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Louvre Pyramid: A Modern Entrance to Art History

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Iconic glass pyramid in Paris, providing access to the Louvre Museum and housing a spacious underground visitor center.

The Louvre Pyramid, a striking glass and metal structure in the Cour Napoléon of the Louvre Palace, serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Designed by I.M. Pei and completed in 1989, it has become a Parisian landmark, blending modern architecture with the Louvre's classical style.

A brief summary to Louvre Pyramid

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-9:45 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-9:45 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase Louvre tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Visit the Louvre on Wednesday or Friday evenings for extended hours and fewer crowds.
  • Consider using alternative entrances like the Porte des Lions or the Passage Richelieu to avoid the main pyramid entrance queue.
  • Take advantage of free admission on the first Sunday of the month from October to March, but be prepared for larger crowds.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Paris, take the Metro lines 1 or 7 to the Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre station. The station provides direct access to the Carrousel du Louvre and the pyramid entrance. A single Metro ticket costs €2.50. Alternatively, several bus lines (24, 27, 39, 68, 69, 72, 95) stop near the Louvre. A single bus ticket costs €2.

  • Walking

    From nearby landmarks like the Tuileries Garden or the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre Pyramid is easily accessible by foot. Follow the signs towards the Musée du Louvre. The walk from Place de la Concorde takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Paris. A short taxi ride from areas like the Latin Quarter or Le Marais to the Louvre Pyramid typically costs between €10 and €20, depending on traffic. Note that there is a pick-up charge of €4.48, a minimum fare of €8, and the cost per kilometer is capped at €1.29. Taxi surcharge for immediate booking is €4 and advance booking is €7.

Discover more about Louvre Pyramid

The Louvre Pyramid is more than just an entrance; it's a symbol of the Louvre's modernization. Commissioned by French President François Mitterrand in 1981 as part of the Grand Louvre project, the pyramid was designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei. It was completed in 1989, after initial designs were presented in 1984. The pyramid's construction aimed to ease the increasing strain on the museum's existing entrance.The pyramid stands 21.6 meters (71 feet) tall and its square base measures 34 meters (112 feet) on each side. It is constructed with 603 rhombus-shaped and 70 triangular glass segments. The pyramid allows natural light to illuminate the underground visitor hall, which houses ticket counters, information desks, and access to the museum's wings.Despite initial controversy over its modern design clashing with the Louvre's traditional French Renaissance architecture, the pyramid has become an iconic landmark. It provides a seamless transition between the historic palace and the museum's vast collection of art. Visitors can also explore the Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping mall and cultural space beneath the pyramid.

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