Let's Take a Tour of the Louvre Museum in Paris

Paris is a city of a million stories, told through its people, its monuments, its art and its abundant heritage. In the midst of this dreamy city stands the epitome of history, culture and art, the Musée du Louvre, or the Museum of Louvre as it’s globally known.  On the banks of the Seine, straight down from the Champs-Élysées, lies the grand structure of The Louvre, home to centuries worth of historical artefacts, paintings, sculptures, antiques, and a massive collection of archives.

From Fortress to Museum

Like an evolving work of art, the Louvre itself was not built to be a museum but used as a fortress for King Philip II, in the 12^th Century. Over the years, like a sculpture taking its final shape, the Louvre finally opened as a museum on 10^th August 1793. It opened to showcase some of the greatest masterpieces of those times, and continues its legacy by displaying the most respected works of art in history.

Da Vinci Code

Today, the Louvre Museum has nearly 10 million visitors each year, making it the world’s most visited museum. It is home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous painting, The Mona Lisa, which is probably also one of the most widely known paintings in the world. The Musée du Louvre hosts thousands of tourists and art lovers every day, and easily takes 3-4 hours to cover.

A visit to the Louvre feels like unfolding many pages of history, as you look into years of art and cultural treasures, reciting stories of times gone by. Through the rich colours, the differences in the styles of art, the diversity in cultures, you are sure to enjoy the Musée du Louvre as you glimpse lives and times of people who have created artistic wonders. Paris is an irresistibly attractive city, and the Louvre definitely adds to its charms and romanticism.

Tips About Your Visit to Musee du Louvre

Don’t make the mistake I made, and find out the museum opening times well before arriving in Paris, so you can plan your trip accordingly. Since you will need at least half a day at the Louvre, it is best to accommodate enough time for it in your plans.

• Buy advance tickets online, from the Louvre website. It is best to book in advance, to avoid the serpentine queues, and spare enough time for walking through remarkable pieces of art.
• The museum collections are grouped into eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Paintings; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; and Prints and Drawings. Plan your visit according to your interests.
• The Louvre is open every day (except Tuesday) from 9 am to 6 pm. It opens till 9:45 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• The museum is closed January 1, May 1 and December 25.
• Taking a guided tour or at least an information map is highly recommended. No point going to the museum and not understanding the history behind the great works of art.