Louvre Museum
Musee du Louvre
Tickets
The Louvre is the world's largest and most-visited art museum, housed in the historic Palais du Louvre on the Right Bank of the Seine. Home to approximately 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art across 72,735 square metres of gallery space, its collection spans from ancient civilizations to the mid-19th century. Over 9.6 million visitors come annually to see masterpieces including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.
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From €45Enhance your visit to Louvre Museum with a guided tour. Expert guides bring the history and art to life.
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Schedule
Last admission
Mon/Thu/Sat/Sun 9:00-18:00. Wed/Fri 9:00-21:00 (late night). CLOSED Tuesdays.
17:00 (standard days), 20:00 (late night Wed/Fri)
Best time to visit
Wednesday or Friday evening (18:00-21:00) for 60% fewer crowds. If visiting during the day, arrive at 9:00 AM opening and enter via the Carrousel entrance. Avoid weekends and the first Sunday of the month (formerly free, now just busy by habit).
How to get there
Walk 
Map
FAQ
Where is the Mona Lisa and how do I beat the crowds?
The Mona Lisa is in the Salle des Etats (Room 711) on the 1st floor of the Denon Wing. It is the most crowded spot in the museum at all times. To get closest: arrive at 9:00 AM opening and head directly to Room 711 (follow the signs), or visit during Wednesday/Friday evening hours (after 18:00) when crowds thin significantly. The painting is behind bulletproof glass and smaller than most expect (77 cm x 53 cm). Allow 5-10 minutes to work your way to the front of the viewing area.
Is the Louvre free for anyone?
Yes. The Louvre is free for visitors under 18 years old (all nationalities), EU residents under 26, disabled visitors and their companion, and art/art history teachers. Everyone gets free entry on the first Saturday of each month from 18:00-21:00. Proof of age/status is required. Note: even with free entry, you still need to reserve a timed entry slot online to guarantee access.
Which entrance should I use -- the Pyramid or the Carrousel?
The iconic glass Pyramid is the main entrance but has the longest queues (often 60-90 minutes in peak season). The Carrousel du Louvre entrance (underground, accessed via 99 Rue de Rivoli or the Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre metro station) is much faster and has shelter from rain. The Passage Richelieu entrance (on Rue de Rivoli) is reserved for ticket holders and group tours -- it is typically the fastest option if you already have a ticket. Always use the Carrousel or Richelieu entrance to save time.
How long do I need to visit the Louvre?
For the highlights (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Crown Jewels, and a selection of major galleries): allow 2-3 hours. For a more thorough visit covering Egyptian antiquities, Near Eastern art, and the Northern European paintings: plan for 4-5 hours. To see everything on display would take an estimated 100+ days. Most first-time visitors spend 3-4 hours. Wear comfortable shoes -- the galleries cover over 15 km of walking distance.