Louvre Opening Hours
The Louvre Museum welcomes visitors every day of the week except Tuesday, with hours that vary depending on the day. This flexible schedule allows visitors to plan their visit for evening hours, ensuring a more enjoyable experience at the Louvre.
Opening Days and Hours
Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Closing Day
Closed on Tuesdays.
Closed on Holidays
The museum is closed on the following holidays: January 1st (New Year), May 1st (Labor Day), and December 25th (Christmas).
Visiting the Louvre: Avoiding Lines and Crowded Days
For a more relaxed experience, consider these tips to avoid the busiest times.
Best Times to Visit
- Early Morning: Arriving at 9:00 AM is ideal to enjoy the main halls before larger groups arrive.
- Late Afternoon (on weekdays): Visiting the Louvre on Wednesday or Friday after 5:00 PM allows you to take advantage of evening hours until 9:00 PM with fewer crowds.
Less Crowded Days
- Weekdays: Often less crowded than weekends.
- Off-Season: The months from September to November and January to March are usually quieter.
Tips for a Complete Visit to the Louvre
The Louvre is vast, housing around 35,000 artworks across over 60,000 m² of exhibit space. If a full day isn’t possible, 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.
- Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace 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 ensures entry, especially during peak seasons.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: The Louvre is expansive, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.
- 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 paths 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 hours vary by day.
On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, it’s open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while on Friday it stays open until 9:45 PM.
When is the Louvre closed?
The Louvre is closed every Tuesday, on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. It remains open on all other holidays, as long as they are not on a Tuesday.
What 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.
Avoid visiting from June to August, when Paris is crowded with tourists.
How Much Time Do You Need to Visit the Louvre?
For a complete visit, it’s recommended to spend 3 to 4 hours. For a shorter visit, you can choose a 2-hour quick tour focused on the main artworks.
