Paris is home to arguably the most famous museum in the world – the Louvre. The Louvre is remarkably vast and has a stunning range of exhibits, from classic art to modern pieces. With so much to see, which can easily last an entire day, it’s easy to find yourself wondering ‘How much time to visit the Louvre Museum?’.
When it comes to the Louvre, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on the individual and their preferences. For instance, it can be possible to view the highlights of the museum in under two hours, but to truly make the most of the Louvre’s exquisite collections of art and artefacts, it’s recommended that visitors take at least a whole day.
Moreover, it’s not just inside the museum that you’ll find beauty and excitement. Even the entrance is spectacular. The pyramid in front of the Louvre is enough to take the breath away of any visitor, so make sure you factor in enough time for taking photographs before you go inside.
If you’re a fan of history and of the arts, taking a full day to explore the Louvre is highly recommended. An experienced guide, who can provide valuable context and insight to the items on displayed, will add depth to your exploration. Alternatively, you could take a self-guided tour, with help from the ubiquitous audio guides or one of the many guides available for purchase.
However, if you don’t have the time available, it is possible to prioritise what to see during your visit. Start by following the guide to ‘The Best of the Louvre’, which takes visitors around the most important points of the Louvre in four hours. It’s likely that the most renowned artworks and artefacts may already be familiar to you, and this is an ideal place to start. Afterward, take some time to explore the rest of the museum.
Additionally, the Louvre Museum offers a selection of themed tours, and if you’re looking to research a specific artist, it’s a great place to start. From 15- and 30-minute tours, through to longer experiences, these are ideal if you can’t allocate an entire day but want to make the most of your visit.
Overall, planning a visit to the Louvre is a unique and memorable experience. And while it’s impossible to see everything in one day, the Louvre provides visitors with a wealth of opportunities to explore its incredible history, art and culture.
Lines and Bottlenecks
In addition to planning how much time to visit the Louvre Museum, visitors should also consider how long it may take to buy tickets, as well as to get in and out. It is not uncommon for there to be long lines, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s wise to plan ahead. Additionally, if you are purchasing tickets in advance, the Louvre offers an Express Entry where you can avoid lines.
A further consideration is the presence of bottlenecks, or areas in the museum where visiting crowds can make it hard to gain access to certain parts. It’s important to take this into account, especially if there is a particular exhibition that you wish to spend more time viewing.
Free Admission
The Louvre offers free admission to anyone under the age of 18, as well as to all French citizens under the age of 26. Additionally, there is no charge during the first Sunday of each month through the year, excluding public holidays. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of reduced admission queues, but bear in mind that some exhibitions may be closed at no notice due to popular demand.
Timed Tickets
The Louvre now offers timed tickets, meaning that you can select your preferred timeslot in advance, avoiding long queues and giving you the freedom to plan your visit in advance. It’s important to note that the museum cycle has two different schedule times of 10am – 5pm and 9am – 6pm, depending on the day, so be sure to check the opening times before you travel.
Multilingual Friends of the Louvre
Finally, it is worth noting that the Louvre offers free tour guides from the multilingual Friends of the Louvre application, available on both Android and iOS devices. You can book them for a two-hour tour, including an overview of the museum, its history and its cultural significance.
Public & Private Transportation
Getting to the Louvre is relatively easy, with metro stops and buses readily available. Most visitors seem to favour the latter due to its convenience. Taxis and private touring vans are also readily available, though obviously come with a cost attached. If travelling by car, it’s possible to park around the vicinity nearby, though a small charge may apply.
The Louvre at Night
In addition to the usual opening times of the Louvre, there are also exclusive after-hours events hosted once a month. At these events, visitors get the chance to experience the museum by night and enjoy carefully crafted cocktails and subtle background music while they tour the galleries. This is a great opportunity to get an even more intimate experience of the Louvre and its countless masterpieces.
Health & Safety
The health and safety of visitors is paramount at the Louvre, with safety measures implemented to ensure appropriate social distancing. Masks are mandatory and face shields are provided for visitors who require extra protection. Daily cleaning and disinfecting routines are employed and the museum follows all current government regulations.
