: Tuileries Garden, perfect for a post-visit picnic or carousel ride

🏨 Where to Stay Near the Louvre

Luxury

Le Meurice – Historic elegance just steps away

Ritz Paris – Iconic and opulent

Mid-Range

Hotel Brighton – Overlooks Tuileries Garden

Hôtel Malte – Astotel – Great service and central location

Budget

Hotel Crayon Rouge – Chic, artsy, and affordable

Hotel Molière – Boutique feel without the price tag

🛥 Combine with a Seine River Cruise

Enhance your Louvre visit with a Seine river cruise:

Many leave from Pont Neuf or Pont des Arts (5–10 minutes walk)

Cruises offer romantic views of Notre-Dame, Eiffel Tower, and Musée d'Orsay

🧠 Fun Facts About the Louvre

The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum.

It was used as a residence by French kings until Louis XIV moved to Versailles.

The Louvre Pyramid is made of 673 glass panes.

During WWII, curators hid key artworks (including Mona Lisa) to protect them from the Nazis.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z filmed their "Apesh*t" music video here in 2018.

🎉 Special Exhibitions and Events

The Louvre regularly hosts temporary exhibits, many of which focus on lesser-known artists or cultures. Check the museum’s website for current schedules.

🎟 These often require a separate timed ticket, so book in advance!

🧭 Suggested Itineraries

🎨 2-Hour Express Visit

Head straight to Denon Wing for:

Mona Lisa

Winged Victory

The Coronation of Napoleon

Liberty Leading the People

🏛 Half-Day Classic Route

Explore Denon + Sully Wings

Break for coffee at Café Richelieu

Finish with Venus de Milo and Egyptian Antiquities

📚 Full Day for Art Lovers

Visit all three wings

Attend a guided tour or use the audio guide

Take breaks in the café or garden

💬 What Visitors Say

“Even if you’re not into art, the Louvre will blow your mind. Just being inside is like time-traveling.”
— Carla, Spain

“Seeing the Mona Lisa was on my bucket list. I’m so glad I got there early to avoid the crowds!”
— Marcus, USA

“The Napoleonic Apartments were such a surprise—luxurious and totally different from the rest of the museum!”
— Anna, Germany

🌟 Final Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum

Arrive early or after 3 PM for smaller crowds

Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking a lot!

Bring a bottle of water and light snacks

Use the underground entrance via Carrousel du Louvre for shorter lines

If overwhelmed, take breaks in the Tuileries Garden just outside

🗝 Why You Should Visit the Louvre

The Louvre isn’t just a museum—it’s a living archive of human creativity. From ancient civilizations to modern masterpieces, it showcases the heights of imagination, power, and expression.

A single visit to the Louvre Museum offers something for everyone: art lovers, history fans, families, romantics, and curious travelers alike.

Let yourself get lost in the magic of the Louvre—and you’ll leave with more than photos. You’ll leave inspired.