What is the Musée du Louvre?
The Louvre is the world's most visited art museum. It opened in 1793 during the French Revolution and today contains two of the best-known works of art; the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and the Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek sculpture. The works within the museum cover 8 departments: Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings.
What's the Musée du Louvre like?
It's big. There are 38,000 items on display in the Louvre (compared to just 3,000 down the road at the Musée d'Orsay (79), the home to Impressionist art). However, it's roomy and spacious and well-organised.
Where is the Musée du Louvre?
Paris, France
When did we go?
March 2022
How did we get there?
I flew to Charles de Gaulle airport and then caught the RER B train into central Paris. If you're going straight to the Louvre from CdG, then get off at Châtelet–Les Halles - it's a short walk from there. I also visited the Musée d'Orsay, which is very close by. The Eiffel Tower (148), which I had visited previously, is also walkable - it's about 40 minutes away along the Seine.
Worth noting:
The entrance to the museum is via the large pyramid in the centre, which takes you down into an underground lobby. This was opened in 1989. It was part of a 10-year project called 'Grand Louvre', created by French President François Mitterrand. The French Finance Ministry was also moved from the Louvre to another location to allow the museum to be extended.
Where was the Musée du Louvre in the 2015 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist?
It was at number 37 in 2020 - it dropped 26 places in the new edition.
Does the Musée du Louvre deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?
Yes.
