What to Know Before You Visit
From Fortress to Royal Palace to the People's Museum
The Louvre began as a medieval fortress in the 12th century — you can still walk its excavated foundations in the basement. It became a royal residence, and in 1793, during the Revolution, opened as a public museum with just over 500 paintings. Today it holds around 35,000 works on display and welcomes more visitors than any museum on earth. I. M. Pei's glass pyramid, controversial when it opened in 1989, is now as iconic as the collection itself.
What You Came to See — and What to Plan Around
The big three — the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace — are all in the Denon wing, which is also the most crowded. The Mona Lisa sits behind glass in a room of its own; expect a scrum at midday. Beyond them, the Egyptian antiquities, the Napoleon III apartments and the French paintings reward anyone who wanders past the headline pieces.
Practical Advice for the Visit
Entry is by timed slot. The main pyramid entrance is the busiest — the Carrousel du Louvre underground entrance is often quicker. Late-afternoon slots are often calmer for the Mona Lisa. Check opening days and hours on the official website before you go. Allow at least three hours, and far more if you want to go deep.
