A glass pyramid in a Baroque palace, 35,000 artworks across 60,000 square meters — the Louvre cannot be covered in one visit. The world's largest museum requires choosing.

From Fortress to Museum

In 1190 Philip II built a fortress on the Seine. In the 16th century Francis I transformed it into a palace and began collecting — bought the Mona Lisa. Revolution turned the palace into a museum in 1793.

Highlights

Mona Lisa — 77x53 cm, smaller than expected. Crowds, selfie sticks.

Venus de Milo — Greek goddess without arms, 2 meters, 2,100 years old.

Winged Victory — winged goddess of victory atop a staircase.

Secrets

Code of Hammurabi — oldest law code, 1750 BCE.

Richelieu Wing — fewer crowds, Rembrandt, Vermeer.

Practical

17 euros, free under 18. Wednesday and Friday until 21:45. Tuesday closed.