The Louvre is too large for a comprehensive first visit. Reserve a timed ticket, check which galleries are open, and choose one route—major works, antiquities, decorative arts, or a temporary exhibition—rather than attempting the entire palace.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
The Louvre combines a former royal palace with collections spanning antiquity through the nineteenth century. Gallery closures, entrance routing, late-night openings, and reservation requirements change, so use the official visitor information for the date. A focused two- or three-hour route is more satisfying than racing between every famous object. The Mona Lisa is only one room in a museum whose architecture, sculpture courts, decorative arts, and antiquities can define an equally strong visit.
What Stands Out
- World's largest art museum | 35,000 works | The former royal palace
- Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo in the same building
- Buy timed-entry tickets online | Allow minimum 3 hours | Denon Wing first