To secure entry to the Louvre, selecting a timed-entry ticket in advance is mandatory as on-site sales are often unavailable. If standard entrance tickets are sold out for your preferred date, choosing a guided 'Masterpieces' tour or a hosted entry option is the most reliable way to gain access. Basic tickets include access to both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, excluding the separate Museé Delacroix unless specified. While the museum is the world's largest, focus your 2–3 hour visit on the Denon wing for the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory of Samothrace, or the Sully wing for the Venus de Milo. Avoid external virtual reality sessions marketed as museum entry; ensure your voucher specifically grants access to the palace corridors. Beyond the iconic anchors, the Louvre offers an unparalleled survey of human civilization, housed within a former royal fortress that transitioned from a seat of power to a public sanctuary for global heritage. Even with a reservation, security checks are required for all visitors, so arrive exactly at your designated time slot to manage flow efficiently.

The Mona Lisa

Undoubtedly the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci's 16th-century portrait of Lisa Gherardini is known for her enigmatic smile. Located in the Salle des États within the Denon Wing, it attracts millions of visitors who come to contemplate her mysterious gaze.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace

This Hellenistic masterpiece depicts Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, standing on the prow of a ship. Its dramatic pose, sweeping drapery, and position at the top of the Daru staircase make it one of the most powerful sights in the museum.

The Venus de Milo

Dating back to approximately 100 BCE, this ancient Greek statue represents Aphrodite (Venus). Found on the island of Milos, its missing arms have fueled centuries of artistic debate, and it remains an eternal symbol of classical beauty.

The Napoleon III Apartments

To see how French royalty lived, visit these opulent rooms in the Richelieu Wing. Lavishly decorated with gold leaf, crimson velvet, and massive chandeliers, they offer a glimpse into the grand interior design of the Second French Empire.

The Medieval Louvre Foundations

Step back in time to the museum's origins. Located in the Sully Wing, the medieval Louvre section allows you to walk through the original 12th-century moat and see the sturdy stone walls of the fortress built by Philippe-Auguste.

The Glass Pyramid Entrance

Designed by I.M. Pei and opened in 1989, this glass and metal structure serves as the museum's main entrance. It creates a stunning juxtaposition between modern architecture and the surrounding Renaissance facades, especially beautiful when lit up at night.

The Louvre's architectural evolution reflects eight centuries of French history, beginning as a medieval fortress built by Philippe Auguste in 1190 to protect Paris from Viking raids. Remnants of this original structure, including the lower moat and tower foundations, are still visible in the Sully wing's basement. During the Renaissance, Francis I began transforming the fortress into a palatial residence, a project continued by subsequent monarchs who added the iconic Cour Carrée and the Longue Galerie. The palace served as the primary residence of French Kings until Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles in 1682. Following the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre should be used as a museum to display the nation's masterpieces. The 19th century saw further expansions under Napoleon I and Napoleon III, culminating in the vast complex seen today. The most significant modern intervention occurred in the 1980s under President François Mitterrand with the 'Grand Louvre' project. Architect I.M. Pei designed the glass Pyramid in the Cour Napoléon, which now serves as the main entrance, creating a functional hub that connects the Denon, Richelieu, and Sully wings. Today, the museum manages over 380,000 objects, though only about 35,000 are on public display at any given time, spanning from ancient Near Eastern antiquities to European paintings ending in the mid-19th century.