About Musée du Louvre
The Louvre is the world's largest and most-visited art museum, housed in a former 12th-century royal fortress on the Right Bank of the Seine. Its 35,000+ works span 9,000 years of human creativity, from ancient Mesopotamia to mid-19th-century European painting.
Founded in 1793, Musée du Louvre has been welcoming visitors for over 233 years. Today it draws approximately 8,900,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Paris, France, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 312,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Musée du Louvre ranks #1
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #1, Musée du Louvre sits firmly in our top tier — a museum that consistently appears on every credible "best museums in the world" list we track. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor #1, AECOM #1 attendance.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3–6 hours, planning your route through Musée du Louvre is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci)
- ◆Venus de Milo
- ◆Winged Victory of Samothrace
- ◆Liberty Leading the People (Delacroix)
- ◆Code of Hammurabi
- ◆Egyptian Antiquities wing
Recognition & awards
Musée du Louvre has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Wed–Mon 9:00–18:00 (Fri until 21:45). Closed Tue.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3–6 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Musée du Louvre is located in Paris, France at coordinates 48.8606°N, 2.3376°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Musée du Louvre
Musée du Louvre was established in 1793, making it one of the oldest museums in the world. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Paris. With 8,900,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in France's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Europe region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Musée du Louvre, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
- #6Museo del PradoMadrid, Spain
More museums in Paris
Paris is home to 11 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Musée du Louvre with these nearby institutions:
- #9Musée d'Orsay🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #13Centre Pompidou🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #20Musée Rodin🎭 Artist & Single-Subject
- #22Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso Paris)🎭 Artist & Single-Subject
- #62Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie🔬 Science & Industry
- #131Musée de l'Orangerie🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #132Musée Marmottan Monet🎭 Artist & Single-Subject
- #133Petit Palais🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Musée du Louvre?
Wed–Mon 9:00–18:00 (Fri until 21:45). Closed Tue. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Musée du Louvre?
Most visitors recommend spending 3–6 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Musée du Louvre located?
Musée du Louvre is located in Paris, France. The exact coordinates are 48.8606°, 2.3376°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Musée du Louvre known for?
The world's most-visited museum. Key highlights include Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci), Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 312,000 reviews.
How many people visit Musée du Louvre each year?
Musée du Louvre receives approximately 8,900,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in France.
When was Musée du Louvre founded?
Musée du Louvre was founded in 1793, making it 233 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
