Musée du Louvre
"The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. Originally a medieval fortress built in the 12th century, it became a royal palace before opening as a museum in 1793. Houses 38,000+ artworks spanning 9,000 years, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. The glass pyramid entrance (1989) is iconic. It's vast—you cannot see everything in one visit."
Logistics
Moderate
Vibe
Monumental, overwhelming
Duration
2-4 hours
Best For
Art lovers
The Backstory
Built as a fortress by Philippe Auguste in 1190, expanded into a Renaissance palace by François I in the 1500s. Became a public museum during the French Revolution (1793). The controversial glass pyramid by I.M. Pei was added in 1989, modernizing the entrance. Napoleon expanded the collections with artworks seized during his conquests. Today it's the world's most-visited museum with 9.6 million annual visitors.
Local Secret
"Pre-book timed tickets 2-7 days ahead (mandatory). Enter via Porte des Lions (fewer crowds) or Carrousel du Louvre underground. Go directly to Mona Lisa at opening (9am) or closing (5:30pm) to avoid peak crowds. The painting is small, behind glass, and mobbed—manage expectations. Focus on ONE wing: Denon (Italian Renaissance), Sully (Egyptian), or Richelieu (French paintings). Use the Louvre app for offline maps and audio guides."