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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

Richelieu entrances

  • Location: This entrance is found under the Richelieu Wing of the Louvre and is primarily used by visitors with prior reservations or group tours.
  • Access: It is a quieter alternative to the main Pyramid entrance, providing a more streamlined entry, especially during peak times.
  • Features: This walkway leads directly to the interior courtyard of the Richelieu Wing. Visitors can access prominent sections like the sculpture courtyards (Cour Marly and Cour Puget) and galleries featuring French decorative arts and paintings.

Carrousel du Louvre entrance

  • Location: This entrance is beneath the museum in the underground shopping complex known as the Carrousel du Louvre.
  • Access: Located at 99 Rue de Rivoli, this entrance connects directly to the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro station. Visitors can reach the museum via the underground mall, which houses shops, restaurants, and amenities.
  • Features: The striking glass pyramid, known as the "Pyramide Inversée" (Inverted Pyramid), is a centerpiece of this area. This entrance offers a direct path to the museum's ticketing area and the main atrium, where visitors can choose which wing of the Louvre to explore (Richelieu, Sully, or Denon).
The Pyramid in all its glory

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.

Richelieu Wing

  • Cour Marly and Cour Puget: Two stunning sculpture courtyards displaying French statues and decorative works from the 17th to 19th centuries.
  • Near Eastern antiquities: Artifacts from Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Levant, showcasing some of the earliest civilizations. The Code of Hammurabi (on display in Sully Wing but connected thematically to this area) and Assyrian lamassu (winged human-headed bulls) can be found here.
  • Islamic art (partial access on this level): A remarkable collection of Islamic art spanning over 1,300 years.

Sully Wing

  • Medieval Louvre: Explore the Louvre's origins as a medieval fortress with remnants of its original moat and walls. The fortress foundations and an interactive display explaining the Louvre’s history are present here.
  • Ancient Egypt (start of the collection): This level introduces Egyptian artifacts, with a more extensive display on the upper levels.
  • Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities (partial): Classical artifacts, including pottery, sculptures, and inscriptions. The section connects to famous works such as the Venus de Milo (on a different level).

Denon Wing

  • Roman antiquities: Features a collection of sculptures, inscriptions, and mosaics from ancient Rome.Some of the highlights include portraits of Roman emperors and decorative works.
  • African, Asian, Oceanian, and American Arts: This section includes artifacts from diverse non-Western cultures.Masks, totems, textiles, and ceremonial objects are part of this collection.
  • Sculptures from the Italian Renaissance: A selection of sculptures from Renaissance Italy, showcasing the artistic transition from medieval to modern art forms.Works by Michelangelo and other Italian masters are displayed here.

Inside the Louvre Museum: Level 0

Richelieu Wing

  • French sculptures: A collection of French sculptures from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Works by Pierre Puget, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, and François Rude can be seen here.
  • Cour Marly and Cour Puget (extension from Level -1): Continuation of the monumental sculptures showcased in natural light-filled courtyards. Statues originally designed for French royal gardens are displayed here.
  • Near Eastern antiquities: Continuation of the collection from Level -1, focusing on Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Levant.Some of the highlights include Ziggurat fragments, bas-reliefs, and ceremonial objects.
  • Islamic art: A beautifully curated collection housed under a modern glass canopy. Calligraphy, ceramics, and architectural fragments can be seen here.

Sully Wing

  • Ancient Egyptian antiquities: Artifacts from ancient Egypt, include everyday objects, statues, and sarcophagi. Don't miss out on The Seated Scribe, statues of Pharaohs, and temple carvings.
  • Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities: The beginning of the extensive classical collection, with sculptures and decorative objects. The Venus de Milo (technically on Level -1 but nearby), marble statues, and mosaics are displayed here.
  • Medieval Louvre (continuation): Additional remnants of the Louvre’s original medieval fortress structure. Moat foundations and historical artifacts from the fortress are seen here.

Denon Wing

  • Roman and Greek antiquities: A continuation of the classical art collection, with statues and artifacts from ancient Rome and Greece. This section features heroic sculptures and depictions of gods and mythological figures.
  • Italian Renaissance sculptures: A remarkable collection of Renaissance-era sculptures from Italy. **Marvel at *Michelangelo’s Dying Slave and Rebellious Slave* in this section.
  • African, Asian, Oceanian, and American arts: Artifacts and artworks from various global cultures, continuing from Level -1.

Inside the Louvre Museum: Level 1

Richelieu Wing

  • French Decorative arts: A stunning collection of furniture, tapestries, ceramics, and decorative items from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The Napoleon III Apartments, a lavish reconstruction of 19th-century imperial luxury is displayed here.
  • German, Flemish, and Dutch paintings: Paintings from Northern Europe spanning the 15th to 17th centuries. Some of the highlights in this section include Works by Rembrandt (The Supper at Emmaus), Vermeer (The Lacemaker), and Rubens (Marie de' Medici Cycle).
  • Sculptures from Northern Europe: A collection of sculptures representing the artistic traditions of Northern Europe.Statues and ornamental works from Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium are displayed here.

Sully Wing

  • Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities: Smaller decorative objects, mosaics, and artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome. Vases, coins, and jewelry from classical antiquity are displayed here.
  • French paintings: Masterpieces of French art from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This section features works by Poussin (The Arcadian Shepherds), Delacroix (Liberty Leading the People), and Ingres (The Turkish Bath).
  • Ancient Egypt (continuation): Smaller objects and artifacts that further explore daily life, religion, and rituals in ancient Egypt.
  • The Salle des Sept-Cheminées: A grand hall that acts as a transition point for many exhibits. Rotating displays and thematic exhibitions are featured here.

Denon Wing

  • Italian paintings: A renowned collection of masterpieces by Italian Renaissance and Baroque artists.Don't miss out on ***The Mona Lisa *by Leonardo da Vinci, The Wedding at Cana by Veronese, and works by Raphael and Titian. The Winged Victory of Samothrace can be found here.
  • Spanish paintings: Paintings by Spanish masters of the 16th to 18th centuries and works by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya are displayed here.
  • The Grande Galerie: A long gallery displaying iconic Italian paintings in an impressive space. **Some of the highlights include *Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin and Child with St. Anne, The Feast of the Gods*, and works by Caravaggio.
  • The Salle Mollien: A showcase of Romanticism and large-scale French paintings. **The highlights of this section include *Delacroix’s The Death of Sardanapalus, The Raft of Medusa, and Gérard’s Napoleon in his Imperial Throne*.

Inside the Louvre Museum: Level 2

Richelieu Wing

  • French paintings (17th–19th centuries): A deep dive into French artistic traditions during the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical periods.This section features works by Nicolas Poussin, Georges de La Tour, and Jacques-Louis David (The Coronation of Napoleon, though it is in Denon Wing).
  • German, Flemish, and Dutch paintings (continued): Complementing the Level 1 collection, with additional works from Northern European masters. **Some of the highlights include **Jan van Eyck, Peter Paul Rubens, and Anthony van Dyck.
  • Napoleonic and Empire-Era Decorative arts: Decorative art pieces reflect the opulence and style of Napoleon’s reign.

Sully Wing

  • French paintings (Early Renaissance to 19th century): Works focusing on earlier French art, including Gothic and Renaissance pieces.Paintings by François Clouet and early religious art can be found here.
  • Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities (small objects): Decorative items such as coins, vases, and jewelry.Artifacts from ancient Mediterranean cultures that showcase intricate craftsmanship are displayed here.
  • Rooms Overlooking the Cour Napoléon: A quieter space with thematic displays and smaller exhibitions.

Denon Wing

  • Italian paintings (13th–16th centuries): A continuation of the Italian collection, featuring works from the Renaissance.Paintings by Botticelli, Titian, and Andrea Mantegna can be found here.
  • Spanish paintings: Works by Spanish masters, expanding on the collection in the Denon Wing at Level 1.
  • Neoclassical and Romantic paintings: Large-scale works showcasing dramatic themes and bold artistic styles.

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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