Louvre
Musée du Louvre · Paris, France
A medieval palace turned into the world's largest temple of art, where 'the Mona Lisa's smile' awaits you
Know before you go
- Don't touch the works or lean on display cases
- don't hog the best spot in the 'Mona Lisa' room for long
- don't eat or drink inside.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
From fortress to the Republic's museum
The Louvre began as a fortress built by Philip II at the end of the 12th century to defend against attacks from the west — Normandy was then still in English hands — and its remains are still beneath the museum. As the city grew the fortress lost its defensive role, and in 1546 Francis I turned it into the king's main residence. During the Revolution, the museum opened on 10 August 1793, the first anniversary of the fall of the monarchy, with an initial display of 537 paintings, mostly from the royal collection and confiscated church property. In 1989 the new entrance hall beneath I. M. Pei's glass pyramid opened.
Source: Wikipedia: Louvre
History
1911: the Mona Lisa is stolen
In 1911 the 'Mona Lisa' was not yet especially famous among the general public. On 21 August it disappeared from the Louvre; the real thief was Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian Louvre employee who had helped make the painting's glass case and believed it should return to Italy. He hid it in his lodgings for two years and was arrested when he tried to sell it to the director of the Uffizi in Florence. News of the theft and recovery spread around the world, greatly increasing the painting's fame.
Source: Wikipedia: Mona Lisa
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Originally a 12th-century fortress of Philip II, later a French royal palace, it became a museum after the Revolution in 1793. I. M. Pei's glass pyramid pierces the classical palace walls and, after years of controversy, has become a new classic. Its 35,000 works on display span ancient Egypt to the 19th century, and the three wings — Denon, Sully and Richelieu — are a maze: half a day lets you only skim, and a full day gives you just a glimpse.
Local customs
- Visits must be booked online in a time slot
- no flash or selfie sticks inside, and loud talk will be discouraged
- the French are strong on queuing — never cut in.
Religion & beliefs
- The collection holds a great deal of Christian art (such as 'The Wedding Feast at Cana'), rooted in France's Catholic tradition
- keep a respectful demeanour in galleries of religious subjects and don't touch the works.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
France: carry your ID
- Carry your passport or official photo ID
- Leaving all your documents at the hotel
You must show ID on the spot when police ask, or at a police station within 4 hours.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: France travel advice
France: face coverings are banned in public places
- Showing your face in public places
- Covering your face in streets, shops and other public places
It is illegal, with a fine of up to €150; the law also applies to tourists.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: France travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't touch the works or lean on display cases
- don't hog the best spot in the 'Mona Lisa' room for long
- don't eat or drink inside.
Locals appreciate DO
Parisians favour 'prepared visits' — doing your homework, heading straight for the galleries you want and renting an audio guide to look deeply, rather than just ticking off the 'Mona Lisa'.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Best on weekday mornings as soon as it opens, or on the Wednesday and Friday late openings (fewer people, lovely light) |
|---|
Travel tips
Best on weekday mornings as soon as it opens, or on the Wednesday and Friday late openings (fewer people, lovely light). From 14 January 2026 the Louvre introduced a 'two-tier' price: EUR 32 for adults from outside the European Economic Area (previously EUR 22), an increase of about 45% — be sure to book a timed ticket on the official website in advance, as on-site queues often exceed 2 hours.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Croissants / baguette sandwiches
- Croque monsieur (toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich)
- Onion soup
Croissants / baguette sandwiches, croque monsieur (toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich), onion soup, duck confit, lemon tart
| Where to eat | Cafés inside the Louvre, restaurants around the Palais Royal, the food street of Rue Montorgueil (around the old snail restaurant L'Escargot Montorgueil) |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | No eating or drinking in the galleries; in restaurants, say 'bonjour' before sitting down |
| Typical price per person | EUR 25–45 ≈ CNY 208–374 |
| Tips | Queues for food inside the museum are long, so eat in the small streets of the Right Bank after your visit; restaurants are relatively empty on Tuesdays, when the museum is closed. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Philip Mallis · CC BY 2.0
Photos
Photos
Benh LIEU SONG · CC BY-SA 3.0
Benh LIEU SONG · CC BY-SA 4.0
Benh LIEU SONG · CC BY 2.5
Sources & verification notes
https://www.163.com/dy/article/KJAKP6BJ05346RC6.html
Louvre official website: opening hours and prices
Xinhua report of 2026-01-15 https://www.163.com/dy/article/KJAKP6BJ05346RC6.html
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