Complete Guide to Visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris (2024 Update)

The world-famous Louvre Museum, located on the right bank of the Seine in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, is home to some of the most iconic Western artworks.

Nestled inside a historic fortress, this popular destination, founded in 1793, welcomes more than 10 million visitors annually.

The Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Code of Hammurabi are among the most noticeable artworks at the Louvre Museum.

The museum’s ever-growing collection includes Egyptian artifacts, Greek and Roman sculptures, European paintings, and Islamic art.

This article will tell you everything you need to know before purchasing Louvre Museum tickets, including the museum’s hours, admission prices, and how to avoid long lines.

Louvre Museum in a Nutshell

Louvre Museum Paris: What to Expect & Must-See Exhibits in 2024

Visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris is an incredible journey through history and art.

With over 35,000 items to explore, planning your visit wisely is essential.

The Louvre’s extensive collection is divided into eight distinct departments, each housing specific types of artwork or exhibits. These departments are:

• Paintings
• Egyptian Antiquities
• Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities
• Near Eastern Antiquities
• Sculptures
• Decorative Arts
• Islamic Art
• Prints and Drawings

Every exhibit in the Louvre falls into one of these categories.

Museum’s Layout

The Louvre’s collections are distributed across three wings: Sully, Richelieu, and Denon.

Each wing boasts more than 70 rooms, making it vital to plan your route based on your interests.

You can download the map of all the Louvre museum floors here. 

This Louvre map provides a detailed layout of the museum’s galleries, exhibition rooms, and facilities, including restrooms, cafes, and shops.

Visitors can use the map to plan their visit, locate specific artworks or collections, and navigate the museum’s vast collection. 

Tuileries Gardens

After your museum visit, take a serene stroll through the nearby Tuileries Garden, a tranquil oasis situated between the museum and Place de la Concorde.

Some visitors even opt to start their day here before heading to the Louvre.

The garden’s opening hours vary by season, providing a peaceful retreat for reflection.

Pyramid Entrance

Before entering the museum, don’t miss marveling at the iconic glass and metal pyramid designed by architect I.M. Pei.

This modern entrance, with its unique history, serves as a symbol of the Louvre’s harmonious blend of past and present.

Must-See Temporary Exhibitions at Louvre Museum (2024)

Near Eastern Antiquities in Dialogue

The MET at the Louvre
(From 29 February, 2024 to 28 September, 2025)

The Louvre’s Near Eastern Antiquities Department is showcasing ten artworks from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Met’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Department is closed for renovation, so they’ve lent us these amazing pieces. Dating from 4th millennium BC to 5th century AD, they’re now part of our permanent galleries.

It’s a cool collaboration between the Louvre and the Met. Some artworks are being reunited for the first time, and others just complement each other well.

These pieces come from places like Central Asia, Syria, Iran, and Mesopotamia, offering visitors fresh insights into these ancient treasures and their stories.

A New Look on Van Eyck

Madonna of Chancellor Rolin
(From 20 March to 17 June 2024)

The Louvre is showcasing Jan van Eyck’s masterpiece, the Madonna of Chancellor Rolin, in its first exhibition at the Salle de la Chapelle since 2014.

This exhibit celebrates the painting’s extensive restoration, a first of its kind since it arrived at the museum in 1800. Conservators meticulously removed darkened varnish layers, restoring the artwork’s original brilliance.

The exhibition seeks to engage viewers by posing questions about the painting’s enigmatic elements and its connections to the 15th-century art scene.

By placing Van Eyck’s work alongside his contemporaries, it offers fresh insights into his unique contributions and the artistic dynamics of his time.

Olympism: Modern Invention

Ancient Legacy
(From 24 April to 16 September, 2024)

As part of the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, the Louvre is hosting an exhibition that delves into the origins of the modern Olympic Games and the political climate surrounding their inception.

This show aims to uncover the lesser-known individuals who played crucial roles, including academics and artists like Emile Gilliéron père. Gilliéron’s artistic contributions, such as designing the first Olympic Cup for the 1896 Athens Games, illustrate how diverse disciplines like philology, history, art history, and archaeology converged to shape the world’s most prominent sporting event.

This exhibition demonstrates the fascinating interplay between sports and these fields, providing visitors with a unique perspective.

Where to Buy Louvre Museum Tickets

There are two ways to purchase tickets for the Louvre Museum in Paris: online or at the ticket counter.

However, for a seamless experience, acquiring them through the online platform is advisable.

Opting for online ticket booking allows you to bypass long queues, especially during peak hours (12 pm to 4.30 pm).

Purchasing your Louvre Museum tickets online can save you from waiting in line for as long as thirty minutes.

Furthermore, online tickets for the Louvre in Paris come with discounted rates, making advance booking the most favorable choice.

How do online ticket work?

On the ticket booking page, start by choosing the number of tickets, your preferred time slot, and the date of your visit.

Once your online ticket purchase is complete, you will receive it via email.

Just show your e-ticket when you visit the Louvre Museum in Paris.

No need to print it out.

Louvre Museum Ticket Prices

The basic Louvre Museum entry ticket is priced at €25 for adults aged 18 and above. Children under 17 are not allowed.

The Louvre Museum Guided Tour costs €79 for adults aged 18 and above, while children under 17 can join at a discounted rate of €61.

Here are the best-selling Louvre Museum tickets, which include entry tickets, guided tours, and family tours:

Types of tickets	Adult Prices
Entry Ticket	€25
Skip The Line Ticket + Audio Guide	€32
Louvre Entry + Direct Mona Lisa Access	€65
Guided Tour	€79
Small Group Tour	€85
Louvre Private Tour For Family & Kids	€450 (price for five)
Paris Museum Pass	€79

Types of Louvre Museum Tickets

The Louvre is well worth a visit if you’re in Paris.

If you’re short on time or money, book a Louvre Museum skip the line ticket. It gets you into the Louvre and also lets you see the Eugène Delacroix Museum.

For a more personalized experience, book a slot for one of Lovure’s guided tours. You’ll learn lots of interesting facts about the artwork from the tour guide.

Families with kids may want to consider the Lovure family tour. It’s designed for children and helps make the visit more fun and educational for everyone.

You’ll all explore the museum together, with activities to keep the little ones engaged.

1. Louvre Museum Skip the Line Ticket

This basic ticket grants access to the Louvre’s permanent and temporary exhibitions for €25. 

While it doesn’t offer skipping the security lines, it’s the most affordable option for independent exploration.

Ticket prices: €25

2. Louvre Entry with Direct Access to Mona Lisa

You would be able to bypass the iconic painting’s queue with this ticket.

An English-speaking host guides you directly to the Mona Lisa, freeing up time for further exploration.

Ticket prices: €55 to €65

3. Louvre Timed Entrance Ticket with Audio Guide

Combine entry to Louvre Museum with an official Louvre audio guide for a self-guided tour tailored to your interests.

Pre-booking ensures your entry slot and eliminates the need for separate audio guide rentals.

Ticket price: €32

4. Louvre Museum Guided Tour

Delve deeper with a knowledgeable guide who leads you through highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.

This option is ideal for maximizing your understanding and appreciation of the vast collection.

Tour price: €61 to €79

5. Louvre Tour for Family with Kids

Engage young minds with a playful, 2-hour Louvre private tour led by a children’s guide.

You will enjoy skip the line entry to the museum, and interactive activities make learning an adventure.

Tour price: €450 for a group of 5

6. Paris Museum Pass

Visit 50+ museums and monuments across Paris, including the Louvre, for a discounted price of €79.

Skip lines at most attractions, but remember to book a time slot for the Louvre.

Pass price: €79 to €107

If you plan to explore all of Paris’s top attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Seine River cruises, and more, consider purchasing a Paris City Card.

Rated at 4.4 out of 5, this card offers the best way to discover all of Paris’s wonders with a single purchase.

The Paris City Card is priced at €82 ($90) per person, but you can save up to 10% if you purchase it right now!

Don’t miss the chance to buy a Paris City Card today!

Louvre Museum Opening Hours

The Louvre Museum operates from 9 am to 6 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, with extended hours until 9.45 pm on Fridays.

Please note that the museum remains closed on Tuesdays, as well as on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.

Remember that the last entry is permitted one hour before the closing time, and the rooms begin closing 30 minutes prior to the museum’s full closure.

Best Time to Visit Louvre Museum

Many guidebooks and websites suggest arriving early at 9 am to beat the crowds, but it’s advisable to skip the morning rush at the Louvre.

On Fridays, the museum remains open until 9.45 pm, and by 6 pm, all group and school tours have concluded, making it a tranquil time for a visit.

Experienced art enthusiasts often choose to explore the Louvre Museum in the evening.

How long does Louvre Museum take

At the Louvre Museum, visitors should allocate a minimum of 3 hours to fully appreciate renowned artworks like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Frequent Louvre-goers suggest that art fatigue typically sets in after about 2 to 3 hours of exploration.

If you intend to stay longer, consider taking a break at one of the museum’s numerous restaurants.

By purchasing your museum ticket online, you can expedite your Louvre tour since it eliminates the need to wait in ticket counter lines.

How to get to Louvre Museum in Paris?

Navigating the Louvre is key to a smooth and enjoyable visit, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer.

Thanks to its popularity, the Louvre is well-connected by metro, bus, and car.

By Metro

For a fast and convenient journey, the Paris Metro is your best bet.

Hop off at the Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre station on Lines 1 or 7.

If you’re on Line 14, disembark at the Pyramids station instead.

Follow the flow of people, and you’ll be at the museum entrance within a few minutes.

By Bus

Traveling by bus is a convenient option for those arriving from different locations. 

Several routes serve the Louvre area, including 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, and 95. 

Enjoy the Parisian scenery while riding comfortably and affordably on these buses.

By Car

Driving to the Louvre? Google Maps is your handy co-pilot.

Plan your route, find parking, and navigate with ease using Google Maps.

Multiple convenient parking lots are nearby, ensuring a stress-free arrival.

Louvre Museum Entrances

The Louvre has four distinct entrances, each serving a unique purpose:

1. Pyramid Entrance

The Glass Pyramid entrance is the primary gateway to the Louvre Paris, also known as Le Pyramide entrance. 

Designed by architect IM Pei, this striking 21-meter-high glass Louvre pyramid is a favorite spot for tourists seeking picturesque moments.

Pei’s choice of glass aimed to minimize intrusion while inviting natural light into the foyer below, making it the preferred entrance for many visitors.

2. Carrousel Entrance

For those arriving by Metro, the Louvre Carrousel entrance is the most convenient option.

Situated within the Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping complex adjacent to The Louvre, this entrance provides direct access.

Descend two sets of escalators to reach the -2 floor of the shopping complex, where you’ll encounter the inverted pyramid.

Often referred to as ‘the mall entrance to the Louvre’ and ‘inverted Pyramid entrance,’ it leads to the same section of the Louvre Museum as the Pyramid entrance.

3. Porte De Richelieu Entrance

The Porte De Richelieu entrance is exclusively available to group tours or annual membership pass holders.

Individual ticket holders, families, or small groups are not permitted to use this entry.

Located between the Louvre courtyard with the glass pyramid and Rue de Rivoli Street, it caters to specific visitor categories.

4. Porte des Lions Entrance

While the Porte des Lions was once a convenient entrance to bypass crowds, it has been closed since mid-2016.

There’s potential for this entryway to reopen in the future.

To explore this entrance, simply head toward the Pyramid entrance and look for the initial set of Lions (closest to the glass Pyramid) marking the museum’s entrance.

Louvre Museum – Frequently Asked Qs

Featured Image : Stock photos by Vecteezy