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The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous attractions in Paris and a popular stop for first-time visitors. Its enormous collection covers thousands of years of art and history, so trying to see everything in one visit is unrealistic.
A little planning can help you decide what to see, how long to spend inside and how to reach the museum.
What Is the Louvre Museum?
The Louvre is a historic museum in central Paris, home to an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and archaeological objects.
Some of its best-known works include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Because the museum is very large, choose a few priority sections rather than attempting to cover the entire collection.
Louvre Opening Hours
The Louvre is currently open:
- Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wed, Fri: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
Last admission is one hour before closing, and visitors begin leaving the galleries 30 minutes before closing. The museum is also closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Opening hours and gallery availability can change, so check the official Louvre information before your visit.
Louvre Ticket Prices
As of 2026, the standard admission is:
- €22 for EEA visitors
- €32 for non-EEA visitors
Admission is free for under-18s and certain other eligible visitors. Time-slot booking is recommended, including for visitors eligible for free admission.
Use the official Louvre ticketing information when planning your visit and avoid unofficial ticket sellers.
What Should You See at the Louvre?
First-time visitors often want to see:
- Mona Lisa Leonardo da Vinci's famous portrait is one of the Louvre's biggest attractions.
- Venus de Milo This ancient Greek sculpture is one of the museum's most recognised works.
- Winged Victory of Samothrace The monumental sculpture is displayed at the top of the Daru staircase.
- Egyptian Antiquities The collection provides an opportunity to explore ancient Egyptian art, objects and history.
- Galerie d'Apollon This highly decorated gallery is itself an important part of the Louvre experience.
The museum regularly updates its gallery availability, and some rooms can close temporarily because of renovation or other conditions.
How Long Do You Need at the Louvre?
For a first visit, allow at least 2-3 hours if you want to see major highlights without rushing.
A longer visit of four hours or more allows you to explore additional collections. However, the ideal duration depends on your interests and the rest of your Paris itinerary.
Avoid planning too many major attractions immediately before and after the Louvre.
How to Reach the Louvre
The museum is centrally located and accessible by public transport.
The nearest Metro options include:
- Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre: Lines 1 and 7
- Pyramides: Line 14
Several bus routes also serve the area. The museum has an underground car park accessible from 1 Avenue du Général Lemonnier.
If you are travelling around Paris by taxi, provide the exact Louvre destination and allow extra time for city traffic.
Which Louvre Entrance Should You Use?
The Pyramid is the main entrance. The museum also has other entrances, including the Carrousel and Porte des Lions, subject to access conditions.
If you have a timed ticket, check the instructions on your booking before arriving.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
| Book Ahead | Timed admission is recommended, particularly during busy periods. |
| Plan Your Route | Choose the galleries and artworks you most want to see before entering. |
| Wear Comfortable Shoes | The museum is huge, and you may walk considerably more than expected. |
| Check Gallery Closures | Renovation work can temporarily affect which rooms are accessible. |
| Keep Your Visit Realistic | Seeing fewer works properly is often more enjoyable than rushing through hundreds of rooms. |
| Allow Time for Security | Visitors must pass security checks before entering the museum. |
Can You Visit the Louvre With Children?
Yes. The Louvre provides family-oriented facilities and services. Prams are permitted, although very large models may not fit in some lifts; the museum also has prams available to borrow.
For families visiting Paris with young children, combine the museum with nearby attractions rather than planning a full day of intensive museum sightseeing.
Louvre and Disneyland Paris in One Trip
Many international visitors combine Disneyland Paris with a day in central Paris.
If you are staying near Disneyland Paris, plan your Louvre visit around your park days and allow enough travel time between the resort and central Paris.
For visitors returning to Disneyland Paris after sightseeing, a private Disneyland Paris transfer can provide direct transport back to the resort.
If you are travelling to Paris from Disneyland, you can also plan your Paris airport transfer around your flight schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much time should I spend at the Louvre?
Around 2-3 hours is a practical starting point for major highlights. Add more time if you want to explore specific collections.
2. Is the Louvre closed on Tuesday?
Yes. The Louvre is currently closed every Tuesday.
3. Can I take children to the Louvre?
Yes. The museum provides family facilities and allows suitable prams.
4. Do I need to book Louvre tickets in advance?
Timed booking is recommended, including for visitors who qualify for free admission.
5. Can I see the Louvre and Disneyland Paris on the same day?
It is possible, but it creates a long day. If you plan both, allow sufficient travel time and prioritise the attractions you most want to experience.
Plan Your Louvre Visit
The Louvre is too large to experience completely in one trip. Choose your priority artworks, book an appropriate time slot, check gallery availability and allow enough time for security and walking.
For visitors combining Paris sightseeing with Disneyland Paris, planning your transport in advance can make the day easier. Explore Paris Disney Cabs for private transfer options between Paris and Disneyland Paris.