Louvre Museum: Things to See & Do

The Louvre Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s home to some of the most famous artworks in history, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. But there’s much more to see at the Louvre than these two masterpieces. Here are some tips on what to see and do at the museum.

The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s most iconic and visited museums. It houses some of the most famous artworks in history, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo statue. But this incredible museum has much more to see than just these two masterpieces.

Some of the highlights of the Louvre include the many French, Italian, and Spanish paintings by artists such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt. The museum also has an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the iconic Great Sphinx of Tanis statue.

Additionally, there are thousands of sculptures, tapestries, decorative art objects, and other artifacts from around the world on display.

Another great thing about the Louvre is that it’s more than just a museum. The grounds of this massive complex are home to several beautiful gardens, perfect for a stroll after you’ve finished exploring its many galleries and halls. And if you’re feeling hungry, plenty of food is available at the on-site cafes and restaurants.

Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum) History

The Louvre or the Louvre Museum, as it is more commonly known, is widely considered one of the world’s most renowned art museums. Located in Paris, France, this iconic landmark has been a central icon of the city for years and attracts millions of visitors from around the globe each year.

The Louvre’s impressive collection includes many well-known works of art, such as the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

In addition to its impressive collection, the Louvre is noted for its beautiful architecture, with its signature glass pyramid entrance standing out from afar. Whether you are a longtime art connoisseur or simply want to experience one of Paris’s most historic and enduring monuments, a visit to the Louvre Museum is an absolute must during any stay in France’s capital city.

The Louvre is one of the world’s largest and most renowned museums, housing a jaw-dropping collection of over 38,000 objects that span human history. From prehistory to the 21st century, this iconic institution has been an invaluable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in learning more about our fascinating past.

Nestled in the Louvre Palace – a building dating back to the late 12th or early 13th century – the museum is housed in an impressive structure that perfectly complements its priceless collections. With 72,735 square meters of exhibit space and stunning architecture that still reflects elements from its medieval past, the Grand Louvre is truly a treasure to behold.

After the castle was abandoned as a military structure, it became obsolete. It functioned as a royal residence for the next 140 years until Francis I converted it into the primary home of the French kings in 1546.

The current Louvre Palace was built in many stages to fulfill this purpose. Louis XIV chose Versailles Palace for his court in 1682, but the Louvre was left to various uses, such as a factory, a public square, an art academy, and finally, a museum in 1793.

The museum’s origins date back to the French Revolution when the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre should be used as a “museum for the nation.” Throughout the 19th century, many royal collections were transferred to state-owned museums in Paris.

The Louvre’s collection was significantly increased by Napoleon I and other French rulers who used the museum to glorify France and spread its cultural influence.

Today, the Louvre is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and art museums. It receives over 9 million visitors annually – more than any other art museum.

Here are some tips on what to see and do at the museum.

What to See at the Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum)

Louvre has eight curatorial departments, each with different kinds of collections. You will find Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints, and Drawings in the Louvre.

Each department has different rules on how to Louvre. You will need to purchase a ticket to enter the Louvre. The Louvre is huge- it covers 60,600 square meters (652,000 sq ft) and contains more than 380,000 objects!

Sculptures, artworks, paintings, drawings, and archaeological finds are all on display at the Louvre. It is the most-visited museum in the world, with approximately 15,000 visitors daily. Sixty-five percent of these tourists are from outside of France.

The Louver Palace has three wings that house the Musée du Louvre: Richelieu, Sully, and Denon. The majority of the artwork is located in the Denon Wing, which is where you’ll find the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Top 10 Artworks to See at The Louvre Museum

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If you only have a limited amount of time, make sure to visit the following exhibits:

Louvre Pyramid

The Louvre Pyramid, or Pyramide du Louvre, is a striking modern structure located inside the courtyard of the Louvre Palace in Paris. Designed by famous Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, this distinctive glass and metal pyramid blends seamlessly into its medieval surroundings while serving as a monumental entrance to the famous Louvre Museum.

With its three smaller pyramids forming a perfect triangle around it, the Louvre Pyramid has become an iconic image of Paris.

In addition to its impressive aesthetic appeal, this landmark building has also played an important role in modernizing and transforming the Louvre museum into one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.

Today, visitors from all over the globe flock to see this stunning masterpiece of architecture and gain access to one of humanity’s greatest collections of art.

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The Mona Lisa

One of the most famous paintings in the world, the Mona Lisa, is located in the Salle des États on the first floor of the Denon Wing. It is protected by bulletproof glass and surrounded by a crowd of people, so it can be difficult to get a good view. However, it is worth seeing in person.

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The Venus de Milo

One of the most famous sculptures in the world, the Venus de Milo, is located in the Sully Wing on the second floor. It was discovered on the Greek island of Milos in 1820 and has been on display at the Louvre since 1821.

The Code of Hammurabi

A Babylonian law code dating back to the 18th century BC, the code of Hammurabi is located in the Sully Wing on the second floor. It consists of a stone stele (pillar) with 282 laws inscribed.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace

One of the most famous sculptures in the Louvre, the Winged Victory of Samothrace is located in the Daru staircase in the Sully Wing. It was discovered on the Greek island of Samothrace in 1863 and has been on display at the Louvre since 1884.

The Tomb of Ramses III

An Egyptian tomb dating back to the 12th century BC, the Tomb of Ramses III is located in the Richelieu Wing on the first floor. The tomb was opened to the public for the first time in 1922 and contains numerous burial gifts from ancient Egyptians.

Islamic Art

The Louvre is one of the world’s premier art museums, with a collection that spans centuries and includes pieces from some of the greatest painters and sculptors ever to have lived.

As you might expect, the museum also has an extensive Islamic art collection, showcasing artwork from multiple Islamic cultures. From beautifully intricate Qur’an manuscripts to intricately detailed tiles, Islamic art at the Louvre contains a wealth of fascinating designs and imagery.

There are also several other notable exhibits at the Louvre, including Ancient Greek and Roman artworks, such as sculptures by Praxiteles and the Apollo Belvedere; paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Raphael; and Egyptian antiquities, such as the Sphinx of Tanis.

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Spend some time in the Sully Wing

This part of the Louvre is home to some of the most iconic paintings in the world, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Liberty Leading the People. But it’s also worth exploring some other artworks in this wing, including the Apollo Gallery and the Portrait of Philip IV.

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Visit the Dutch and Flemish Art Galleries

If you’re a fan of the impressionist era, then be sure to check out the Louvre’s collection of Dutch and Flemish art. You’ll find works by artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Peter Paul Rubens here.

Tuilleries Gardens

The Tuilleries Gardens are a beautiful green space in the heart of Paris, located just across the street from the Louvre Museum. Commissioned by King Louis XIII in 1616, the gardens were originally designed by André Le Nôtre and are now home to a variety of sculptures, fountains, and flower beds.

Visitors can enjoy a quiet stroll, picnicking with friends, or simply relax on the many benches that line the pathways. Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, spending some time in the Tuileries Gardens is an absolute must.

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How to Get to the Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum)

The Louvre is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris along the Rue de Rivoli, near the Seine River and between the Tuileries Gardens and the Place de la Concorde. It is easily accessible by public transit via the metro (line 1), RER (line C), or bus.

If you’re visiting from out of town, there are several hotels nearby in the 1st arrondissement, such as the Hôtel de Crillon, the Hotel des Grands Boulevards, and the Hôtel du Louvre.

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When to Visit the Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum)

The Louvre is open every day except Tuesday, with varying hours throughout the year. The museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm between October 1 and March 31 and from 9 am to 9 pm from April 1 through September 30.

Plan Your Visit to the Louvre Museum

There’s so much to see and do at the Louvre Museum that it’s best to plan your visit to ensure you don’t miss anything. You can find more information on the museum’s website, including details on current and upcoming exhibitions, ticketing options, directions, and more.

Consider taking a guided tour or purchasing an audio guide, which can help you make the most of your time there.

And if you’re visiting with children, be sure to check out the museum’s family-friendly activities, which include scavenger hunts, workshops, and more.

Tourist Attractions Near the Louvre

There are several great tourist attractions near the Louvre, so plan your visit accordingly. Here are some of our personal favorites.

Palais-Royal

Palais-Royal is one of the most iconic and beautiful areas in Paris. Located just a short walk from the Louvre Museum, Palais-Royal boasts stunning palaces, lush gardens, elegant boutiques, and plenty of restaurants and cafes to explore.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon sipping coffee in the sun or a delicious dinner under starry skies, Palais-Royal has it all.

The Museum of Art Decorated

The Museum of Art Decorated is a treasure trove of some of the finest examples of art and furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Located inside the beautiful Palais-Royal, this museum is lauded by art enthusiasts and historians alike as one of the most important and fascinating collections in all of Europe. With an enormous collection spanning multiple rooms, you can spend hours exploring every detail of this stunning museum.

The exhibits include exquisite tapestries, intricately crafted furniture, and other precious artifacts that help to illuminate our understanding of European art history. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply curious about these artistic traditions, the Museum of Art Decorated will surely delight and impress.

The Museum d’Orsay

The Museum d’Orsay is another popular art museum in Paris housing a vast collection of works from the Impressionist and post-impressionist eras. Designed by the renowned architect Victor Laloux, this stunning building was formerly an engineering station used by The Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Orléans or The Orleans railway.

The former railway hub was later converted into a museum in time for the centenary of the famed Impressionists exhibition held at The Great Gallery – The Musée du Luxembourg in 1889.

Today, The Museum d’Orsay is celebrated for its various masterpieces by such notable artists as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and Henri Rousseau.

Its impressive collection also includes major works from Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among many others, spanning movements from Romanticism to Realism and naturalism.

With over 350,000 artworks from across five centuries from the 1500s, The Museum d’Orsay has consistently been recognized nationally and internationally as One Of The Most Important Art Institutions In The World!

To truly appreciate the works housed within its walls would be an unforgettable experience for any true lover of Fine Art.

Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme is a chic square near the Louvre Museum, known for its luxury hotels and high-end shopping. The Place Vendôme is an octagon-shaped square that was built in the 1600s. It is located in the first arrondissement of Paris, France.

The Place Vendôme is home to many high-end stores, such as Cartier, Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. In addition, the Place Vendôme is home to several luxurious hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton and the Hôtel de Crillon. If you’re ever in Paris, be sure to check out Place Vendôme!

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The Opéra Garnier

The Opéra Garnier is one of the most iconic buildings in Paris, home to the Paris Opera and the Paris Ballet. The building was designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated in 1875. The exterior of the Opéra Garnier is made up of several different materials, including stone, metal, and glass.

The roof is decorated with numerous statues of mythical creatures, and the front facade features a grand staircase that leads up to the main entrance. Inside, the auditorium is lavishly decorated with gilded plasterwork, marble columns, and stained glass windows.

The Opéra Garnier is a beautiful building and an important cultural institution. The Paris Opera is one of the oldest opera companies in the world, and the Paris Ballet is one of the most prestigious ballet companies.

Each year, the Opéra Garnier plays host to thousands of visitors from all over the world.

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Visiting the Louvre Museum

One day, seeing all the riches displayed in this former French king’s palace will not be sufficient. Suppose your entire stay in Paris is not spent at the museum. In that case, you’ll have to choose between Western art from the Middle Ages to 1848 (paintings, sculptures, artistic objects, and graphic arts) and ancient civilizations (Oriental, Egyptian, Greece, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities); Islamic, African, Asian and Oceanic cultures; North and South American arts!

This is just a start, but hopefully, it gives you an idea of some things to see and do at the Louvre Museum. For more information, be sure to check out the official website or other travel guides. And when you’re ready to start planning your trip, don’t forget to book your hotel and flights to Paris!

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