Today, I want to share my personal experience visiting one of the absolute must-see destinations in Paris: the Louvre Museum. The sheer scale of the Louvre was even more impressive than I expected. At first, I felt a bit lost about the best way to explore such a huge place, but I managed to see most of the essential works. Let me guide you through the Louvre’s fascinating history, essential reservation information, and a closer look at some of the museum’s most iconic sculptures and paintings.
Table of Contents
The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)
History of the Louvre
Many know that the Louvre wasn’t always a museum, but fewer realize it began as a fortress. Originally constructed in the Middle Ages, the Louvre started its life as a defensive stronghold. It only began serving as a royal palace in the 14th century under Charles V. In the early 16th century, King Francis I demolished the medieval fortress and rebuilt it in the Renaissance style, shaping the elegant structure we see today.
Later, when Louis XIV moved his residence to the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre was handed over to royal artists. After Napoleon Bonaparte displayed many of his conquered treasures there, the Louvre finally took on its role as a public museum.
Booking Tickets for the Louvre
The Louvre is always bustling with visitors from around the globe, so booking your ticket online in advance is highly recommended. The main entrance is via the iconic glass pyramid, but there are three other entrances. If you pre-book, you can avoid the long lines at the pyramid and use a different entrance.
- Opening Hours
- Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wed & Fri: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Ticket Prices
- Adults: €22
- Free for visitors under 18
- Free for under 26 from EEA nations
- Free Admission: The first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August)
- Official Website: louvre.fr
Must-See Sculptures at the Louvre
Salle des Cariatides
I started my visit at the Salle des Cariatides. The hall’s name comes from its caryatid columns—sculpted female figures. These were crafted by Jean Goujon in 1550, inspired by the Forum of Augustus in Rome.
Diane de Versailles
At the center of the room stands “Diane de Versailles“—a sculpture of Artemis with a deer. Created during the time of Emperor Hadrian (around 125-150 AD), it’s a Roman copy of a 4th-century BC Greek original.
Sleeping Hermaphroditus
The “Sleeping Hermaphroditos” caught my attention with its striking depiction of androgyny. Like the Artemis statue, it’s a Roman work modeled after a Greek original. In person, the mattress beneath the figure looks incredibly lifelike—almost soft! Turns out, this detail was crafted by Italian genius sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Venus de Milo
The world-famous Venus de Milo is here, too, named after the island of Milos in Greece where she was discovered. Although renowned for its “golden proportions” and beautiful contrapposto pose, personally, I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what set her apart from other great works.
Winged Victory of Samothrace
Like the Venus, the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” is named after the island where it was found. But this statue didn’t just impress with its form—the sense of presence and the flowing, almost wet drapery are simply stunning. Among all the marble pieces I saw, this one was perhaps my favorite. Interestingly, the statue’s right wing is original, but the left was lost and later reconstructed in plaster. You can easily tell the difference up close.
Unmissable Paintings at the Louvre
Special Exhibition: Naples à Paris
During my visit, the Louvre was hosting a special Naples à Paris exhibit, so I also got to see masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum.
- Parmigianino’s “Antea,” the iconic image of the exhibition.
- I also admired Artemisia Gentileschi’s masterpiece “Judith Beheading Holofernes,” another Capodimonte gem.
- Francisco Goya’s “Portrait of Mariana Waldstein” stood out, with its predominately dark palette but surprisingly bright mood.
Liberty Leading the People — Delacroix
Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix is one of the Louvre’s most famous paintings. This is the painting that represents modern France, born out of revolution. Delacroix’s romantic use of color and the prominent tricolor flag make this a vivid symbol of the French spirit. It’s amusing to note that the government bought the painting, but gave it back to Delacroix, worried that its message was too politically provocative!
The Coronation of Napoleon — Jacques-Louis David
I was awestruck by Jacques-Louis David’s masterpiece, “The Coronation of Napoleon.” The sheer scale of the canvas is overwhelming in person. David diligently flattered Napoleon in this work, even going so far as to insert Caesar directly behind Napoleon for extra gravitas.
The Mona Lisa — Leonardo da Vinci
No visit would be complete without seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”—the world’s most famous painting and a symbol of the Louvre itself. There’s more than enough material written about her, so I’ll skip detailed analysis. But yes, I did test the rumor that her eyes follow you wherever you go—it’s actually true, and that encounter made the visit all the more memorable.
Other Amazing Works & the Apollo Gallery
Apart from the famous paintings and sculptures, the Louvre dazzles with its Apollo Gallery and its spectacular jewelry collection. Instantly, I understood why people are so drawn to precious stones! The room itself is the most ornate in the Louvre, and the royal jewels—like Louis XV’s crown and several enormous diamond brooches—sparkle with breathtaking colors.
There’s also a stunning sculpture depicting the fall of the Titans, part of the Naples exhibition. The dynamism of the piece is impressive up close.
You’ll even find a portrait of Louis XIV, the very king who abandoned the Louvre for Versailles. Thanks to his move, we can now enjoy two magnificent palaces! The exhibition also includes his jewel box, lavishly gilded to match its dazzling contents.
The Louvre Underground & Cafés
The Louvre’s basement is a central hub connecting all the galleries, and thanks to the glass pyramid built for the bicentenary of the French Revolution, even this underground space is full of natural light. What makes the basement especially fascinating is that you can actually see traces of the Louvre’s original fortress. Remnants of medieval walls and foundations are still visible, giving you a glimpse into the building’s centuries-old history before it became a royal palace and, later, a museum.
As you’d expect from such a temple of art, even the event posters here are works of art themselves. They even sell Mona Lisa-themed desserts—the perfect photo-op for your Instagram!
Tips for Visitors
- Always book your tickets online to save time and skip the lines.
- Consider using the official audio guide for a deeper, more immersive experience—the commentary brings the Louvre’s masterpieces and their stories to life in a way that goes far beyond any quick online review.
- Explore beyond the most famous works—you’ll discover hidden gems in every corner.
- Plan your visit according to the museum’s schedule and special exhibitions.
Final Thoughts
Absolutely, the Louvre is simply unmissable on any Paris itinerary. Between its legendary artworks, breathtaking architecture, and sheer depth of history, there is so much to discover—especially if you love art, history, or simply want to stand before the world’s most iconic masterpieces.
No matter how much history or personal impressions I share, there’s truly no substitute for experiencing these treasures in person. Give yourself the time to wander, pause, and soak in the atmosphere. To truly experience the richness and wonder of the Louvre, nothing compares to seeing it for yourself.
HDND travel
Journeys, Kept Fresh
