The Louvre Opening Hours
The Louvre Museum welcomes visitors every day of the week except Tuesday, with opening hours that vary depending on the day. This flexible schedule allows visitors to plan an evening visit, thus ensuring a more enjoyable experience at the museum.
Opening Days and Hours
Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Closing Days
The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
Closed on public Holidays
The museum is closed on the following public holidays: January 1st (New Year's Day), May 1st (Labour Day) and December 25th (Christmas Day).
Visiting the Louvre: Avoiding Queues and Crowded Days
For a more relaxed experience, consider these tips in order to avoid the busiest times.
The Best Times for a Visit
- Early Morning: Arriving at 9:00 a.m. is ideal for enjoying the main halls before larger groups arrive.
- Late Afternoon (on weekdays): Visiting the Louvre on Wednesday or Friday after 5:00 p.m. allows you to take advantage of evening hours until 9:00 p.m. with fewer crowds.
Less Crowded Days
- Weekdays: Often less crowded than weekends.
- Off-Season: The months from September to November and from January to March are usually quieter.
Tips for a Complete Visit to the Louvre
The Louvre is very large, housing around 35,000 artworks across over 60,000 square meters of exhibition space. If you don't have a full day, it’s helpful to plan in advance which sections to explore.
Main Sections and Highlights:
- Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, located in the Italian Renaissance painting section.
- The Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, located in the ancient Greek art collection.
- 19th-century French paintings, featuring works by Delacroix and Géricault, in the Galerie d'Apollon.
Helpful Tips
- Book Tickets in Advance: Purchasing tickets online helps you avoid long lines and guarantees entry, especially during peak seasons.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: The Louvre is very large, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.
- Arrive Early: Arriving at opening time can help you make the most of your visit and avoid crowds.
- Visiting with Kids: The Louvre offers activities and special trails for children, making it a great choice for families.
What are the opening hours of the Louvre?
The Louvre is open every day of the week except Tuesday, but opening hours vary by day.
It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Friday.
When is the Louvre closed?
The Louvre is closed every Tuesday, on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. It is open on all other public holidays, unless they fall on a Tuesday.
When is the best time to visit the Louvre Museum?
The best time to visit the Louvre is early in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays.
Try to avoid visiting from June to August, when Paris is crowded with tourists.
How much time is needed to visit the Louvre?
To see everything, it is recommended that you spend 3 to 4 hours. For a shorter visit, you can opt for a 2-hour quick tour focused on the main artworks.
