Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum · Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
The building began as a 12th-century fortress under Philip II, became a royal palace in the 16th century, and opened as a public museum in 1793 during the Revolution. Roughly 8 to 9 million people visit each year, so the highlights alone take half a day. Adult tickets cost EUR 22 online or EUR 24 at the counter, under-18s and EU under-26s enter free, and the first Sunday of each month is free for everyone. It opens 9:00-18:00 on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, and 9:00-21:45 on Wednesday and Friday, closing on Tuesdays and on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December. Metro Line 1 or 7 stops at Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre with direct underground access.
Ticket Price
Adult €22 (EEA visitors) / €32 (non-EEA visitors); free for visitors under 18 and EEA residents under 26; free entry on the first Friday of each month from 18:00 (except July and August). Book online in advance and check the official site before visiting.
Opening Hours
Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun: 9:00–18:00 (rooms start closing 17:30); Wed, Fri: 9:00–21:45 (night opening); Closed Tuesdays and 1 Jan, 1 May, 25 Dec. Check the official site before visiting.
Transportation
Metro Line 1 / Line 7 to Palais Royal–Musee du Louvre (direct underground access via Carrousel du Louvre); RER A to Chatelet–Les Halles (8-min walk)
Best Season
April–June and September–October for manageable crowds; winter months January–February are quietest but shortest daylight; avoid July–August when lines are longest
Pro Tip: Book a timed entry and pick a wing
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Book a timed entry and pick a wing The Louvre is too large for one visit. Choose two or three sections, enter through the Pyramid or Carrousel entrance, and book the first slot of the day.
Member-Only Tips
Upgrade to unlock insider hacks, best photo spots, and crowd timing advice.
Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Yes, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. It is open Wednesday-Monday, 9:00-18:00, with late nights until 21:00 on Wednesday and Friday.
Yes. Book a timed ticket online and use the Pyramid entrance; the Porte des Lions entrance is often quieter. Security queues can still be long.
Three to four hours covers the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory and the Egyptian and French painting galleries. A full day is needed for the whole museum.
Room 711 in the Denon wing, first floor. Go at opening or late afternoon; the room is packed midday.