Louvre Museum tours and tickets
Discover the Mona Lisa and centuries of art by old masters beyond the glass Pyramid entrance.
Hours of operation
Open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Open until 9:00 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. Closed Tuesdays.
Ticket required
Free for eligible groups. Timed entry. Advance online booking recommended.
Best time to visit
Early mornings, late afternoons, and late nights. Spring and fall are also less busy.
Louvre Museum tours for families
Discover the Louvre with family-friendly guided tours.
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Louvre Museum tours under $85
Explore budget-friendly options to visit the Louvre Museum.
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Most popular Louvre Museum tours
Get an insider’s view of the Louvre Museum of Paris.
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About the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum began as a fortress in 1190, grew into a royal palace, and opened to the public in 1793 during the French Revolution, with the specific goal of inspiring artists and making great works accessible to everyone. Today, it holds ancient Assyrian palace guardians, the French Crown Jewels, and thousands of years of human history under one roof.
Top highlights for your visit
The “Big Three” masterpieces
The Louvre is home to three of the most recognized works in art history: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Each is displayed in a different wing, so a little planning goes a long way toward seeing all three.
The Apollo Gallery
This gilded hall served as the direct model for the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles—one of the most ornate rooms in the entire palace. Today, it houses the French Crown Jewels.
The medieval fortress
Before it was a museum or a royal residence, the Louvre was a fortress, built in 1190 by King Philippe Auguste. Remnants of that original structure are still visible on the lower levels of the Sully wing.
The Pyramid entrance
The glass Pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei, opened in 1989 and now serves as the museum’s main entrance. Its modernist design stands in deliberate contrast to the classical French Renaissance façade surrounding it. Visitors with pre-booked tickets can also enter through the Carrousel or Porte des Lions entrances to avoid queues.
Louvre Museum FAQs
What are the “Big Three” masterpieces I shouldn’t miss?
The Louvre is home to thousands of extraordinary works, but three in particular have captured many hearts: the Mona Lisa, with her famously mysterious expression; the graceful Venus de Milo; and the breathtaking Winged Victory of Samothrace, perched dramatically at the top of the Daru staircase.
Do I need to book my tickets in advance?
Yes, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. Reserving a time slot online ahead of your visit—even if you qualify for free admission—means you won’t risk being turned away at the door. It also helps you skip the longer queues, so you can save your energy for exploring the galleries.
Who is eligible for free admission to the museum?
Quite a few people can visit at no cost. Anyone under 18 gets in free, as do residents of the European Economic Area between the ages of 18 and 25. Everyone can visit for free on the first Friday of the month after 6:00 PM, with the exception of July and August. Admission is also free for all visitors on Bastille Day, July 14.
When is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds?
If you prefer a quieter experience, Wednesday and Friday evenings are a great option, since galleries stay open until 9:00 PM. Weekday mornings right at opening time can also feel more relaxed and unhurried. Just keep in mind that the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Absolutely. The Louvre is committed to welcoming every visitor. People with disabilities and their companions receive priority access and can enter without waiting in the general queue. Wheelchairs and folding stools are also available to borrow free of charge at the visitor assistance area beneath the Pyramid.
Why is the Mona Lisa located in the Louvre?
The painting’s journey to Paris began centuries ago. King Francis I, a passionate supporter of the arts, invited Leonardo da Vinci to France and acquired the work directly from him. It stayed in the royal collection for generations before finding its permanent home in the Louvre after the French Revolution.
Can I take photos inside the galleries?
You’re welcome to capture memories from your visit for personal use. To help protect the artwork and keep the experience enjoyable for everyone, flash photography, selfie sticks, and tripods are not permitted inside the exhibition rooms.
Are there alternative entrances to the main Pyramid?
Yes. While the glass Pyramid is the most recognizable way in, it can also be the busiest. If you have pre-booked tickets, you may be able to enter through the Carrousel du Louvre shopping center or the Porte des Lions entrance when it is open.
Is the museum currently affected by strikes?
As of early 2026, staff strikes have occasionally delayed opening times or resulted in certain rooms being closed. It’s a good idea to check the Louvre’s official website on the morning of your visit for real-time updates.
Things to know before visiting the Louvre Museum
Entry and access
- For guaranteed access, book a timed entry slot online in advance.
- Standard tickets cost $25 for EU residents when purchased online.
- The museum is closed Tuesdays and open until 9:00 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Dress code
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The museum covers 782,910 square feet.
- Dress in layers. Gallery temperatures can shift between rooms.
- Bring a bottle of water and a pencil and sketchbook if you’d like.
Additional information
- Large bags and suitcases are not permitted.
- Photography is allowed, but flash, selfie sticks, and tripods are not permitted.
- Visitors with disabilities receive priority, skip-the-line entry.