The Louvre Museum in Paris, located in the Palais Royal Musée du Louvre, is a must visit for anyone heading to the French capital. This world renowned art museum is home to some of the most iconic works of art ever created, including the Venus de Milo, Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
With the largest collection of art globally, it is incredibly easy to get lost in the mesmerizing exhibition spaces. Whether you are a history buff or just looking to see the world’s most famous smile, this museum is the cornerstone of any Parisian itinerary.
Navigating Your Visit to the Louvre
The museum follows a specific schedule that travelers should keep in mind while planning their days in the city. The Louvre Museum in Paris is open from 9am to 6pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you are looking for a more atmospheric experience, the museum stays open late until 9:45pm on Fridays. It is important to remember that the museum is closed every Tuesday.
The cost of entry is €15 per person for adults if purchased at the entrance. If you opt to buy the ticket online, it is €17. While the online price is slightly higher, it is highly advisable to book your ticket in advance because the queues at the entrance can be famously long. The museum starts clearing rooms thirty minutes before the official closing time, so make sure you give yourself plenty of hours to explore.
A Vast and Diverse Collection
The collection is divided among eight curatorial departments which showcase a broad spectrum of art and history. These include Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, and Islamic Art. You will also find extensive departments dedicated to Sculpture, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints and Drawings. These galleries reflect the diverse cultures that have shaped our world, housed within a palace that is a work of art in itself.
Masterpieces You Cannot Miss
Leonardo da Vinci has a massive presence here. In fact, the museum houses 25% of all his known paintings. This includes The Virgin, Saint Anne, and the Child Playing with a Lamb, as well as the globally famous Mona Lisa. Another powerful stop is the painting Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.
This masterpiece depicts the French Revolution of 1830 and serves as a potent symbol of the French Republic. You can find it in Gallery 77 on the first floor of the Denon wing.
Then there is the Venus de Milo, one of the most famous female figures in history. Found on the Greek island of Melos in 1820, she now resides in Room 344 in the Sully Wing. Her missing arms have sparked centuries of debate about her true identity, with many wondering if she represents Amphitrite or Aphrodite.
Elevating Your Experience with Expert Help
Planning a trip to such a massive institution can be overwhelming. To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend contacting a concierge at Scott & Thomas Travel Personalized. We can arrange everything from your tickets to a specialized guided tour to ensure you don’t miss the highlights.
We also have access to exclusive hotel programs to enhance your stay without adding to your budget. Working with an expert allows you to skip the stress of logistics and focus entirely on the beauty of the art.
The Louvre Museum in Paris represents the pinnacle of human creativity and historical preservation, making it much more than just a simple tourist stop. From the ancient stones of the Egyptian wing to the high drama of the French Romantic paintings, every corner of the Palais Royal offers something that resonates with the soul.
By taking the time to book your tickets in advance and perhaps even utilizing a professional concierge service, you transform a potentially exhausting day of walking into an enriching and personalized cultural journey. Whether you are gazing at the Venus de Milo or marveling at the glass pyramid in the courtyard, the Louvre proves that it is the heart of Paris’s artistic identity.
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