How to Visit the Louvre

The Louvre Museum in Paris, established in 1793, is one of the oldest in Europe. It houses some of the world's most famous works of art, including Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." Consider visiting the Louvre the next time you visit the French capital.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Athletic Shoes
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Organizers
• Maps
• Travel Services
• Fanny Packs
• Maps

1. Find the Louvre on Paris' Right Bank along the Seine. Any map of Paris can point you in the right direction.

2. Learn about the Louvre's rich history, beginning as a fortress built by King Philippe Auguste in the 12th century and leading up to its role today as a palace and museum. Numerous renovations and additions have joined fortress, palace, courtyards and exhibition rooms to form today's modern-day Louvre.

3. Visit the reception area under the pyramid to help you plan your day. In addition to being the Louvre's main entrance, the pyramid also houses the information desk, public information screens, a cloak room and several restaurants, including Le Grand Louvre and Cafe Napoleon.

4. Bring money for admission fees. Admission to permanent collections is 45 French francs (FF) before 3 p.m., 26 FF after 3 p.m. and all day on Sundays; admission to temporary exhibitions is charged separately or may be purchased on a museum pass for a slightly reduced rate.

5. Find out about any holidays that may be observed during your visit; the Louvre is closed most holidays and only open for limited hours on others. Regularly, the Louvre is open daily, except Tuesdays.

6. Tour the Louvre's seven departments if you have time. The departments include Egyptian antiquities, paintings and sculptures.

7. Look for masterpieces by Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo in the permanent collections and browse temporary exhibitions like the "Engravings of Rembrandt" and "Dominique Vivant Denon: The Eye of Napoleon."

8. Shop the museum gift store before you leave. You can choose from postcards, reproduction prints, jewelry, art books and museum guides, to name a few items.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid the potentially long lines at the Louvre's ticket booths by purchasing your tickets up to a year in advance. The easiest way to do this is online (see Related Sites).
• If you're on a budget, try to visit the Louvre on the first Sunday of the month, when admission is free.
• Make a day of your visit to the Louvre. If you get tired, leave for lunch or go back to the hotel for an afternoon siesta, then come back later; tickets are valid for the entire day and re-entry is allowed.
• Carry as little with you as possible; check your coat, packages, etc.
• Don't spend too much time on any one collection or you may not have time to get a glimpse of everything.
• Admission fees and open hours are subject to change. Call the Louvre before your visit for the most current information.

Resources

• Louvre Museum Official Website