The Louvre pyramid, Paris
Europe, France, Read About Can't Miss Places

The Louvre: Palace History, Famous Art & Visitor Guide

Amy French the Roaming Historian

**For more updated information, check out my blog: Ultimate Louvre Museum Guide (2027): Tickets, Tours, and Expert Tips

Louvre Palace History with Tips and Pics

When I approach the Louvre my heart races. Before I set eyes on one painting or sculpture, I feast on the biggest work of all—the building itself. The renowned Paris Louvre has a palatial history far pre-dating its current iteration as an art museum. The building has experienced many architectural transformations from its earliest days in 1190 when Philippe Auguste ordered construction of a fortress on the banks of the Seine.

As the city grew, the Louvre no longer stood prominently in a defensive position. Under Charles V then, the Louvre became a royal residence and his architect, Raymond du Temple, constructed grand staircases and elaborate windows (1364-1369). In 1527, François I inaugurated a new phase of building (remnants of the medieval structure can be seen today). The creation of the Tuileries (Catherine de Medici) once again caused a rethinking of the Louvre and the two palaces were eventually connected.

Throughout the years, famed artists such as Bernini had their hands in its design and the Louvre continued to grow in size and elegance. Under the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the Louvre saw magnificent embellishments including the Galerie d’Apollon (reminds me of Versailles). By the 18th century, the Louvre became less of a royal palace and more of a place exalting the arts and sciences. When Louis XVI was king, the Louvre started exhibiting royal paintings to the public.

During the French Revolution, it became a formal museum and opened its doors on August 10, 1793. Its collections grew as the new republic seized the estates of French nobles. The campaigns, especially Egyptian, of Napoleon I further enhanced the museum’s holdings.

Today, the frescoed ceilings, paneled walls, gilded moldings, and marbled interiors of this 403-room (according to pocket guide, I didn’t count) palace are a perfect place to contemplate the treasures within. I encourage you to travel there yourself and embrace the Louvre’s palace history, as well as its fabulous holdings.

Louvre Tips and  Tricks:

  • There are long lines at this famed Paris art gallery, but Paris Museum Pass holders can avoid those lines for Louvre tickets and still enter through the famed pyramid. Alternatively, the entrance at the Porte des Lions has less traffic, but is not always open so check before you go. Also, I avoid days when admission is waived, since the museum has larger crowds.
  • Taking a tour, like one offered by LivTours or The Tour Guy (links below), saves time wasted standing in line and gives you a specialized guide to show you the highlights of the museum
  • Pick a few pieces that you must see and view those. The Louvre can be overwhelming and you might hit a point of diminishing return where the more you see, the less you are able to appreciate it. Make a plan to come back. I follow this little piece of advice with every art museum—I’m able to have my fill without feeling like I overindulged.

FAQ

Why is the Louvre so famous?

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and one of Paris’s most visited attractions. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace, inside a palace with more than 800 years of history.

Was the Louvre originally a palace?

No. The Louvre began as a medieval fortress built in the late twelfth century before becoming a royal residence. Following the French Revolution, it was transformed into a public museum in 1793.

What are the most famous works of art in the Louvre?

  • Mona Lisa
  • Venus de Milo
  • Winged Victory of Samothrace
  • Liberty Leading the People
  • The Raft of the Medusa
  • The Coronation of Napoleon

How much time should you spend at the Louvre?

Most visitors spend three to five hours exploring the museum. Art lovers could easily spend an entire day.

Is the Louvre the world’s largest museum?

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and contains hundreds of thousands of objects, with tens of thousands on display at any given time.

Should I take a guided tour of the Louvre?

If it’s your first visit, a guided tour can help you navigate the enormous museum efficiently while providing historical context and insight into its most famous masterpieces. Even if it’s not your first time, a guided tour can be a valuable purchase.

Here are some interesting tours to consider:

LivTours (save 10% off two or more tours with our links and code AMYRH10)

Paris: https://livtours.com/destinations/paris-tours?af_code=E1DDN61

Mona Lisa First Viewing—Louvre Museum Semi-Private Tour: https://livtours.com/tours/mona-lisa-first-viewing-semi-private-louvre-tour?af_code=E1DDN61

Louvre Semi-Private Tour: https://livtours.com/tours/mona-lisa-first-viewing-semi-private-louvre-tour?af_code=E1DDN61

Tour Guy

Paris: https://tidd.ly/4fqDk96

Secrets of the Louvre with Mona Lisa: https://tidd.ly/4wl5Vm9

Semi-Private Express Louvre Tour:  https://tidd.ly/3TWrgE8

Louvre at Closing Time with Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo: https://tidd.ly/4bL1jxs

Semi-Private Louvre Tour with Mona Lisa: https://tidd.ly/4yDT1S5

GetYourGuide Paris Mona Lisa and Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access: https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/quick-entrance-louvre-museum-3-hour-tour-t10505/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher

Viator Louvre Tours: https://www.viator.com/Paris-attractions/Louvre-Museum/d479-a73?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

Can you buy Louvre tickets at the door?

Sometimes, but advance reservations are strongly recommended because many dates and entry times sell out.

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

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The Louvre, Paris
The Louvre, Paris
The Louvre pyramid, Paris
Venus de Milo
The Louvre, Paris
The Louvre, Paris
The Louvre, Paris
Mona Lisa
The Wedding Feast at Cana
Consecration of Napoleon I and Coronation of Empress Josephine, Jacques Louis David
The Raft of Medusa
Liberty Leading the People
Louvre, Paris
Louvre, Paris
Louvre, Paris
Louvre, Paris
Pyramid Louvre

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3 thoughts on “The Louvre: Palace History, Famous Art & Visitor Guide”

  1. There’s so much to love in the Louvre! Related tip – if you can come at an off hour – when it first opens on a weekday, go straight to the popular sections, since the crowds will come pouring in soon.

    The Mona Lisa was sooo much smaller than I realized it would be. I had heard it was small, but was somehow still surprised.

    Also, you can spend weeks in Paris and not get through every museum. We decided to pick a few so we didn’t get “museumed out”.

    Reply

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