How to visit the Louvre

Must-see works

The Louvre is one of the largest and most important museums in the world, with a collection of over 35,000 works of art covering a period of 5,000 years. Here are some of the works you shouldn't miss during your visit.

The Mona Lisa

Probably the most famous work at the Louvre, The Mona Lisa is an oil painting on wood panel created by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century. It depicts the portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, and is known for her enigmatic smile. Despite the long queues to see it, it's definitely worth waiting to see this masterpiece in person.

Winged Victory of Samothrace

This Greek sculpture dates back to the 3rd century BC and was discovered on the island of Samothrace in 1863. It depicts Nike (Victory) standing on the prow of a ship and represents the victory of the Macedonian fleet over Rhodes. The sculpture is displayed on a monumental staircase and seems to almost fly in the air.

Venus de Milo

This Greek sculpture also dates back to the 3rd century BC and was discovered on the island of Milos in 1820. It depicts Aphrodite (Venus) and stands out for its beauty and elegance of form. The statue is displayed in a special room surrounded by other valuable Greek sculptures.

The Code of Hammurabi

This Babylonian code of laws dates back to the 18th century BC and is one of the oldest legal documents in the world. The code, inscribed on a 2.25-meter diorite stele, contains 282 articles that regulate relations between citizens and the state. It is a fundamental work for understanding the history of law.

• Tips: To avoid long queues, buy your ticket online in advance and plan your visit so you can see the works that interest you most.
• Trivia: The Louvre was originally a medieval castle built in the 12th century by King Philip II.

How to avoid queues

The Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world and often there are long queues to access its collections. Here are some tips to avoid lines and enjoy your visit:

Book in advance

Booking online is the best way to avoid queues at the ticket office. You can purchase tickets directly from the Louvre website or through a travel agency. This way you will have priority access and can enter immediately without having to queue up.

Choose the right time

If you are unable to book in advance, try to avoid peak hours. The Louvre is less crowded during the week, especially in the early morning or after 4:00 pm. Also, try to visit it outside of tourist season to have fewer people around.

Use the secondary entrance

The main entrance of the Louvre is the Glass Pyramid, but there are also other lesser-known entrances that can help you avoid queues. For example, the entrance of Carrousel du Louvre is located under the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and is generally less crowded.

Buy a Paris Museum Pass

The Paris Museum Pass allows you to access over 60 museums and monuments in Paris, including the Louvre, without having to queue at the ticket office. In addition, it allows you to skip the lines for other tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame.

• Remember:
• book in advance
• choose the right time
• use the secondary entrance
• buy a Paris Museum Pass

By following these tips, you can avoid queues at the Louvre and enjoy your visit to its artistic wonders to the fullest.

Practical tips for your visit

To make the most of your visit to the Louvre, here are some practical tips:

Plan your visit in advance

The Louvre is huge and contains thousands of works of art. To avoid getting lost among the rooms, plan your visit in advance. You can consult the museum's website to get an idea of the works you want to see and download a map of the museum.

Arrive early or late

The Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world, so expect long queues at the entrance. If you want to avoid crowds, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In addition, the museum is open until 9:45 pm on Wednesday and Friday evenings, so you can also consider an evening visit.

Dress comfortably

Get ready to walk a lot during your visit to the Louvre. Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing if you are visiting the museum during the summer months.

Choose the works of art to see wisely

As we already mentioned, the Louvre contains thousands of works of art. Don't try to see them all in one day! Choose the works that interest you the most and focus on those. For example, if you are passionate about Egyptian art, make sure to visit the section dedicated to this culture.

Bring a water bottle and a snack with you

In some rooms of the museum it is not allowed to eat or drink, but you can bring a water bottle and a snack with you for breaks between visits. In addition, there are several refreshment points inside the museum where you can buy food and drinks.

• Remember to turn off your mobile phone during your visit to the rooms
• Do not touch the works of art
• Follow the directions of the museum staff

By following these practical tips, you will be able to enjoy your visit to the Louvre to the fullest!

Conclusion

The Louvre is a magical place where you can admire some of the most famous works of art in the world. By planning your visit in advance and following the practical tips we have provided, you will be able to enjoy the experience without stressing too much. Always remember to respect the works of art and museum rules to ensure that future generations can also appreciate these cultural treasures.