Comprising a vast 6 hectares of exhibition space, the Musée du Louvre is one of the world's largest art museums. Better known simply as the Louvre, it houses collections dating back from 5,000 B.C. all the way up to the 19th century, among which you'll find paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and exotic antiquities from all across the world.
Among the most enduringly popular works you can see here are the marbled statues 'Winged Victory of Samothrace' and 'Venus de Milo', as well as the ever-popular masterpiece 'Mona Lisa' by Leonardo da Vinci. This museum is such a rich visual treat, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed at times, but if you take some time to plan ahead and pick out the works you want to see, this will help you to make the most out of your visit. The museum's website is an excellent resource and can be consulted for a floor plan of the exhibits as well as a catalogue of the works you'll find here.
Queues to get in can get very long, so it’s a good idea to buy your ticket in advance if you can. This can be done online or via many Paris shops. On your way in to the museum, stop by the main entrance to admire the Louvre Pyramid in the central courtyard.
This pyramid is another Parisian icon, designed by American architect I.M. Pei and was first unveiled in 1989 to rather critical reviews. Much like the Pompidou Centre and the Eiffel Tower before it, the glass and steel monument was said to be too modern, but over time has become another famous symbol of the contemporary city.
You can make your way around the museum on a guided 90-minute tour. Or alternatively you can hire an audio guide, or download an app for your smartphone that will tell you more about the museum's major works.
Situated in the heart of Paris on the Right Bank, the Louvre is easy to reach by public transport. As well as the pyramid, you can enter from the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall or via the Porte des Lions.
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