Louvre Guidebook

Introduction

Located in the heart of Paris, the Louvre is one of the world’s most iconic art museums and a central landmark of the French capital. From the majestic glass pyramid in the main courtyard to its vast galleries filled with masterpieces, the Louvre attracts millions of visitors every year. This guide provides an overview of the museum’s history, key collections, must-see artworks, and practical tips to make the most of your visit.

1. A Brief History of the Louvre

Origins as a Fortress (12th–13th Century)
- Built under the reign of King Philip II in the late 12th century, the Louvre began its life as a defensive fortress to protect Paris against invasions.
- Traces of the original medieval foundations are still visible in the lower levels of the museum.
A Royal Residence (14th–17th Century)
- By the 14th century, the Louvre had been converted into a royal palace. Successive French kings expanded and renovated the complex.
- Catherine de’ Medici commissioned the construction of the Tuileries Palace to the west, connecting it to the Louvre via the Grande Galerie.
Transformation into a Public Museum (18th Century)
- During the French Revolution, the Louvre was repurposed to serve the public. In 1793, it officially opened as a museum, displaying the nation’s masterpieces.
- Over the 19th and 20th centuries, the Louvre underwent numerous expansions, acquiring significant art collections from across the world.
Modern Era and the Glass Pyramid (20th–21st Century)
- In 1989, Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid was inaugurated in the Cour Napoléon, marking the museum’s most recognizable modern feature.
- Today, the Louvre houses roughly 38,000 artworks and welcomes around 9 million visitors annually (in typical years), making it one of the most visited art museums in the world.

2. Navigating the Architecture

The Pyramid and Main Entrance
- The glass pyramid serves as the main entrance, providing access to the museum’s main lobby and visitor facilities.
- A second, smaller pyramid and two inverted pyramids also occupy the courtyard and the Carrousel du Louvre shopping area below.
Wings and Courtyards
- Denon Wing: Houses iconic works such as the “Mona Lisa” and “Liberty Leading the People.”
- Richelieu Wing: Features French sculpture, decorative arts, and galleries dedicated to Islamic art, plus the apartments of Napoleon III.
- Sully Wing: The oldest part of the Louvre, showcasing French paintings and the remains of the medieval fortress.
Underground Spaces
- The Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall includes stores, cafés, and an inverted glass pyramid overhead.
- The lower levels display the medieval foundations of the original fortress, giving visitors a glimpse of the Louvre’s 12th-century past.

3. The Major Collections

The Louvre boasts an unparalleled range of art, spanning multiple civilizations and time periods. The museum’s collection is divided into eight curatorial departments:

Egyptian Antiquities
- One of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian art and artifacts.
- Must-see: The Great Sphinx of Tanis, colossal statues of pharaohs, and the famed Seated Scribe.
Near Eastern Antiquities
- Artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Levant.
- Highlights include the Code of Hammurabi stele and Lamassu statues.
Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities
- Sculptures and artifacts from classical civilizations.
- Don’t miss the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Islamic Art
- Decorative arts, ceramics, textiles, and manuscripts spanning centuries of Islamic civilization.
- Check out the stunning mosaic panels and exquisite metalwork.
Sculpture
- Works from the Middle Ages through the 19th century.
- Iconic pieces by Michelangelo and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux.
Decorative Arts
- Sumptuous collections of furniture, tapestries, and tableware, including the French crown jewels.
- Napoleon III’s apartments showcase opulent Second Empire décor.
Paintings
- European paintings from the 13th century to 1848, with an especially extensive French and Italian Renaissance collection.
- Masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and many more.
Prints and Drawings
- Over 100,000 works on paper, though only a small portion is on display due to preservation concerns.
- Exceptional collections of sketches, watercolors, and prints, with periodic thematic exhibitions.

4. Must-See Masterpieces

Mona Lisa (La Joconde) by Leonardo da Vinci
- Location: Denon Wing, Room 711 (Italian Paintings)
- Famous for her enigmatic smile, the “Mona Lisa” is arguably the best-known painting in the world. Be prepared for crowds.
Venus de Milo
- Location: Sully Wing, Room 345 (Greek Antiquities)
- This iconic ancient Greek statue, dating to around 100 BCE, is celebrated for its depiction of the female form despite its missing arms.
Winged Victory of Samothrace (Nike of Samothrace)
- Location: Denon Wing, Daru Staircase
- A dramatic Hellenistic sculpture of the Greek goddess Nike (Victory), perched atop the prow of a ship. A striking focal point at the head of the Daru staircase.
Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix
- Location: Denon Wing, Room 700 (French Paintings)
- A stirring depiction of the 1830 French Revolution, with the figure of Liberty brandishing the tricolor flag.
The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David
- Location: Denon Wing, Room 702 (French Paintings)
- A massive painting capturing Napoleon’s self-coronation ceremony in 1804, meticulously detailed and grand in scale.
The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault
- Location: Denon Wing, Room 700 (French Paintings)
- A dramatic, large-scale canvas depicting the aftermath of a naval disaster, marking a turning point in French Romantic painting.
Seated Scribe (Ancient Egyptian)
- Location: Sully Wing, Room 22 (Egyptian Antiquities)
- One of the most celebrated sculptures from the Old Kingdom of Egypt, notable for its realism and striking lifelike eyes.

5. Planning Your Visit

Tickets and Admission
- Online Reservations: It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance via the Louvre’s official website.
- Timed Entries: The museum offers timed-entry slots to manage crowds; arriving early for your slot helps optimize your visit.
- Free Admission Days: The first Saturday of each month (evenings only) and select annual events (e.g., Bastille Day) often feature free entry. Check the museum’s calendar for up-to-date details.
Opening Hours
- Typically open 9 AM to 6 PM every day except Tuesdays (closed).
- Extended evening hours until 9:45 PM on Fridays (Denon and Sully Wings) but verify updates on the official website.
Getting There
- By Metro: Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre (Line 1 and Line 7).
- By Bus: Several routes stop near the museum (Lines 21, 24, 27, 39, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95).
- On Foot: Walk along the Seine River or via the Jardin des Tuileries from Place de la Concorde.
Suggested Routes
- Quick Highlights (2–3 hours): Focus on the Denon Wing for the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Liberty Leading the People, then see Venus de Milo in the Sully Wing.
- Half-Day Explorer (4–5 hours): Add the Egyptian Antiquities, Napoleonic Apartments, and a few Renaissance masterpieces.
- Full-Day Immersion: Explore all three wings, taking breaks in the courtyards and cafés. Plan rest stops and stay hydrated!
Services and Facilities
- Lockers and Cloakrooms: Available for coats and small luggage. Larger suitcases are not permitted.
- Cafés and Restaurants: Several dining options inside and near the museum (Café Marly, Starbucks in the Carrousel du Louvre, etc.).
- Audio Guides and Tours: Audio guides available for rent; guided group tours in multiple languages.
- Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs are available, making most galleries accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

6. Tips for an Enriching Experience

Arrive Early or Visit Late
- Beat the crowds by arriving right at opening time or taking advantage of late-night openings (when available).
Plan Your Priorities
- The Louvre is vast—research in advance which artworks or galleries most interest you to avoid wandering aimlessly.
Use a Map or the Official App
- Grab a paper map at the entrance or use the Louvre’s official mobile app to navigate directly to key attractions.
Explore Beyond the Icons
- While the blockbusters are unmissable, consider exploring lesser-known areas to discover hidden gems and avoid big crowds.
Take Breaks
- Wear comfortable shoes, and build short breaks into your schedule. The museum can be overwhelming if you don’t pace yourself.
Photography
- Non-flash photography is generally allowed for the permanent collections (subject to change and restrictions on certain temporary exhibitions).

7. Beyond the Louvre

Tuileries Garden
- Adjacent to the Louvre, this historic garden is perfect for a stroll, with sculptures, fountains, and open-air cafés.
Nearby Museums
- Musée d’Orsay: A short walk across the river; hosts Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
- Centre Pompidou: Modern and contemporary art collection in the Beaubourg area.
River Seine
- Enjoy a scenic boat cruise (bateau-mouche) for unique views of the Louvre’s majestic façade and other Paris landmarks.

Conclusion

From ancient civilizations and Renaissance masterpieces to modern architecture, the Louvre offers a world-class cultural experience. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a first-time visitor eager to see famous icons, a well-structured plan will help you appreciate the breadth and depth of this extraordinary museum. By following this guide—focusing on major artworks, reserving tickets in advance, and allocating time to explore beyond the highlights—you can create a memorable Louvre adventure that suits your interests and pace.

Bonne visite! Enjoy your time at the Louvre, and don’t forget to immerse yourself in the history and splendor of one of the greatest museums on Earth.