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Louvre Museum: A Timeless Palace of Art

Explore millennia of art and history in the heart of Paris at the world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to iconic masterpieces.

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The Louvre Museum, a former royal palace in the heart of Paris, is the world's largest art museum, housing a vast collection spanning millennia and cultures. From the Mona Lisa to ancient sculptures, it's a must-see landmark for art lovers and history buffs alike.

A brief summary to Louvre Museum

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Visit during the week or in the late afternoon for a less crowded experience.
  • Consider entering through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance to avoid the long lines at the Pyramid entrance.
  • Focus on specific collections or masterpieces to make the most of your visit, as seeing everything in one day is nearly impossible.
  • Check the museum's website for daily schedules and closures to better plan your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Louvre Museum is easily accessible via the Paris Metro. Take Line 1 or 7 to the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre station, which has direct access to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the RER A to Châtelet–Les Halles station and walk for about 10 minutes. Several bus lines also stop near the Louvre, including lines 21, 27, 39, 68, 69, 72, 74, 85, and 95. A single Metro or bus ticket costs €2.10.

  • Walking

    From central Paris locations like Notre-Dame Cathedral or the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre is easily reachable by foot. The walk from Notre-Dame takes approximately 20-25 minutes, crossing the Seine River. From the Tuileries Garden, it's a short 5-10 minute stroll eastwards. Follow the signs and enjoy the scenic walk along the Seine.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber can drop you off near the Place du Carrousel or Rue de Rivoli, a short walk from the museum entrance. A typical taxi or Uber ride from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre costs approximately €15-€25, depending on traffic.

  • Car

    If driving, parking is available at the Carrousel du Louvre parking garage, accessible via Avenue du Général Lemonnier. Additional parking options are available along Rue de Rivoli or near the Palais Royal. Parking rates at the Carrousel du Louvre are approximately €4 per hour. Be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours.

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Discover more about Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum, or Musée du Louvre, stands as a testament to centuries of art, history, and French culture. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, it evolved into a royal palace and was officially opened as a public museum in 1793 during the French Revolution. Today, the Louvre encompasses approximately 782,910 square feet and showcases around 35,000 works of art from its collection of over 380,000 objects. The museum's collection is divided into eight departments, including Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints and Drawings. Among its most famous pieces are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The Louvre's iconic glass pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei and completed in 1989, serves as the main entrance and a modern architectural contrast to the historic palace. The Louvre's history is as rich as its collection. From its beginnings as a fortress to its transformation into a royal residence and, finally, a public museum, it has been a witness to major events in French history. King Louis XIV moved the royal residence to the Palace of Versailles in 1682, after which the Louvre was used to display royal artworks. The museum's collection originated from acquisitions by French monarchs over centuries, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Today, the Louvre welcomes millions of visitors each year, solidifying its place as a vital cultural landmark and a symbol of France's commitment to preserving and celebrating artistic achievements.

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