Louvre Museum

Where it is & how to get there

• Metro: Lines 1 and 7 to Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre, with an underground entrance through the Carrousel du Louvre.
• Entrances: The pyramid is the main entrance. The Carrousel entrance (99 Rue de Rivoli) is often quicker.
• On foot: 15 minutes from Notre-Dame along the Seine, or through the Tuileries Garden from Place de la Concorde.

The story of the Louvre

The Louvre began around 1190 as a fortress built by King Philippe Auguste to defend Paris. Over the centuries it became a royal palace, until Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles in 1682 and left it to artists and academies.

During the French Revolution it opened as a public museum in 1793. Napoleon filled it with art from his campaigns, and in 1989 the glass pyramid by architect I. M. Pei became the new entrance. Today it holds around 35,000 works on display, from ancient Egypt to the 19th century.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Closed on Tuesdays. Since January 2026, tickets for non-EU visitors cost €32. Book online to skip the ticket line.
• A timed ticket is required, so book online for your date and slot.
• The Mona Lisa room is busiest late morning. Go first thing or in the last two hours.
• Bags and coats can be left in the free lockers under the pyramid.

What's around the Louvre

• Tuileries GardenFormal gardens with fountains and chairs, stretching from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde.
• Palais-RoyalQuiet arcaded garden with the striped Buren columns, 3 minutes away.
• Pont des ArtsFootbridge over the Seine with views of Île de la Cité.
• Musée de l'OrangerieMonet's giant Water Lilies at the far end of the Tuileries.

Questions travellers ask