The Louvre Museum – a museum for all ages, all interests, all cultures
The Louvre is the most recognizable museum in the world. With over 300,000 works of art, it is also one of the largest. It is divided into three wings surrounding the Napoleon Bonaparte courtyard. Eight main sections of the vast museum are housed in them.
The entire exhibition space of the Louvre is over 55 square kilometers of halls, galleries, corridors, and basements filled to the brim with artifacts. Artifacts from almost all eras and parts of the world are collected here.
The Louvre is not only about the art, but also about its stunning architecture. The museum’s current appearance is due to King Louis XIV of France, who was an avid art lover and collector. He came up with the idea of creating a grand gallery to house the most beautiful works of art from around the world.
The idea was realized and remained unchanged until the 1980s. During the “Grand Louvre” project, the basements were renovated and a huge main entrance was created in the form of a glass pyramid. Thanks to this, the Louvre almost doubled its surface area.
However, what we can see in the museum’s rooms is still only 10% of all the artifacts collected. The rest unfortunately lies sealed in wooden crates somewhere in the dark basements of the complex.
The best way to buy tickets for the Louvre is online in advance. This will save you time and avoid the long queues at the ticket office. There are four main types of tickets available:
- Individual tickets for the museum
- Audio guide
- Guided tours
- Group tickets
The Louvre also hosts cultural events such as concerts, films, conferences, and performances. Check the museum’s website for more information.
The cost of a ticket depends on its type and ranges from 15 to 25 euros per person. Tickets are valid for one day and allow access to all permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Opening hours:
- Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday – from 9:00 to 18:00
- Wednesday, Friday – from 9:00 to 21:45
- Tuesday – the museum is closed all day
The best time to visit the Louvre is in the early morning, just after opening, or in the late afternoon on days when the museum is open later. And remember to wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking. Bring a water bottle and snacks. There are restaurants and cafes in the museum, but they can be expensive. The most important is to plan your visit in advance. There are many exhibits to see, so it is a good idea to have a plan.
Three hours is enough for a first visit to the Louvre. Of course, if you have time, you can spend even a whole day there. The Louvre is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is located in the heart of Paris, in the 1st arrondissement, next to the Tuileries Gardens and the Tuileries Palace.
Here is a list of the most important works of art and attractions to see at the Louvre:
- Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous paintings in the world. It is a portrait of a woman with a mysterious smile.
- Venus de Milo – Alexandros of Antioch is a Greek sculpture depicting the goddess of love, Venus. It is one of the most famous sculptures in the world.
- Liberty Leading the People – Eugène Delacroix is a monumental painting depicting a scene from the French Revolution. It is one of the most famous works of Romantic art.
- The Raft of the Medusa – Théodore Géricault is a painting depicting survivors of a shipwreck. It is one of the most famous works of Romantic art.
- Winged Victory of Samothrace – Alexandros of Antioch is a Greek sculpture depicting the goddess of victory, Nike. It is one of the most famous sculptures in the world.
- Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss – Antonio Canova is a sculpture depicting Psyche, who is revived by Cupid’s kiss. It is one of the most famous works of Neoclassical art.
- Code of Hammurabi – Hammurabi, King of Babylon is a cuneiform stela inscribed with a collection of laws by Hammurabi, King of Babylon. It is one of the most important legal monuments in the world.
- Pyramid of the Louvre – IM Pei is a modern building that was added to the Louvre in 1989. It is one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in Paris.
- Medieval Louvre – Pavillon de l’Horloge is a part of the Louvre that was built in the Middle Ages. It is one of the oldest parts of the museum.
In addition to these main works of art and attractions, the Louvre also offers a wide range of other works of art from around the world, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, prints, artifacts from ancient Egypt and Greece, as well as Islamic and Oriental art.
In conclusion, the Louvre is a world treasure that never fails to awe its visitors. Its iconic artworks and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the heart of Paris. Whether you have a few hours or a full day to spare, the Louvre promises an unforgettable journey through time and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable museum.
