The Musée du Louvre is undeniably Paris' pièce de résistance, boasting 35,000 works of art on display, including iconic masterpieces, spread across four floors. Glancing at each piece for one minute would take 24 days without sleeping. Plan carefully to fully experience the world's largest art museum!
First Time at the Louvre?
Entering the museum for the first time can be intimidating. The key to approaching the vast collections of the Louvre is to consider them from two significant perspectives: Western art spanning from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century, and the art and crafts of five ancient civilizations that preceded and influenced it. Simultaneously, immerse yourself in the museum's captivating architecture shaped by multiple sovereigns. To navigate the museum, just remember that there are three wings: Sully (East) and the parallel Richelieu (North) and Denon (South).
The Louvre can be both awe-inspiring and overwhelming. Maybe the best way to visit it is to allow yourself to choose, explore and be pleasantly surprised. Don't worry about seeing every masterpiece – enjoy the journey itself.
Guided by Ancient Civilizations
The antiquities department showcases pieces dating from the Neolithic period to the decline of the Roman Empire.
Exploring chronologically the treasures of ancient civilizations will primarily lead you through the ground floor, with additional areas dedicated to Egyptian antiquities on Level 1. Begin your journey in the Richelieu Wing, exploring Mesopotamian art (from what is considered the earliest human civilization). Continue to the Sully Wing to descend into the Sphinx's Crypt and uncover Egyptian art. Proceed to the Denon Wing to see Greek, Etruscan and Roman art.
Gardens of Sculptures
Sculpture enthusiasts should not miss the Cour Marly and Cour Puget, on Level -1 of the Richelieu Wing. These indoor courtyards bathed in natural light house French masterpieces created under Louis XIV. The Cour Marly provides an atmospheric setting reminiscent of its original location in one of the king's residences. Interestingly, in an arrangement that may seem counterintuitive, ascending to the upper level will transport you back in time to medieval French sculpture. Moving through the Richelieu Wing on the ground floor, you'll then encounter more sculptures from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
A European Tour of Masterpieces
The top floors showcase European paintings and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century. Many visitors explore these floors towards the end of their visit, following the sequential order of the rooms. If you're a painting enthusiast, it's advisable to prioritize these floors! They are must-visit areas for iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa, as well as monumental paintings such as The Wedding Feast at Cana and The Raft of the Medusa. In addition, don't miss the impressive Great Gallery, the historic Salon Carré (the precursor to exhibition salons) and the opulent Galerie d'Apollon, adorned with stunning murals and golden embellishments, and home to the French royal jewels.
Around the Louvre, Around the World
Like no ordinary museum, the Louvre takes you on a journey to different eras and continents. Don't miss the Napoleon III Apartments, almost untouched for nearly 150 years, at the end of the Richelieu Wing on Level 1. For a broader cultural experience, explore the small section dedicated to American, African, Asian and Oceanic arts, situated in a remote part of the Denon Wing (access through Level 1).
Louvre Itineraries
There are different ways to experience the museum, whether you have particular artworks in mind or prefer to discover freely. Here are some itinerary ideas to make the most of your time.
A Couple of Hours for the Essentials
If you're short on time, you can approach the Louvre by focusing on some iconic pieces. Start with a face-to-face with the Great Sphinx of Tanis, and explore the Egyptian Antiquities in the Sully Wing. On Level 1, view the Seated Scribe (Room 635), then proceed to the lavishly decorated Rooms 600–622, showcasing the 18th-century royal court lifestyle.
Head to the ground level using the central staircase and head directly to Room 345 to admire the Venus de Milo. From here, make your way up again via the magnificent staircase, where the Winged Victory of Samothrace awaits you.
Once on Level 1 again, continue your journey through the Denon Wing. Take a glance at the golden Galerie d'Apollon (Room 705) before immersing yourself in the painting galleries. Start with the Salon Carré (Room 708), which leads to the impressive Great Gallery, featuring masterpieces by renowned Italian artists, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa (Room 711), at least until it is moved to a dedicated room, as part of the museum renovation plans.
If you have extra time, visit the Cour Marly and Cour Puget in the Richelieu Wing to bask in the light through the glass roof and marvel at their imposing sculptures, including the Marly horses.
Half a Day at the Louvre
With additional time, you can further explore the magnificent Renaissance sections of the Sully and Denon wings: discover the Greek and Roman Antiquities displayed across the Ballroom and the Salle du Manège. These rooms showcase the imported style from Italy, with notable features like the gate supported by the Cariatides, originally designed for hosting musicians. Can you imagine that Molière himself performed in front of King Louis XIV in this very space?
Ascend the grand Mollien staircase to Level 1, where you'll find the Red Galleries housing masterpieces by French artists, including Delacroix' Liberty Leading the People (Room 700). For a refreshing break, head to Café Mollien, offering a splendid view of the Carrousel du Louvre from its terrace.
To end your visit with a spectacular experience, head to Cour Khorsabad (Room 229 in the Richelieu Wing) and admire the monumental vestiges of the Assyrian city and palace of King Sargon II at Dur-Sharrukin (now Khorsabad).
The Full Louvre
Are you up for a more extensive exploration?
If you entered from the Carousel’s entrance, you might have seen some of the medieval remains, dating back to 1190 when King Philippe-Auguste decided to build the Louvre fortress around Paris. Descend beneath the Cour Carrée to witness the surviving elements of the original moats and drawbridge.
Then, make a jump in time and walk up to the impressive Napoleon III Apartments in the Richelieu Wing (Rooms 535–49) for a taste of lavish Second Empire style. Visit the Café Richelieu if you need a break. It is run by the Angelina team: you can sample its famous hot chocolate!
Last but not least, art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the top floor of the Sully Wing, which showcases two centuries of European and French masterpieces. If you’re more into decorative arts, you will prefer to spend time wandering the Richelieu Wing galleries on Level 1.
Alternatively, discover a small collection of artworks from Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas in a more intimate section (Pavillon des Sessions, Rooms 424–33). Note that these regions are better represented in other dedicated museums in Paris, like the Musée du Quai Branly.
