The Louvre is known throughout the world and is often regarded as perhaps the greatest art museum in existence. In addition to its fantastic and diverse array of art and ancient treasures, the Louvre is equally well-known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Once part of an even larger palace complex, today the Louvre receives millions of visitors every year. In fact, it is the most-visited museum in the world. If you have any interest in art or history, a visit to the Louvre should be included on your list of things to do in Paris.
The Louvre is located in the real heart of Paris on the right bank of the Seine. It is easily accessed from anywhere in the city via the Paris metro or the bus system. You are very likely to be near the museum as you see other sites in the city, so a visit to the Louvre can easily be worked into your itinerary. The real trouble is the vast size of the palace. With tens of thousands of objects on display, you could spend many days roaming the Louvre, but the museum of course offers maps, brochures, guides, and special exhibits to help you make your way through the collection.
The Louvre is located in the real heart of Paris on the right bank of the Seine. It is easily accessed from anywhere in the city via the Paris metro or the bus system. You are very likely to be near the museum as you see other sites in the city, so a visit to the Louvre can easily be worked into your itinerary. The real trouble is the vast size of the palace. With tens of thousands of objects on display, you could spend many days roaming the Louvre, but the museum of course offers maps, brochures, guides, and special exhibits to help you make your way through the collection.
One of the most famous objects in Louvre is da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, always popular with visitors. The area that houses the Mona Lisa is often busy, but it is worth it to take the time to get close to the mysterious portrait. This gallery area is also filled with equally beautiful and intriguing paintings from artists that span the centuries. | Ancient objects make up a large portion of the Louvre’s collection. On your visit you can see sculptures, paintings, carvings, and other items from the Near East, the Mediterranean, China, and more. The famous early legal document the Code of Hammurabi is housed here, and of course there is the Venus di Milo, probably a sculpture of Aphrodite, carved in Ancient Greece. |
Contemporary Art and more
Many people do not know that Louvre also houses a good deal of contemporary art work. Such displays are often special exhibitions, so be sure to check ahead in the months before your visit to see if something special interests you.
As you leave, you can head to the nearby Tuileries Gardens and enjoy a stroll or a lunch just as hundreds of Parisians and tourists do each day. Stop by the Louvre at night to see the glow of the lights against the walls of the former palace. The modern sculpture that houses the entrance to the museum, the Louvre Pyramid of glass and metal, also shines beautifully.
Consider buying your tickets in advance. This saves time, but these types of tickets must be picked up from special store locations, not at the museum itself. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, but it is open until the evening on the other days of the week. If you will be visiting during a holiday, be sure to check ahead of time. As with most attractions in Paris, it is busiest in the summer months. The museum offers a mall, several gift shops, and dining options to make your visit complete.
As you leave, you can head to the nearby Tuileries Gardens and enjoy a stroll or a lunch just as hundreds of Parisians and tourists do each day. Stop by the Louvre at night to see the glow of the lights against the walls of the former palace. The modern sculpture that houses the entrance to the museum, the Louvre Pyramid of glass and metal, also shines beautifully.
Consider buying your tickets in advance. This saves time, but these types of tickets must be picked up from special store locations, not at the museum itself. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, but it is open until the evening on the other days of the week. If you will be visiting during a holiday, be sure to check ahead of time. As with most attractions in Paris, it is busiest in the summer months. The museum offers a mall, several gift shops, and dining options to make your visit complete.