The Louvre: History, Collections, and Visitor Guide

The Louvre (Musée du Louvre) in Paris, France, is the world's most-visited art museum. Originally a 12th-century fortress, it became a royal palace before opening as a public museum in 1793.

Key Facts

• Location: Right Bank, 1st arrondissement, Paris.
• Collection: 380,000+ objects; 35,000 on display. Spans prehistory to 1848.
• Icons: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Liberty Leading the People.
• Visitors: ~10 million annually.
• Hours: Daily except Tuesday, 9 am–6 pm (extended Fri to 9:45 pm).
• Free Entry: First Sunday Oct–Mar; under 18; EU residents 18–25.
• Website: louvre.fr (buy timed tickets online).

The Louvre is a cultural monument embodying French heritage and global art history.