Inside the Louvre Museum: What to see & how to explore

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum, occupying 72,735 square meters of gallery space. To see as much of the artwork as possible, one must prepare ahead, as there are 35,000 permanent displays scattered throughout eight departments.

Given the museum's sheer size, it is not possible to see everything in one day. However, if you decide in advance which galleries and exhibits you want to visit, your experience will be much more fulfilling.

What to see on each floor of the Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum

Level -2

This level serves as an entry point and features introductory exhibits. It also features the museum shops, bookstores, and the Richelieu and Carrousel du Louvre entrances.

French Crown Jewels display at Louvre Museum, Paris with visitors observing the collection.
Golden art piece under Louvre Pyramid, Paris
Louvre Museum
Louvre Museum

Inside the Louvre Museum: Level -2

Inside the Louvre Museum: Level -1

Levels -1, 0, 1, and 2 are divided into 3 main wings. Read on further to see where the different artworks are displayed.

Inside the Louvre Museum: Level 0

Inside the Louvre Museum: Level 1

Inside the Louvre Museum: Level 2

Best routes to cover the highlights of the Louvre Museum

Visitor TrailDescriptionHighlightsBest forDuration

Masterpieces Trail

This trail focuses on the most famous works from each department.

Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Liberty Leading the People, The Raft of the Medusa, and The Lacemaker

First-time visitors who want to focus on the most iconic pieces

2-3 hours

The Da Vinci Code, Between Fiction and Fact

Based on the popular novel (and film), The Da Vinci Code.

The Wedding Feast at Cana, Mona Lisa, Virgin and Child with Saint Anne

Da Vinci fans

3 hours

From Palace to Museum, 800 Years of History

This trail takes visitors through the Louvre’s eight-centuries-long journey.

The Salon Denon, The Galerie Campana, and The Napoleon III Apartments’ Large Drawing Room

History buffs

2-3 hours

French Painting Trail

This trail guides you through the rich history of French art.

Liberty Leading the People and The Coronation of Napoleon

Admirers of French history, Revolution-era art, and Romanticism

1.5 hours

Egyptian’s Antiquities Trail

This trail guides you through the museum's incredible collection of Egyptian artifacts, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.

The Sphinx of Tanis, The Seated Statue of Ramses II, The Mummy of a Priestess, The Papyrus of Ani, and The Great Egyptian Wall Reliefs

History buffs and fans of ancient Egypt

1.5 - 2 hours

Art of Eating, Rituals, and Symbolism

Go around the Louvre to see the depiction of meals and food in paintings from Antiquity to the 18th century.

The Feast of the Gods, The Peasant Meal, and The Hunt Luncheon

Art and symbolism buffs and culinary history fans

1.5 hours

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Louvre Highlights

Follow this trail to see the highlights the superstar couple picked out for their ‘APES**T’ music video.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Virgin of the Green Cushion, The Mona Lisa, The Wedding Feast at Cana and The Raft of the Medusa

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s fans

2-3 hours

Navigating the Louvre is easier with a guide

Skip the confusion and crowds: an expert guide will lead you through the museum’s most fascinating galleries, sharing insights and stories you won’t find on your own.

Visitor tips

  • Before you head out, check out a map and plot your must-see artwork. Maps are offered in 13 languages at the information desks under the Pyramid or can be downloaded directly from the museum's official website.
  • Consider downloading the "My Visit to the Louvre" app (available for iPhone and Android). This handy tool helps you find specific artworks with a 3D itinerary through the museum. 
  • Avoid the long lines in front of the Pyramid by using alternative entrances. Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre shopping center for a smoother arrival.
  • Don’t stress about seeing every single artwork. With so much to explore, it’s impossible to cover it all even in several visits. Instead, prioritize the collections that genuinely interest you and take photos of pieces that resonate.
  • Tailored guided tours like "Louvre Masterpieces Explained to Children" help young ones (starting from age 7) connect with iconic artworks such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Victory of Samothrace.

Frequently asked questions about what’s inside the Louvre Museum

You could spend days together and there will still be things to cover at the museum. But you could spend half a day covering the main artworks displayed at the museum.

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