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Navigating the Louvre Museum

The Louvre is divided into three wings — Denon, Sully, and Richelieu — arranged in a U-shape around the central Cour Napoléon. Each wing spans multiple floors and covers distinct collections, so knowing which wing holds what saves significant time.

Museum layout

Floors: Lower Ground (Louvre’s medieval moat and foundations); Ground (Greek, Etruscan & Egyptian antiquities, large sculptures); 1st floor (Italian paintings including the Mona Lisa, French painting, Napoleon III Apartments); 2nd floor (Northern European paintings, decorative arts).
Three wings: Denon (south), Sully (east), Richelieu (north)
Central hub: The underground Hall Napoléon beneath the glass Pyramid acts as the main orientation point; escalators, lifts, and staircases connect all levels and wings.
Exhibitions: Temporary exhibitions are typically held in dedicated galleries within the wings or in the Hall Napoléon (not generally in the Carrousel du Louvre retail mall).

Visitor flow

Entrances: Pyramid is primary; Carrousel and Richelieu entrances are alternatives that feed into the central underground lobby.
Starting point: Most visitors begin under the glass pyramid lobby, where elevators and escalators lead to all wings.
Wing logic: Plan wing-by-wing — e.g., Richelieu for French sculpture & Napoléon III apartments, Sully for antiquities & medieval foundations, Denon for the Mona Lisa & major paintings.
Interconnection: Wings link via upper corridors and the Hall Napoléon; follow signage to avoid unnecessary backtracking.
Pro tip: Starting in the quieter Richelieu or Sully wings helps you build toward the Denon highlights later.

Maps & tools

Free printed maps: Available at information desks under the Pyramid; helpful for wing-by-wing planning before you enter galleries.
Official Louvre app: Includes an interactive museum map, themed trails, and gallery search. Download offline maps before arrival.
On-site signage: Clear color-coded signs and room numbers guide you between wings and levels; follow wing markers (Denon, Sully, Richelieu) to avoid backtracking.
Audio guide: Available as an add-on to regular tickets. Provides artwork context and supports a structured, self-paced route through major sections.

Explore the Louvre with a guided route

With three wings and multiple floors, navigating the Louvre efficiently takes planning. A guided tour helps you move logically between key highlights while understanding how collections connect across eras. It’s especially useful if you’re short on time or want to avoid backtracking through large galleries.

Guide explaining Assyrian relief to tourists at Louvre Museum, France.

Where are the masterpieces?

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Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci)

Artist: Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1503–1519
Perhaps the most famous painting in the world, known for its enigmatic expression and sfumato technique.
Location: Denon Wing, Level 1 — Salle des États (Room 711), follow signs to the Denon galleries.

Venus de Milo

Era: Hellenistic sculpture, c. 130–100 BCE
Famous classical figure of feminine beauty; missing arms add to its mystery.

Location: Sully Wing, Ground Floor, Room 345 (Galerie des Antiques).

Winged Victory of Samothrace

Era: Hellenistic Greek sculpture (c. 200 BC)
Iconic ancient sculpture of Nike at the top of the Daru Staircase; striking sense of movement and presence.

Location: Denon Wing, Level 1, Daru Staircase area (Room 703)

Liberty Leading the People

Artist: Eugène Delacroix; Romanticism, 1830
Symbol of the French Revolution of 1830, embodying the spirit of freedom.

Location: Denon Wing, Room 700 (Red Rooms)

The Coronation of Napoleon

Artist: Jacques-Louis David; Neoclassicism, early 19th century
Grand ceremonial canvas depicting Napoleon’s self-coronation; huge scale and detail.

Location: Denon Wing, Room 702.

The Wedding Feast at Cana

Artist: Paolo Veronese; Venetian Renaissance
One of the largest paintings in the Louvre, opposite the Mona Lisa in the same room.

Location: Denon Wing, Level 1, Salle des États (Room 711).

The Raft of the Medusa

Artist: Théodore Géricault
Emotional, large-scale depiction of survival and human endurance.

Location: Denon Wing, Room 700 with 19th-century French art.

Code of Hammurabi

Era: Babylonian stele, c. 1750 BCE
One of the oldest deciphered legal codes, inscribed on basalt stone.

Location: Richelieu Wing, Room 227.

Smart strategy tips

Avoid the 10am–2pm peak. Mona Lisa crowds and Pyramid lines build quickly. Book a 9am slot (Wed or Fri) or enter after 3pm for noticeably lighter traffic.
Tackle Denon early — or deliberately late. Visit the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory at opening or after 4pm to avoid mid-morning bottlenecks.
Reverse the typical route. Enter via Carrousel or Richelieu, start in Richelieu/Sully, and reach Denon after 11:30am when the first rush disperses.
Skip strategically if short on time. After Denon highlights, bypass most of Sully and use the Richelieu escalator link; you’ll cover roughly 80% of key works while saving 30–45 minutes.
Escape pressure zones. If Salle des États feels packed, pivot to Richelieu’s Napoleon III Apartments or Near Eastern Antiquities for quieter galleries.
Don’t walk the entire Grande Galerie. Use room numbers to jump directly to Rooms 700–711 and avoid corridor fatigue.

Official & suggested trails

Trail type	Duration	Route	What you get
Official Masterpieces Trail (official)	1-2 hrs	Sully (Level 0): Salle des Caryatides → Venus de Milo → Denon (Level 1): Winged Victory → Grande Galerie (Leonardo) → Mona Lisa → Romantic paintings.	The Louvre’s greatest hits in the museum’s recommended order — minimal backtracking, logical flow, and ~80% of must-sees covered efficiently.
Richelieu “Secret Treasures” Trail (official)	1.5 hrs	Richelieu (Level -1): Cour Puget & Marly sculptures → Level 0: Near Eastern antiquities (Hammurabi, Khorsabad bulls) → Level 1: Napoleon III Apartments	A quieter, architecture-rich route mixing Mesopotamian icons with royal interiors — fewer crowds, more space, and a completely different Louvre experience.
Full Wing Circuit (suggested)	4+ hrs	Sully antiquities (Venus de Milo, Egyptian galleries) → Denon Italian Renaissance (Winged Victory, Grande Galerie, Mona Lisa) → Richelieu decorative arts (Cour Marly, Napoleon III Apartments).	A chronological sweep from ancient empires to 19th-century grandeur, covering all three wings in one continuous loop without retracing steps.

Find the detailed map of the Louvre Museum here.

Book Louvre Museum tickets

Louvre Museum Reserved Access Tickets

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Flexible duration

Audio guide

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Louvre Museum Guided Tour

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2 hr. - 3 hr.

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Combo: Louvre Museum Reserved Access Tickets + Seine River Cruise

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Louvre Museum Timed Entry Tickets with Hosted Visit to the Mona Lisa

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Best ways to experience Louvre

Ticket Type	What's included	Best for	Price range
Timed Access Ticket	Reserved entry; optional audio guide or Seine cruise upgrade	Exploring at your own pace with guaranteed entry and no fixed route	€47
Masterpieces Guided Tour	2 hr guided tour; small group optional upgrade	Seeing the Louvre’s most famous works efficiently with structured commentary	€59
Hosted Mona Lisa Entry	Timed entry + escorted access to Mona Lisa; free exploration after	Reaching the Mona Lisa quickly without navigating complex galleries alone	€57
Semi-Private Guided Tour	Timed entry + 2–3 hr expert tour in a semi-private group; 6–10 guests	A more interactive experience with time for questions and deeper explanations	€85
Louvre + Seine Cruise Combo	Timed entry + 1-hr Seine cruise	Combining a museum visit with a relaxed Paris sightseeing experience	€47
Louvre + Orsay Guided Combo	Guided Louvre tour + guided Orsay tour in a semi-private group; reserved entries	Understanding how Western art evolved across two major museums in one day	€166

Practical tips for your visit: What to know before & on the day

Before you book

Book timed-entry tickets 4–8 weeks ahead for peak season. June–August morning slots can disappear up to 60–90 days in advance, including for free-entry groups (under-18s, EU 18–25, disabled visitors). Free entry still requires a reserved time slot.
Choose early weekday slots strategically. 9am entries on Wednesdays and Fridays (late-opening days) tend to feel calmer than weekend mornings, with lighter security lines and easier access to the Denon Wing before tour groups cluster.
Pack within size limits. Bags must be under 55 × 35 × 20 cm. Larger luggage is refused at all entrances, including Carrousel. Lockers are limited and not designed for suitcases.
Paris Museum Pass doesn't mean walk-in access. Even with the pass, you must reserve a free timed-entry slot online. Turning up without one during busy months often means waiting or being turned away.

On the day of your visit

Avoid the Pyramid bottleneck. On typical days, security lines can stretch 40 minutes to 2+ hours between 10am–2pm. If open, the Porte des Lions entrance (Denon Wing side) is often significantly faster and places you close to the Mona Lisa route. It only works with pre-purchased tickets.
See the Mona Lisa early. Enter near opening and head straight to Room 711 before crowd density peaks. Reviews consistently suggest early morning access is the calmest window.
Plan for scale. The Louvre spans 72,000 m² with about 35,000 works. Even fast visitors cover only a fraction in 3 hours. Pick 5–10 must-sees in advance to avoid decision fatigue.
Use guidance to stay focused. A guided tour helps you move efficiently through key wings with context. If self-paced, rent the audio guide and bring your own headphones. Denon galleries can get loud.
End in calmer wings. After Denon fills up, shift to the Richelieu apartments or Sully wing. Late afternoon feels noticeably quieter and more atmospheric.

Louvre Museum timings & best time to visit

Day	Timings	Last entry	Closed on
Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun	9am - 6pm	5pm	Tuesday
Wed & Fri	9am - 9:45pm	8:45pm	Tuesday
Public Holiday	Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25	Closed	All other public holidays open unless Tuesday

Best time to visit the Louvre Museum

Weekday vs weekend

Weekdays (Wednesdays/Fridays) beat weekends, with crowds peaking 10am–2pm as tour groups hit Denon Wing. Arrive 9am Tuesday–Thursday for emptier galleries or post-5pm Fridays when late-night access thins numbers significantly. Avoid Mondays (other Paris museums closed) and Saturdays (heaviest family traffic).

See complete Louvre timetable

Peak vs Low season

June–August and December holidays mark peak season with 45–90min lines; January–March (except holidays) and November stay 50–70% quieter indoors. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) balance moderate crowds with pleasant Paris weather.

For the most comfortable experience, aim for early weekday mornings or**** Wednesday/Friday after 5pm for calm late galleries and extended access.

Where is the Louvre Museum located?

Louvre Museum sits in Paris's 1st arrondissement on the Right Bank of the Seine, anchoring the historic Louvre-Tuileries district.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France | Find on maps

Closest landmark: Tuileries Garden, adjacent (0.2 km away) | Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, 300m away.

Detailed directions to the Louvre Museum

Getting to Louvre Museum

By metro: Take either Line 1 or 7 and get off at Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre respectively. This stop drops you right at the gates of the artistic treasures! Or get off at Pyramides by taking Line 14. Another convenient stop, just a short stroll from the museum.
By bus: Take any of these busses 21, 27, 39, 67, 68, 69, 72, 74, 85, 95 that connect the different parts of Paris to the museum. Check the local bus schedule to find the best you.

Head through the Galerie du Carrousel entrance from the car park. The car park is located at 1 Avenue du Général Lemonier which is open daily from 7am to 11pm.
The parking fees follow the standard street parking fees. It would be around €4-€6 per hour, depending on the exact location and time of day.

Cyclist riding a Velib bike near the Louvre Museum in Paris.

There are several Vélib' stations around the Louvre, making it easy to pick up or drop off a bike:

Station 10121 - Quai des Tuileries (across from the Louvre): Located near the Tuileries Gardens and close to the main entrance.
Station 10123 Louvre Rivoli: Situated along Rue de Rivoli, near the museum’s west entrance.
Station 10135 Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre: Close to the Palais Royal, just a short walk to the museum’s main entrance.

Louvre Museum Entrances

Entrance name	Location	Who it’s for	Crowds & wait times
Pyramid Entrance	Cour Napoléon (glass pyramid)	General visitors, first-timers, ticketed & non-ticketed (green priority for pre-booked/Pass)	Longest lines: 45–90min peak (10am–2pm); priority queue ~20mins
Carrousel du Louvre	99 Rue de Rivoli (underground mall)	All visitors: groups, members, ticket holders	Shorter waits (~20–30min); ideal bad weather or Metro Line 1/7 exit
Porte des Lions	Quai François Mitterrand (Seine/Tuileries side)	Ticket holders only (closes 6pm)	Shorter waits (~20–30min); ideal bad weather or Metro Line 1/7 exit
Richelieu Passage	Rue de Rivoli (north side)	Groups, guided tours (max 6), members (Amis du Louvre/ICOM), events	Quickest: <15min; direct to Denon/Mona Lisa (no equipment rental)
			Shortest: 5–10min dedicated lane; closes 5:30pm weekdays

👉 See all entrances →

Facilities and accessibility at the Louvre Museum

Guests using audio guides inside Oskar Schindler’s Factory.

🎧 Audio guide – Multimedia guide available onsite; multiple languages supported.
🎒 Cloakroom lockers – Free self-service lockers; same-day retrieval required.
🚻 Restrooms – Located under the Pyramid and throughout galleries; baby-changing tables available.
🛍️ Gift shops – Main store under the Pyramid; additional shops inside wings.
🍴 Cafés & dining – Cafés and takeaway counters across wings; Carrousel food court nearby.
💧 Water fountains – Available in select areas; refill bottles allowed.
🪑 Seating areas – Benches in major galleries and sculpture courts.
📶 Free Wi-Fi – “LouvreWifiGratuit” available in galleries and under the Pyramid.
ℹ️ Information desks – Two desks under the Pyramid; maps available in 9 languages.
🧳 Equipment loan – Free wheelchairs, folding stools, pushchairs (ID required).
🔎 Lost & Found – Help Desk under the Pyramid; online claim form available.
👶 Family space (The Studio) – Baby area in Richelieu wing with nursing chair and microwave.

Tourists at Louvre Museum Paris with direct entry tickets, exploring art before visiting Versailles Palace.

Admission to the museum is free for visitors with disabilities and their accompanying persons, with the necessary supporting documents.
Disabled visitors and their companions are given priority access at the reception and museum entrances, allowing them to bypass the queue.
Access via the Pyramid: A central lift (the ‘tube’) will take you from the Pyramid to the reception area.
Access via Carrousel shopping center: You can access the Carrousel shopping center from the car park or the entrance at 99 rue de Rivoli. To reach the reception area beneath the Pyramid, escalators and two elevators are available. Speak with the agents at the Carrousel entrance, who will direct you to the lifts. Once you reach the underground shopping area, walk 50 meters toward the inverted pyramid, where you'll undergo a security check before entering the museum.

♿ Physical Disabilities: Wheelchairs, folding chairs, and rubber-tipped canes are available free of charge at the Help Desk beneath the Pyramid (ID required; equipment must remain on-site). Elevators connect major levels across the wings. Escort assistance can be arranged from the Carrousel car park or nearest metro station upon request.
👂 Hearing Impairments: Hearing loops are installed at the Information Desk, Help Desk, ticket machines, group reception, Auditorium, and beneath the Pyramid. The multimedia guide (Nintendo 3DS™ XL) includes adapted tours for visitors with hearing impairments. Compatible hearing loops are available on request.
👁 Visual Impairments: Audio-guided tours with audio description (French only) are available. Staff can provide escort assistance from the Pyramid to gallery areas. Visitors may request support at the Help Desk beneath the Pyramid.
🧠 Cognitive & Sensory Needs: Free SensoryBags (noise-canceling headphones, eye masks, etc.) and folding chairs are available at the Help Desk (ID required). Staff assistance between the Information Desk and galleries can be arranged on request.

Visiting with family

Baby changing stations and family restrooms available on all floors, with dedicated baby space in Richelieu Wing ground floor (bottle warmer, microwave, nursing chair).
Free stroller rentals and baby carriers at Pyramid visitor assistance area; strollers permitted throughout with elevators/ramps in all wings.
Café Richelieu Angelina offers kids' menus (hot chocolate, sandwiches); activity packs and Louvre Kids app with tales for ages 7–11 at info desks.
Follow 2-hour Denon Wing loop (Winged Victory → Mona Lisa) for young kids – hits icons with minimal walking before fatigue sets in.

Current Exhibitions & Events

Visitors exploring ornate gallery inside Louvre Museum, Paris, France.

"Leonardo da Vinci: The Last Supper Restored"
February 15–June 15, 2026, Denon Wing Level 1. High-res displays and studies of the Milan fresco; €8 add-on ticket.
Friday Late Nights
Every Friday 6–9:45pm (Sep–Jun). Live music, wine tastings, DJ sets in Richelieu Wing; included with standard entry after 6pm.
Family Workshops
Monthly Saturdays for ages 6–12. Art-making sessions in Sully Wing; €15, book via louvre.fr (next: March 14).
Spring Print Fair
April 10–12, 2026, Carrousel du Louvre. Free with museum ticket; contemporary editions alongside permanent collections.

Rules and restrictions

Neutral, factual visitor-facing policies to know before you arrive or enter the Louvre.

Entry requires a valid, dated ticket and all visitors must pass through security screening at the entrance.
Large bags, backpacks larger than 55 × 35 × 20 cm and suitcases are not permitted; free lockers are available for allowable items.
Photography and video in the permanent collection galleries are allowed for personal use, but flash, lighting, tripod equipment, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
Eating, drinking, smoking, running, touching artworks, and loud behavior are prohibited in exhibition rooms.
Animals are not allowed inside, except certified assistance animals.
All exits are final; re-entry is not permitted with the same ticket once you leave.

Dress code

There is no formal dress code enforced by the Louvre, but visitors are expected to wear respectful, comfortable clothing appropriate for a cultural institution.

Eat, shop & stay near the Louvre Museum

Café Richelieu-Angelina: Located inside the Louvre in the Richelieu Wing, Café Richelieu is a stylish spot for a meal or a coffee break. The café serves a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and light meals, with the famous Angelina hot chocolate as a popular treat.
Le Café du Louvre: Located in the museum’s main courtyard, Le Café du Louvre offers a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy a meal. It has a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, including sandwiches, salads, and French pastries.
Restaurant le Grand Louvre: For a more refined experience, Restaurant le Grand Louvre offers elegant French cuisine. The restaurant has a sophisticated ambience and is ideal for those looking for a sit-down meal after exploring the museum.

The Louvre's 1st arrondissement location proves central yet tourist-heavy, with luxury hotels, high prices (€300–1000/night), and constant buzz from Tuileries to Châtelet. Safe and walkable to major sites (Notre-Dame 15min), it suits short stays prioritizing convenience over value – expect crowded evenings and premium rates.

Luxury: Hôtel du Louvre (inside palace, 2-min walk) – Historic rooms with pyramid views. Maps
Mid-range: Hôtel Brighton (5-min walk, Rue de Rivoli) – Elegant 18th-century building, quiet courtyard. Maps
Budget: Hôtel Eldorado (10-min walk, quieter street) – Simple clean rooms near Metro. Maps
Boutique: Hôtel Meurice (3-min walk) – Michelin-starred dining, Louvre-facing suites.

Tip: Louvre-area suits art-focused trips; budget travelers prefer quieter Le Marais (15-min metro) for 30–50% lower rates.

Miniature Eiffel Tower souvenirs displayed on a table in Paris.

Louvre Gift Shop (Allée du Grand Louvre): Art books, exhibition catalogs, high-quality prints, replicas of Winged Victory.
Salon Denon (Denon Wing Level 1): Postcards, magnets, scarves, jewelry inspired by museum collections.
Hall Napoléon Counter (underground): Compact souvenirs, guides, toys during exhibitions.
Carrousel du Louvre Shops: Stationery, puzzles, apparel below pyramid.

Signature categories: art books, sculpture replicas, museum-exclusive prints.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Louvre Museum

Yes — reservation for a specific time slot is strongly recommended for all visitors, including those with free entry or museum passes, to guarantee access. Booking on the official site avoids long queues and entry denial.