Melo Villareal
Visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris
I spent close to 16 hours aboard a flight from Manila to my destination, the minutes dragging as the plane carried me across continents. Despite the drawn-out journey, I was sustained by a growing sense of anticipation and irrepressible enthusiasm at the thought of experiencing France once again—its charming vistas, bustling cafes, and timeless allure pulling me ever forward.
Our Meetup point
It’s my second time visiting the country, but my very first time setting foot in the enchanting city of Paris. I couldn’t contain my excitement to finally explore the world-renowned City of Love, with its charming streets, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant artistic spirit. We had several days to immerse ourselves in Parisian life, and on one special day, we devoted our time to discovering the magnificent Louvre Museum. As the largest museum in the world and one of France’s most iconic landmarks, the Louvre dazzled with its sprawling halls, captivating masterpieces, and historic grandeur.
After checking in at Hotel Mercure Paris Opéra Lafayette, we left our baggage with the concierge and eagerly set out for the Louvre Museum, ready for our scheduled afternoon tour arranged by AirAsia. Stepping into the heart of Paris, we made our way to the Louvre’s grand entrance, where we gathered beneath the imposing stone archway just across from the iconic glass Louvre Pyramid gleaming in the afternoon sun. Even before stepping into the famed galleries, our eyes were drawn to an incredible masterpiece displayed nearby, offering a tantalizing preview of the stunning art collection that awaited us inside.
What to see in the Louvre Museum
Since its establishment in 1793, the Louvre Museum in Paris has become the world’s largest art museum, housing over 35,000 works from different eras. A highlight of the collection is the original Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek marble statue dating to around 150–125 BCE. Thought to represent Aphrodite (whom the Romans called Venus), this armless figure welcomes visitors just beyond the modern Louvre Pyramid entrance. Over two millennia old, the statue is a testament to timeless beauty and the museum’s unparalleled cultural legacy.
The Louvre Museum in Paris houses some of the world’s most important paintings, including the renowned Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. During my visit, I saw The Mona Lisa displayed behind a thick enclosure of bulletproof glass, an added measure for its protection due to its immense cultural value and previous incidents of vandalism. Witnessing the painting up close gave me goosebumps. Gazing into the enigmatic eyes of Mona Lisa made me appreciate da Vinci’s exceptional artistry in capturing a lifelike expression, yet preserving an aura of mystery that has fascinated viewers for centuries.
Some of the other notable artworks showcased included the bust of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a meticulously crafted Roman-era sculpture capturing the features of the prominent statesman and general; the renowned headless yet expressive sculpture, the Winged Victory of Samothrace (Nike of Samothrace), celebrated for its depiction of movement and triumph dating back to the Hellenistic period; and the painting “The Arcadian Shepherds” by Nicolas Poussin, which explores philosophical themes of mortality and the idyllic countryside through masterful Baroque composition. Each hall in the museum was curated to focus on a specific category of art, such as sculpture, painting, or antiquities.
Also on display was the Frieze of Archers, an ancient artwork originating from the palace of Darius I in Persepolis, Persia. Created on glazed bricks, the frieze depicts Persian soldiers in vibrant ceremonial dress and is noted for its intricate patterns and historical significance. Its resemblance to hieroglyphics and its enigmatic symbolism inspired a deeper curiosity in me about ancient civilizations and their artistic expressions, encouraging further exploration into the world’s history.
Deeper inside, the museum revealed endless galleries with sprawling halls lined with exquisite paintings and intricate sculptures. The high, vaulted ceilings added to the sense of grandeur, their ornate details drawing the eye upward as natural light streamed in from above. Each corridor seemed to unfold into new wings and rooms, each filled with unique works of art from different eras and cultures. Fully appreciating the breadth of the museum’s collection would have required more than a single day—it was disappointing that we only had a limited amount of time to immerse ourselves in its wonders.
When to visit the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is open to visitors every day of the week except Tuesdays, when the museum remains completely closed. Standard opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the museum extends its closing time and remains open until 9:45 PM. Please note that last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing, and certain sections may begin closing earlier.
Visiting the museum and appreciating the artworks that have witnessed thousands of years of history is an activity that transcends time. Gazing deeply into a painting, observing the play of light, color, and texture, or examining every intricate detail carved into a marble statue invites you to lose yourself in the beauty, culture, and stories behind each piece, no matter when you visit.
Our tour guide recommended visiting the museum from Wednesday to Friday, as it stays open late on these days. In the evenings, the atmosphere is calmer with fewer visitors compared to the early morning rush. This allows you to move through the galleries at your own pace, fully absorbing each artwork and even pausing in front of specific pieces for as long as you like, making it an ideal time for a truly immersive experience.
Why visit the Louvre Museum
You should visit the Louvre because it is one of the world’s most renowned museums, celebrated for its extraordinary collection of art and history. The museum’s treasures, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and countless masterpieces from ancient to modern times, make it an essential experience for any visitor. Like the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre defines Paris—no trip to the city is complete without seeing these iconic sights.
While not your usual tourist hotspot, the Louvre captivates guests with its magnificent displays. Beyond its permanent art galleries, highlights include the Tuileries Garden, the Tactile Gallery, and several other intriguing exhibitions.
With convenient amenities like a parking lot, payphones, and downloadable information maps, the museum ensures that visitors can easily navigate its large space without feeling overwhelmed.
How to get to Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is located in the heart of Paris, on the Right Bank of the Seine, at Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France. Here are the main ways to get there:
By Metro
- Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 and 7) — this is the closest station, with direct access to the museum.
- Pyramides (Line 14) — about a 5-minute walk away.
By Bus
Several bus lines stop near the museum: 21, 27, 39, 67, 68, 69, 72, 74, 85, and 95.
By Car
- An underground parking garage is located at 1 Avenue du Général Lemonier, accessible via the Galerie du Carrousel entrance.
- Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Visitors with disabilities receive a reduced parking rate.
By Foot
If you’re in central Paris, the Louvre is within walking distance of many landmarks:
- 5–10 minutes from Place de la Concorde
- 15 minutes from Notre-Dame Cathedral
- 20 minutes from Musée d’Orsay (across the Seine)
By Bike
You can use the Vélib’ public bike-sharing system — there are docking stations near the museum on Rue de Rivoli and Place du Carrousel.
Travel tips
- The museum follows a strict code regarding the entry of baggage. While there is a self-service baggage deposit area under the Louvre Pyramid, it is still advised to leave any bulky belongings in your hotel, just like we did before our visit. It would be hard to appreciate art when your mind worries about your left luggage. Women and men can bring at most a handbag.
- The museum’s official website offers downloadable guides, maps, and information materials in PDF format. They also offer a documenting app for android and iOs. Some places in the museum offer free wi-fi access.
- Also underneath the Louvre Pyramid is the Visitor Assistance Area, where visitors can borrow free walking sticks, wheelchairs, foldable chairs, and the like.
- Respect the artwork, and remember to turn the automatic flash off your phones.
The Louvre Museum
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Established: 10 August 1793
Museum Hours: 9AM–6PM
Telephone: +33 1 40 20 50 50
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