Louvre Museum tickets: entry, hosts and a first-visit plan

A palace before it was a museum

The Louvre occupies the former palace of French monarchs. Its courtyards, rooms and modern Pyramid are part of the visit, not simply a container for the collection.

Our suggestion is to look at the building as well as the paintings. A pause in a courtyard or a palace room changes the pace and helps a first visit feel less like a race between famous works.

Why visit the Louvre?

Choose the Louvre if you want a substantial art visit and are happy to make choices. Begin with a subject that interests you, then add one or two famous works instead of trying to follow every sign.

For an independent visit, choose a few favourite artworks and explore at your own pace. If the Mona Lisa is your priority, the ticket option below includes help finding it.

Museum entry with help finding the Mona Lisa

This option includes reserved museum admission and a staff member to help you find the Mona Lisa. Afterwards, explore the museum at your own pace.

Meet at the Arc du Carrousel at the time shown on your booking confirmation. Security checks still apply.

Prices and choosing the right visitor category

The official tariff distinguishes EEA and non-EEA visitors, with free-entry categories requiring proof. Check the current official admission page before comparing a hosted package: the service charge can remain relevant even when museum admission would be free.

Select your date and visitor category on the ticket page to see the current total and cancellation terms.

Opening hours and closing days

The regular schedule is 09:00–18:00 on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and 09:00–21:00 on Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday is closed. Last entry is one hour before closing; rooms begin clearing 30 minutes before closing.

The museum closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Follow the time on your ticket and check official notices before leaving.

Location, transport and your meeting point

The Louvre is in central Paris, in the 1st arrondissement. The official transport page lists Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre on metro lines 1 and 7, and Pyramides on line 14.

Use the official entrance map for access conditions. A hosted booking begins at its operator meeting point, which may be outside the museum; do not automatically join a Pyramid entrance queue. Save the final voucher and meeting instructions before travelling.

Build a focused highlights route

The Mona Lisa can be an anchor for a first visit, but leave room for an area chosen for your own interests. Our suggestion is one main collection plus a small number of highlights, with a deliberate pause rather than a long checklist.

Check the current museum map and room openings on arrival. If one artwork matters more than everything else, verify its display information before booking; a general entrance ticket cannot promise that every room or work will be accessible.

Entry rules, luggage and family facilities

Items larger than 55 × 35 × 20 cm are not permitted. Free lockers are available, but leave suitcases elsewhere and collect belongings the same day.

The visitor assistance area lends equipment including wheelchairs, pushchairs and baby carriers against ID. Families can also use the baby space in the Richelieu wing. Ask staff about a suitable route rather than assuming every staircase is unavoidable.

The official audio guide is a separate service. Keep your phone charged, bring your booking confirmation and allow time for security checks.

• Choose comfortable shoes for a long indoor walk.
• Keep the operator meeting time distinct from the museum entry time.
• Agree on two or three priorities before entering.
• Ask about access arrangements in advance if you need a specific route.

How long should you allow?

Our editorial suggestion is three to four hours for a first visit with a focused route, plus travel and entry time. With children or limited energy, choose a shorter route and finish while it still feels enjoyable.

After the staff member has helped you get started, allow enough time to explore on your own. Keep the next fixed-time activity comfortably separated; lunch and a pause can be more useful than immediately adding a second major attraction.

Winter tips

Use the museum as one substantial indoor activity, with an optional outdoor walk afterwards. Bring layers that are easy to carry or store, and avoid arriving with wet luggage that exceeds the size limit.

For an evening visit, plan your meal and return journey before going in. Rain does not remove entrance checks or make a hosted meeting point indoors; follow the location on the voucher and bring appropriate weather protection.

Louvre ticket questions