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Louvre Museum: A Parisian Icon of Art and History

Discover masterpieces from around the world at the Louvre Museum, a historic Parisian palace and home to iconic art and culture.

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The Louvre Museum, a former royal palace, stands as a monumental testament to art and history in the heart of Paris. Housing world-renowned masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre invites visitors to explore vast collections spanning diverse cultures and eras, all within the walls of a building with a rich history dating back to the 12th century.

A brief summary to Louvre Museum

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

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Visit during the week, particularly on Wednesday or Friday evenings, for a less crowded experience.
  • Use the Carrousel du Louvre or Richelieu Passage entrances to avoid the longer lines at the main Pyramid entrance.
  • Download a museum map or grab one at the information desk to navigate the vast collection efficiently.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
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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 is located near the museum. A single metro ticket costs €3. Alternatively, several bus routes stop near the Louvre, including routes 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, and 95. A single bus ticket also costs €3.

  • Walking

    The Louvre Museum is located in the heart of Paris and is easily reachable by foot from many central landmarks. For example, from the Hôtel de Ville, it's approximately a 15-minute walk. Walking allows you to enjoy the scenic views of Paris, including the Seine River and surrounding architecture. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Paris. A short taxi ride from areas such as the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Louvre typically costs between €8 and €10 and takes around 5 minutes, depending on traffic. Note that traffic, especially during peak hours, can increase travel time and fare.

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Discover more about Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum, or Musée du Louvre, is one of the world's largest and most visited museums, located in the heart of Paris. Housed in the Louvre Palace, a former royal residence, the museum's history spans from the 12th century to the present day. Originally built as a fortress by King Philip II in the late 12th century, the Louvre evolved into a royal palace in the 14th century. French Renaissance King Francis I significantly transformed it in the 16th century. The palace continued to expand with each subsequent monarch until Louis XIV moved the royal residence to Versailles in 1682. The French Revolution marked a turning point, with the National Assembly opening the Louvre as a public museum in 1793. The museum's initial collection comprised 537 paintings, largely from royal and church properties. Napoleon further enriched the collection, renaming it the Musée Napoleon, though many artworks were returned to their origins after his reign. Throughout the 19th century, the Louvre expanded, culminating in the completion of its multi-building complex in 1857. I.M. Pei's iconic glass pyramid, added in the late 1980s, serves as the museum's modern entrance. Today, the Louvre's collection includes more than 380,000 pieces, with approximately 35,000 on display. The museum spans over 60,600 square meters, showcasing art from ancient civilizations to the 21st century. Highlights include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Liberty Leading the People. The Louvre is open almost every day of the year, only being closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. The Louvre welcomes millions of visitors annually, cementing its status as a global cultural landmark.

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