Everything You Need to Know About Louvre Opening Hours
Currently, the Louvre Museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Fridays offer extended hours until 9.45 pm. However, Tuesdays are dedicated to maintenance and new exhibit installations, so the museum remains closed.
Additionally, the Louvre is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Please note that special dates like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve may have shorter operating hours (9 am to 5 pm).
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| Day of Week | Timings | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 9 am to 6 pm | 5 pm |
| Monday | 9 am to 6 pm | 5 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed | – |
| Wednesday | 9 am to 6 pm | 5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am to 6 pm | 5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am to 9.45 pm | 8.45 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am to 6 pm | 5 pm |
What time is the last entry for the Louvre Museum?
The Louvre Museum’s last entry is at 5 PM, one hour before closing. While you can technically enter then, it’s not recommended.
Why? Room closures start 30 minutes before closing, leaving you with limited time to explore the vast collection.
Instead, plan your visit when you have more time. In this way, you can fully appreciate the art and get the most out of your Louvre ticket.
For those looking to take a stroll after the exhibition, the Tuileries Garden, also known as the Louvre Garden, is conveniently located just 674 meters (0.42 miles) east of the Louvre Museum.
Tuileries Garden Opening Hours
The Tuileries Garden is open daily from 7.30 am until 7.30 pm from January to March, and October to December.
During these months, visitors can explore the garden from early morning until late evening.
From June to August, the garden’s hours are extended to 7 am to 11 pm, allowing visitors to enjoy it during the long summer days and evenings.
From April to September, the Tuileries Garden is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm, giving visitors over 12 hours to enjoy the garden’s greenery, sculptures, and fountains.
Entrance to the garden is free of charge. All visitors are kindly asked to vacate the premises 30 minutes before the posted closing time each day.
Best Time To Visit Louvre Museum
Most guidebooks recommend arriving early at 9 am when the Louvre museum opens to beat the rush.
But many others read the same advice, resulting in long queues in the morning.
A better strategy is to visit after 3 pm when some of the morning crowds have dispersed.
Even better options are Friday evenings, when the Louvre stays open late until 9.45 pm, giving visitors plenty of time to see highlights without massive crowds.
By around 6 pm, all guided tours and school groups have left, allowing for a more serene viewing of the masterpieces.
Seasoned art lovers also prefer visiting at night to appreciate the works without huge crowds jostling for space.
Also, it’s best not to visit the Louvre Museum after 6 pm on the first Friday of the month. Since free admission is offered.
So in summary, the best time to visit Louvre Museum is after 3 pm on any day or evening from 6 pm on Fridays for minimal crowds.
đź’ˇ Traveler Tip
Steer clear of the Louvre on Mondays! With the nearby MusĂ©e d’Orsay closed that day, its usual 8,000 visitors flock to the Louvre, creating longer lines and bigger crowds.
Opt for another day for a smoother and less crowded Louvre experience.
FAQs
Is Louvre open all days?
The Louvre Museum is open every day of the week from 9 am to 6 pm, with the exception of Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Is the Louvre free after 6 pm?
The Louvre is generally not free after 6 pm, except on the first Friday of the month (except July to August) and on July 14th (Bastille Day) when entry is free after 6 pm for everyone. So, while free after 6pm on specific days, it’s not always the case.
Which day is Louvre not busy?
The Louvre Museum is typically less busy on Fridays, especially during the evening hours.
On these days, the museum is open until 9.45 pm, and visitors have reported that the evenings are known for being less busy, providing a chance to have a more pleasant and uncrowded experience.
Are there any closing days at Musee du Louvre?
Yes, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
What is the best time of day to go to the Louvre?
If you want to avoid crowd, the best time of the day to visit Louvre Museum is after 3 pm.
Are there any special opening hours?
Yes, the Louvre has extended hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve (9 am to 5 pm).
What time should I arrive at Louvre to avoid lines?
Arriving after 3 pm can help you avoid morning peak crowds at Louvre Museum.
You can also opt for Porte des Lions entrance which has shorter queues. But aim to arrive before 5.30 pm.
Featured Image: Louvre.fr