The Louvre, one of the world’s most iconic museums, provides much more than just a collection of art—it’s a journey through centuries of human history, culture, and creativity. Whether you’re an art lover or simply a curious traveler, the Louvre offers something for everyone. However, with so many world-class attractions in Paris that can easily fill your itinerary, you may wonder: is the Louvre worth it?
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IS THE LOUVRE WORTH VISITING?
Absolutely, the Louvre is worth visiting. Sure, it’s famous for housing the Mona Lisa, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a treasure trove of art that’ll stop you in your tracks—pieces like The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, and The Coronation of Napoleon are just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond the art, the building itself is an architectural masterpiece. The Louvre isn’t just a museum; it’s a living, breathing testament to Parisian culture, history, and creativity, all wrapped up under one spectacular roof. This place embodies everything that makes Paris, Paris.
WHY VISIT THE LOUVRE
Home to Iconic Masterpieces
One of the most famous reasons to visit the Louvre is its collection of world-renowned masterpieces. From Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to the ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo, these iconic works of art have captured the imaginations of millions. Seeing these pieces in person is a captivating experience.
A Journey Through History
The Louvre offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing art and artifacts from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Mesopotamia.
Walking through the museum, you’ll encounter treasures like the Code of Hammurabi and Winged Victory of Samothrace, giving you a deeper understanding of human history and artistic achievement.
Architectural Splendor
The Louvre itself is a work of art. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, it later became a royal palace before being transformed into a museum.
Its stunning architecture, from the medieval foundations to the classical façade, is complemented by the modern glass pyramid designed by architect I. M. Pei. The contrast between the historic and modern makes the Louvre a fascinating structure to explore.
A Diverse Collection of Art
The Louvre’s vast collection spans a wide range of artistic styles, periods, and regions. From ancient sculptures and Renaissance paintings to Islamic art and decorative arts, the diversity of the museum’s collection ensures that there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re passionate about classical art or more obscure pieces, you’ll find something that resonates with you.
Perfect for Families
Visiting the Louvre isn’t just for art connoisseurs—it’s an engaging experience for families as well. The museum offers interactive exhibits, family-friendly tours, and activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained while also learning about art and history.
The Louvre’s spacious layout and endless variety ensure that kids won’t get bored while exploring its treasures.
Explore the Royal Apartments
The Louvre isn’t just about paintings and sculptures. You can also explore the lavishly decorated Napoléon III Apartments, which offer a glimpse into 19th-century luxury.
Adorned with ornate chandeliers, gilded furniture, and opulent décor, this part of the museum transports you to a bygone era of royal extravagance.
Beautiful Surroundings
Situated in the heart of Paris, the Louvre is surrounded by stunning scenery. After your museum visit, you can take a leisurely walk through the nearby Tuileries Garden or along the Seine River.
The museum’s central location makes it easy to explore other Parisian landmarks like the Musée d’Orsay or Notre-Dame Cathedral, making it a convenient stop on any Paris itinerary.
LOUVRE FACTS
It Was Originally a Fortress
The Louvre was initially built as a fortress in 1190 by King Philippe Auguste to defend Paris from invaders. You can still see remnants of the medieval fortress in the museum’s lower levels.
It’s the Largest Art Museum in the World
Covering over 782,000 square feet, the Louvre is the largest art museum in the world. It’s said that if you spent 30 seconds looking at each piece, it would take you over 100 days to see everything!
The Louvre Was Once Abandoned
During the French Revolution in 1793, the Louvre was turned into a public museum, but it was nearly abandoned afterward. Only Napoleon’s decision to restore it in the early 1800s saved it from neglect.
The Mona Lisa Has Her Own Mailbox
Due to the immense popularity of Mona Lisa, the painting reportedly receives love letters from admirers around the world. Some letters are delivered directly to the Louvre addressed to the painting.
Napoleon Renamed It After Himself
In 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte renamed the museum the “Musée Napoléon” and even expanded its collection with pieces looted from his military campaigns. After his defeat, many of the artworks were returned to their original owners.
It Houses the World’s Largest Collection of Islamic Art
While known for its Western art collections, the Louvre also boasts the world’s largest collection of Islamic art, spanning over 1,300 years of history and covering vast regions from Spain to India.
It Was Used to Store Art During WWII
When World War II broke out, many of the Louvre’s priceless pieces, including the Mona Lisa, were secretly moved to safer locations across France to protect them from Nazi looting.
The Glass Pyramid Was Once Controversial
Now a symbol of the Louvre, the glass pyramid designed by I. M. Pei faced heavy criticism when it was first unveiled in 1989. Many Parisians felt it clashed with the classical architecture of the museum.
It’s Home to the Oldest Artifact in the Collection
The oldest item in the Louvre is a statue known as the Ain Ghazal, a plaster figure that dates back nearly 9,000 years, making it one of the oldest pieces of art in the world.
The Louvre Is a Major Film Star
The Louvre has appeared in numerous films, including The Da Vinci Code and Wonder Woman. Its stunning galleries and iconic pyramid have made it a favorite filming location for many directors.
OUR VISIT TO THE LOUVRE
Our family trip to Paris naturally included a visit to the Louvre. We went in the afternoon when the crowds had thinned, but unfortunately, the kids were already a bit worn out from the busy day we had.
Still, we managed to see some of the museum’s highlights, including the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and The Coronation of Napoleon.
Despite our limited time, we were thoroughly impressed and fell in love with the museum, promising to return for a longer visit. The Louvre proved to be a captivating experience, even for families.
HOW TO GET TO THE LOUVRE
Getting to the Louvre is convenient thanks to its central location in Paris. The museum is situated in the 1st arrondissement, along the right bank of the Seine River. One of the easiest ways to reach the Louvre is by taking the Paris Metro.
The closest metro station is Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Line 1 and Line 7), which brings you directly to the museum’s entrance. Alternatively, buses and taxis are widely available, or you can enjoy a scenic walk along the Seine if you’re nearby. For those arriving by bike or car, there are bike racks and parking options close to the museum.
Whichever way you choose, getting to the Louvre is simple and accessible from anywhere in the city.
GET TICKETS TO THE LOUVRE
Getting tickets to the Louvre is fairly easy, but you’ll want to be sure to purchase them ahead of time online. You can purchase a standard ticket here. There are also several fascinating options for guided tours that will give you a more personal look at the museum.
ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO THE LOUVRE
The Louvre is one of the highlights of any trip to Paris and for good reason and is definitely worth adding to your itinerary for your trip to Paris. Be sure to plan well especially if you are a family with children and you’ll thoroughly enjoy this remarkable museum. Of course if you want to be prepared for the rest of your visit to Paris you’ll check out our essential guide on things to know for your first visit to the City of Lights as well as our comprehensive guide to Paris. Safe travels!