Planning a trip to Paris soon? Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or curious about the painting with the mysterious smile, the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is an experience you certainly wouldn’t want to miss.
Home to the world-renowned Mona Lisa, the Louvre Museum welcomes millions of travelers every year. With its iconic glass pyramid entrance and grand halls filled with centuries' worth of European art and history, it has become the world’s most-visited art museum.
A visit to France simply wouldn’t be complete without it–it’s a must-see in Paris for good reason.
But with 35,000 artworks inside, how do you make the most out of your visit? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! From its fascinating history and the “Big 3” to travel tips on how to skip long lines, here’s everything you need to know before stepping into the Louvre.
A Brief History of the Louvre Museum
Did you know? Before it became the world’s largest and most famous fine art museum, the Louvre was actually a royal palace! Originally built as a medieval fortress in the late 12th century under King Philip II, it later transformed into a royal residence by the 16th century.
By the 17th century, King Louis XIV relocated the royal residence to Versailles to distance himself from the Parisian public and centralize his power in France. Over time, all royal interest in the former palace faded, and it fell into neglect.
It wasn’t until 1793, during the French Revolution, that the Louvre officially opened its doors to the public as a museum, as ruled by the National Assembly.
Photo Credit: Denis Jarvis on Flickr
Over the centuries, modifications and extensions were carried out with the appointment of new monarchs–eventually shaping the Louvre into the monumental structure we know today.
How big is it exactly? The Louvre Museum in Paris exhibits thousands of artworks across a total surface area of approximately 652,300 square feet, which is equivalent to around eight and a half football fields!
Why the Louvre is So Famous
From a royal residence to a world-class museum housing art from nearly every corner of the globe, the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is a living timeline of art, culture, and history.
It’s not just famous for its sheer size and grandeur but for the caliber of its collection. It’s home to some of the most influential pieces in the history of art. How often do you come across ancient treasures of Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and Islamic art all in one place?
The Great Sphynx of Tanis
Louvre’s collection of Renaissance paintings, Denon Wing
The Cour Marly, Louvre’s glass-roofed courtyard
People visit from all over the world to see the armless beauty of Venus de Milo, and the Hellenistic marble sculpture of Greek goddess Nike, the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
And of course, here you’ll find arguably the most iconic painting in the world: Leonardo da Vinci’s, Mona Lisa–a must-see in Paris indeed!
To add the cherry on top, what makes the Louvre really stand out is the glass pyramid, designed by architect I.M. Pei. It has become just as much of a Parisian landmark as the Eiffel Tower.
Planning Your Visit to the Louvre
Coming to France and visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris can feel quite overwhelming if you think about the scale alone.
You can spend an entire day there and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. After all, a collection of 35,000 pieces is a lot!
But with a bit of planning and some insider tips, a shorter visit can be just as fulfilling.
When to Visit
It’s open daily from 9AM-6PM except Tuesdays (closed). On Wednesdays and Fridays, it stays open until 9:00PM.
The Louvre Museum is one of Paris’ highly populated attractions, so it’s difficult to guarantee a quiet experience. But it’s generally less crowded on weekdays, while weekends tend to be the busiest.
You can enter until the last hour before closing time, and the exhibition rooms close 30 minutes before the museum shuts its doors.
Skip the Lines
Want to make the most of your time at the Louvre? You can book your Louvre Museum Admission Ticket in advance to let you skip long queues and head directly into the museum.
How to Get There
The Louvre is located right in the heart of Paris, in the 1st arrondissement.
Metro Tip: Use the Paris Metro, take Line 1 or Line 7 to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre. From there, it’s a short walk to the main entrance. Just follow the signs under the glass pyramid.
Louvre in a Day (or Less)
Now that we know how to get there, when to visit, and what tickets to get, how much time do we actually need to explore the museum?
We’ve already established that the Louvre Museum is massive. Unless you’re on Mission: Impossible, it’s unlikely you’ll see everything in one visit.
Most people spend around four hours exploring the highlights, with just enough time to soak in iconic artworks and other crowd favorites.
If you're short on time, it’s still possible to have a fulfilling visit. But, if you want to slow down and truly take it all in, consider blocking out a full half day or getting a Louvre Half Day Guided Tour Pass.
Klook tip: Plan ahead and choose the segments you want to prioritize, so you don’t get overwhelmed on the day itself. The museum’s official map and mobile app are also readily available to help you plan your route.
What to expect inside the Louvre
Once you enter, you’ll find the Louvre divided into three main wings:
Denon wing: Home to the Mona Lisa, Liberty Leading the People, and other iconic works
Grande Galerie, Denon wing
Sully wing: Features ancient Egypt, the Venus de Milo, and remnants of the original fortress
The Egyptian Antiquities collection, Sully wing
Richelieu wing: Showcases French sculptures, Napoleonic apartments, and more.
Napoleon III Apartments, Richelieu wing
What to see
There is simply so much to see—with eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Paintings; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; Prints and Drawings; and Islamic Art.
The Galerie d'Apollon
You’ll discover pieces ranging all the way down from 600 BC to the 19th century.
If it’s your first time visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris, prioritizing the “Big 3” is a great way to enjoy without stressing yourself out.
The “Big 3” You Need to See
Short on time? Prioritize the Louvre’s most famous pieces.
- Mona Lisa (La Joconde)
This small portrait of a woman with a subtle smile draws massive crowds daily. She’s smaller than you might expect, but she surely makes her presence known.
- Venus de Milo
You’ll see this symbol of classical beauty in the Sully Wing. This ancient Greek sculpture of the goddess Aphrodite dates back to around 100 BCE.
- Winged Victory of Samothrace
This dramatic marble sculpture of Nike, the goddess of victory, is perched atop the Daru staircase—ready to take flight.
Other Must-See Highlights
- Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix
Photo Credit: Fred Romero on Flickr
- The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David
- The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest written laws
Photo Credit: Fred Romero on Flickr
What Else to Know Before You Go
Ready to go? Before you step into the world’s most visited museum, here are a few final things worth knowing:
Is 2 hours enough for the Louvre?
The short answer? It depends on what you want to see.
If you’re aiming to catch the “Big 3”, then yes! Two hours is enough—just be sure to plan ahead and stick to a fast-paced route.
But if you’re hoping for a more in-depth experience, two hours won’t be enough to explore the Louvre’s vast collection. The museum spans over 60,000 square feet featuring thousands of works from ancient civilizations and throughout the centuries.
If you are a true art or history lover, we recommend setting aside at least half a day to explore the museum’s major wings, including the Denon, Sully, and Richelieu.
Why is the Louvre in Paris so famous?
The Louvre is famous for housing some of the most iconic artworks in the world, including the Mona Lisa and ancient masterpieces like the Venus de Milo. Its sheer size, historical significance, and breathtaking architecture make it one of the must-see spots in Paris.
What are the Big 3 at the Louvre?
These are the 3 works that you shouldn’t skip when in the Louvre. So be sure to catch them:
- Mona Lisa
- Venus de Milo
- Winged Victory of Samothrace
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