See: Mona Lisa
One of the defining artists of the Renaissance. At the Louvre, look for his subtle use of light, expression, and atmospheric landscapes.
Louvre paintings and artworks you must see
Quick overview: Louvre Museum artworks
The Louvre’s collection spans thousands of years, from ancient civilizations to 19th-century European art, across paintings, sculptures, antiquities, and decorative arts.
- Most famous painting: Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
- Must-see sculptures: Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace
- Other highlights: Liberty Leading the People, The Wedding at Cana, and The Coronation of Napoleon
- Beyond paintings: See Egyptian antiquities, royal decorative arts, jewelry, and historic palace interiors.
- Where to start: Prioritize a few must-sees, then explore collections that match your interests.
Must-see artworks at the Louvre Museum
Hidden masterpieces
The Battle of the Quarters by Paolo Uccello
This intricate panel, painted by Uccello, illustrates the medieval conflict between the factions of Florence. It showcases the artist's skill in perspective and geometric composition, often underappreciated in favor of his more famous works.
Famous artists at the Louvre
Tips for visiting
- Plan your visit: The Louvre is vast, so prioritize the art you want to see. The museum is divided into wings: Denon, Sully, and Richelieu.
- Get a map: You can pick up a map at the entrance or download the museum’s app to help you navigate.
- Avoid crowds: The Mona Lisa attracts huge crowds, so try to visit early or later in the day, or purchase a ticket with hosted access to the Mona Lisa.
- Time management: If you're short on time, consider focusing on one wing or a specific period, like Renaissance or Ancient Greek art.
The Louvre is a treasure trove of human creativity across centuries. Every visit reveals new details and masterpieces, so take your time and immerse yourself in its unparalleled collection.
Frequently asked questions about the artworks at the Louvre Museum
The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix, and The Raft of the Medusa by Géricault are some of the most famous and iconic works housed in the Louvre.
The Mona Lisa is the most visited and arguably the most famous painting in the world. It attracts millions of visitors every year.
Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but no flash is permitted to protect the artworks. The Mona Lisa and some other paintings are in special protected cases where photography may be restricted.
The Louvre is divided into three main wings: Denon, Sully, and Richelieu. You can get a museum map at the entrance or download the Louvre’s app for more detailed guidance. The museum's website also offers a searchable database of its collection.
The Salle des États is the room where the Mona Lisa is displayed. This space was specially designed to accommodate the popularity of da Vinci's painting, with added protective measures to preserve it.
To view the most important pieces (like the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, etc.), you would need at least 3-4 hours. However, a thorough visit to the entire museum could take an entire day or even longer, given the size and depth of its collection.
The Louvre frequently rotates its collection, especially temporary exhibitions. While major works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo are permanent, many of the artworks in the museum are part of rotating exhibitions, with a focus on specific periods, artists, or themes.
Yes, the Louvre regularly hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring artists, movements, or themes that are not always part of the permanent collection.
Yes, the Louvre Museum offers an official audio guide available for rent at the museum. You can also download the Louvre Museum’s official app, which provides interactive guides, maps, and information on individual artworks.
Some famous sculptures in the Louvre include: Venus de Milo (Ancient Greek, Hellenistic period), The Winged Victory of Samothrace (Hellenistic Greek), Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova (Neoclassical), The Seated Scribe (Ancient Egyptian), and The Dying Slave by Michelangelo (Renaissance)
Yes, the Louvre is wheelchair accessible, and there are wheelchairs available for free at the museum's visitor assistance desk. The museum also has services for those with other mobility or sensory impairments. You can find more information on accessibility on the Louvre’s official website.
