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Moonlit masterpieces: Exploring the Louvre at night

Experience the Louvre Museum like never before—under the enchanting glow of evening lights. With cooler weather and fewer crowds, visiting the Louvre at night offers a magical atmosphere to explore its world-famous galleries. Open until 9pm every Wednesday and Friday, it’s the perfect opportunity for culture enthusiasts to discover or rediscover their favorite masterpieces in a whole new light. The last entry is 1 hour before the closing time, and given that you would require at least 2-3 hours to explore the highlights of the museum, choosing to visit at a letter time slot.

What makes the Louvre magical at night?

Louvre Museum illuminated at night viewed from Seine River cruise, Paris.
  • The low number of visitors is the main cause. You may not have all the galleries to yourself, but you will surely come close to it!
  • After the crowds have dissipated, the museum and its iconic glass pyramid are illuminated against the dark sky, creating a stunning contrast. The soft lighting reflects off the glass and the surrounding water, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.
  • If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the pyramid reflecting in the water of the surrounding fountains, adding to the magical atmosphere.
  • As you approach the museum at night, the grand facades of the Louvre's wings look almost majestic under the lighting. The sculptures on the building’s exterior seem to come to life in the glow of the lights.

Things to know before visiting the Louvre at night

  • The Louvre night hours are extended till 9pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, of both the days Wednesdays experience fewer crowds. You will experience a noticeable decrease even in summer.
  • Book the latest time slot available to experience the magic of the Louvre at night and still have enough time to explore the museum.
  • Keep aside at least 2-3 hours to explore the highlights of the museum without having to rush through the artworks.
  • Please note the last entry slot is 1 hour before closing time. Get to the museum earlier in order to explore leisurely.
  • If you are travelling during the winter, you can get a backpack to store your bulky jackets and coats in the locker room. You won't feel very cold because the galleries are well-heated inside.
  • The Louvre has several restaurants inside the museum, but except for Starbucks and The Comptoir du Louvre all the restaurants close by 6pm even on the days with extended Louvre night hours. Plan for your snacks or meals, especially if you are travelling with children.
  • Admission to the museum is free for all European Economic Area tourists under the age of 25 every day. Additionally, the museum is open to visitors under the age of 26 every Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., regardless of their nationality.
  • One excellent location to purchase souvenirs from the Louvre is the Book and Gift shop in the Allée du Grand Louvre. The store offers excellent casts, copies, and art reproductions of the pieces on exhibit at the museum. It is open Wednesday and Friday until 9 p.m.

Your perfect night itinerary for the Louvre

Start at the Glass Pyramid

Begin your visit with a refresher on the building's history, from its medieval remnants to its glass pyramids, which seem even all the more symbolic as they glint in the moonlight.

The iconic Glass Pyramid

Denon Wing

Head straight to the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, and right opposite this is The Wedding at Cana.

Sully Wing

Admire the iconic ancient Greek statue of the goddess Aphrodite, Venus de Milo, and marvel at the Winged Victory of Samothrace, located at the top of the Daru staircase.

Denon Wing - continued

Admire the Italian sculptures by Canova and Michelangelo after viewing well-known French paintings from the 19th century, such as Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Louvre at night

To make the most of your visit, focus on specific galleries or collections that interest you, as navigating the entire museum can be overwhelming.

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