I.M. Pei Pyramid vs. Carrousel vs. Lions vs. Richelieu: Choosing the Best Louvre Entrance
Tired of staring at the back of someone’s head while waiting in line for the Louvre? You’re not alone.
Millions flock to this iconic museum every year, creating long lines that can eat up valuable vacation time.
But fear not, the Louvre holds a secret weapon: multiple entrances beyond the iconic Pyramid.
Each offers its own advantages, so ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and choose the entrance that fits your style.
So, let us unlock this secret and guide you to the quickest, most convenient way to Mona Lisa’s smile.
Louvre Museum Entrances
The Louvre has four entrances, and here’s everything you need to know about each one to help you choose the path to a smoother entry.
Louvre Entrances Explained: Accessibility, Location, & What to Expect
1. I.M. Pei Pyramid Entrance
This is the main entrance of the Louvre Museum, located at the base of the famous glass pyramid structure.
It has two separate lines, one for visitors with tickets or a Paris Museum Pass and another for those without tickets.
Choosing the Pyramid entrance can provide fast access for those in a group or with an annual membership, as the line for ticket visitors is typically shorter.
Address: Pyramid du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris, France
From July through September, the Louvre Museum’s I.M. Pei Pyramid entrance is open from 9 am to 6 pm.
It is closed on Tuesdays, as the Louvre remains closed on that day.
The average wait time is up to 10 minutes for visitors with tickets and over 1 hour for those without tickets.
It is advisable to arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during peak visitation periods
The Pyramid entrance is accessible from the Palais Royal Musée du Louvre Metro station, and visitors can also use buses 21, 69, 72, N11, or N24 to reach the entrance.
2. Carrousel du Louvre Entrance (Temporarily Closed)
The Carrousel du Louvre entrance is often referred to as “the mall entrance to the Louvre” and is the easiest to access from the outside.
It is located in the underground shopping center and is often less crowded than the Pyramid entrance, but expect security and ticket purchase lines.
Accessible to all, including disabled visitors, groups, and those with tickets or memberships.
You should definitely check it out; it is close to the sculpture garden.
Address: 99, rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
The Carousel Entrance is open from 9 am to 6 pm, except on Tuesdays when the Louvre remains closed.
As of 2020, the Carrousel du Louvre entrance is temporarily closed, and only the Pyramid access is functional for entry and exit
The average wait time at the Carrousel du Louvre entrance of the Louvre Museum is up to 30 minutes
The Carrousel du Louvre entrance of the Louvre Museum can be reached by taking the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro Line 1 and 7.
Since the entrance is at 99 Rue de Rivoli, it is easily accessible from Palais Royal. It is also possible to reach the entrance by walking down Rue de Rivoli.
3. Passage Richelieu Entrance
Passage Richelieu is reserved for groups and visitors with membership cards, such as Amis du Louvre, Louvre Pro, and Ministère de la Culture.
This entrance provides fast access for groups and members, allowing for a more efficient and pleasant experience for visitors.
It is located on Rue de Rivoli, close to the sculpture garden, and is worth considering for those who are eligible to use it.
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris
The Musee du Louvre’s Passage Richelieu entrance is open from 9 am to 6 pm, although it closes at 5.30 pm.
The average waiting time at the Passage Richelieu Entrance of the Louvre is up to 15 minutes.
Hence, making it a great way to save time and skip the crowds before entering the Louvre.
The Passage Richelieu entrance is accessible from the Palais Royal Musée du Louvre Metro station, and visitors can also use buses 21, 69, 72, N11, or N24 to reach the entrance.
4. Porte des Lions Entrance
The Porte des Lions entrance of the Louvre Museum is located on Quai des Tuileries, just east of Pont Royal.
This entrance is less crowded than the Pyramid entrance and is located in the internal part of the Louvre.
It is worth considering for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful entrance to the museum.
Address: Quai François Mitterrand, 75001 Paris.
The Porte des Lions entrance is open from 9 am to 6 pm, except on Tuesdays when the Louvre remains closed.
The average wait time at the Porte des Lions entrance of the Louvre Museum is up to 30 minutes
The Porte des Lions entrance is accessible from the Palais Royal Musée du Louvre Metro station, and visitors can also use buses 21, 69, 72, N11, or N24 to reach the entrance.
The Verdict: Which Louvre entrance is best?
For a swifter and less crowded entry, ditch the iconic Louvre pyramid and head to the Porte des Lions entrance.
Situated in the Denon wing (south side), it operates from 9 am to 5:30 pm and also has minimal queues.
Follow the Seine from the pyramid, turn right before the garden archway, and two lion statues will guide you to the entrance.
Plus, the Porte des Lions entrance is closest to Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa on the first floor, room six.
Frequently Asked Questions About Entrances
How many entrances does the Louvre have?
The Louvre features four entrances: the I. M. Pei Pyramid, the Carrousel du Louvre, the
Passage Richelieu, and the Porte des Lions.
Are all the entrances to the Louvre currently accessible?
Currently, three entrances are accessible: the I. M. Pei Pyramid, the Carrousel du Louvre, and the Passage Richelieu. The Porte des Lions is temporarily closed.
Which entrance is recommended for Louvre visitors holding tickets?
Ticket holders should use the I. M. Pei Pyramid or the Carrousel du Louvre entrance.
Where should visitors without tickets enter the Louvre?
Those without tickets are advised to enter through the I. M. Pei Pyramid.
Which Louvre entrance is closest to Mona Lisa?
The Porte des Lions Entrance of the Louvre is closed to the Mona Lisa.
Which entrances are suitable for visitors with disabilities?
The I. M. Pei Pyramid and the Carrousel du Louvre entrances are most accessible for visitors with disabilities.
What entrances should group visitors use at the Louvre?
Groups are directed to use the Carrousel du Louvre or the Passage Richelieu entrances.
Where do Louvre members enter the museum?
Louvre members, including Amis du Louvre and others, should enter through the Passage Richelieu entrance.
Which entrance is for those attending an event in the Louvre’s auditorium?
Attendees of auditorium events should enter through the Passage Richelieu.
Featured Images: Louvre.fr