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Louvre Pyramid: A Modern Icon in a Historic Setting

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A modern architectural marvel serving as the grand entrance to the Louvre Museum, offering access to world-renowned art and history.

The Louvre Pyramid, a striking glass and metal structure in the Cour Napoléon of the Louvre Palace, serves as the main entrance to the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Designed by I.M. Pei and completed in 1989, the pyramid provides a modern contrast to the Louvre's traditional French Renaissance architecture.

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 tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Consider using alternative entrances like the Passage Richelieu or Carrousel du Louvre to bypass the crowds at the main pyramid entrance.
  • Visit during weekdays or late afternoons for a less crowded experience.
  • Allocate at least 3-4 hours to explore the Louvre Museum's vast collection.
  • Check the Louvre's official website for the latest information on opening hours, closures, and special events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Paris, the Louvre Pyramid is easily accessible via the Metro. Take either Line 1 or Line 7 to the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre station. The station is directly connected to the Carrousel du Louvre, providing an underground entrance to the museum, a short walk from the Pyramid. A single Metro ticket costs €2.10.

  • Bus

    Several bus lines stop near the Louvre Pyramid. Bus lines 21, 27, 39, 67, 68, 69, 72, 74, 85, and 95 all have stops within a short walking distance of the museum. The closest bus stops are Louvre - Rivoli and Musée du Louvre. A single bus ticket costs €2.10.

  • Taxi

    A taxi or ride-sharing service can drop you off directly at the Louvre Pyramid. From areas within central Paris, a short taxi ride will typically cost between €7 and €15, depending on traffic and distance. Note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours.

  • Walking

    The Louvre Pyramid is located in the heart of Paris and is easily reachable on foot from many central locations. From the Tuileries Garden, it's a short walk east to the Cour Napoléon. From Notre Dame Cathedral, cross the Pont du Carrousel for a scenic walk along the Seine. Walking is free, but be prepared for crowds in the vicinity of the museum.

Discover more about Louvre Pyramid

The Louvre Pyramid is more than just an entrance; it's a symbol of the Louvre's evolution and a landmark in its own right. Constructed as part of the Grand Louvre project initiated by French President François Mitterrand in 1981, the pyramid was designed to modernize the museum and improve visitor flow. I.M. Pei, a Chinese-American architect, was selected to bring this vision to life, and the result was a 21.6-meter-high structure comprised of 603 rhombus-shaped and 70 triangular glass panes. The pyramid's design was initially met with controversy, with critics deeming its modern style inconsistent with the Louvre's classic architecture. However, over time, it has become an accepted and even celebrated part of the Parisian cityscape. The pyramid allows natural light to illuminate the underground visitor hall and provides access to the museum's three wings: Denon, Richelieu, and Sully. Beneath the pyramid lies the Hall Napoléon, a spacious lobby housing the ticket office, museum shops, restaurants, and other amenities. While the Louvre Pyramid is the main entrance, there are other entry points to the museum, including the Passage Richelieu and the Carrousel du Louvre. The Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping and dining space, also provides direct access to the museum. Despite renovations to expand capacity, the Louvre Pyramid can still experience congestion due to the museum's immense popularity. In 2025, the Louvre launched a design contest for a $400 million expansion, including a new room for the Mona Lisa and a new entrance to relieve congestion.

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