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Louvre Pyramid: A Modern Entrance to Art

A modern architectural icon providing entry to the Louvre Museum, blending contemporary design with classical art in the heart of Paris.

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The Louvre Pyramid, a striking glass and metal structure in the Cour Napoléon of the Louvre Palace, serves as the museum's main entrance. Designed by I.M. Pei and completed in 1989, it provides access to the underground visitor hall and has become an iconic symbol of Paris.

A brief summary to Louvre Pyramid

Local tips

  • Visit during the week, especially late afternoons, to avoid the largest crowds.
  • Access to the Pyramid, shopping center and boutiques is free.
  • Consider using the Carrousel du Louvre entrance to avoid long lines at the main Pyramid entrance.
  • Be aware that the museum is closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Pyramides Station, take line 7 of the subway to Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre. The journey takes approximately 4 minutes and costs €3. Alternatively, the bus line 68 will take you to Musée du Louvre in about 7 minutes for €1-€2.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Pyramides Station to the Louvre Pyramid will cost approximately €8-€10 and take about 6 minutes. From Châtelet, a taxi ride to the Louvre Pyramid is about 5 minutes and costs around €7-€10.

  • Walking

    From the Pyramides Station, the Louvre Pyramid is approximately a 8-minute walk (670m). From Hôtel de Ville, the walk is about 16 minutes (1.4 km).

  • Parking

    Several car parks are located near the Louvre Museum, including Louvre Samaritaine, Pyramides, and Les Halles - Saint-Eustache. Parking rates range from €3 to €5 per hour. An underground car park is located at 1 Avenue du Général Lemonier, with access to the museum via the Galerie du Carrousel entrance, open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m..

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Discover more about Louvre Pyramid

The Louvre Pyramid is a modern architectural marvel that stands in stark contrast to the Louvre Palace's traditional French Renaissance style. 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 to modernize the museum and improve visitor access. Constructed with 603 rhombus-shaped and 70 triangular glass segments supported by a steel frame, the pyramid reaches a height of 21.6 meters (71 feet). The structure allows natural light to illuminate the underground visitor hall, which houses the museum's main entrance, ticket counters, and other facilities. This design choice aimed to alleviate congestion and streamline the flow of visitors into the Louvre's three wings. The pyramid's design is symbolic, with its geometric shape representing stability, balance, and classical ideals of harmony. The pyramid has faced controversy, with some criticizing its modern aesthetic as clashing with the Louvre's historic architecture. Despite initial criticism, the Louvre Pyramid has become a beloved landmark and a symbol of Paris, attracting photographers and tourists. Beneath the pyramid lies the Carrousel du Louvre, a shopping mall and cultural space that offers a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes. The Louvre Pyramid is not only an entrance but also a destination, offering a unique blend of art, architecture, and culture in the heart of Paris.

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