Paris Independent Travel | Louvre Museum Complete Guide: 8 Must-See Exhibits, Tickets, Transportation, and Visiting Routes

Do you know which museum is the most famous in the world? The answer is undoubtedly the Louvre Museum located in Paris, France! This magnificent palace, with a history of over 200 years, houses art treasures from ancient Egypt to the 19th century, attracting over ten million visitors every year. KINNSO editors have carefully selected the top 10 must-see exhibits at the Louvre, and compiled the latest transportation, ticket information, and visiting tips, allowing you to easily explore the Louvre and not miss any amazing exhibits!

The Louvre Museum, full name in French Le Musée du Louvre, is located on the north bank of the Seine River in central Paris, France. It's one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. It was built in the 12th century as a castle and underwent several renovations and expansions before opening to the public as a museum on August 10, 1793. Today, the museum covers over 70,000 square meters with more than 380,000 artifacts, making it a treasure trove of human artistic civilization.

- The Louvre Museum is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 9:00 to 18:00 at other times, and extended until 21:45 on Wednesdays and Fridays. - General admission to the Louvre Museum is €17, free for those under 18 years old, with discounts available for online booking. - To avoid crowds, it is recommended to enter at opening time or in the late afternoon for the best experience. - Security checks are strict at the entrance of the Louvre Museum, please do not bring suitcases or large items to avoid delays. - Eating, smoking, and making loud noises are prohibited inside the Louvre Museum, please be sure to abide by the regulations during your visit.

The address of the Louvre Museum is: **Musée du Louvre** **75001 Paris, France** Located on the banks of the Seine in central Paris, near the Tuileries Garden. Transportation: 1. Take the metro lines 1 or 7 to Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre station, and the Louvre Museum is right in front of you. 2. Take the metro line 14 to Pyramides station, a 5-minute walk will take you there.

One of the three giants of the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci's immortal masterpiece - "Mona Lisa's Smile," is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the Louvre Museum. This enigmatic smiling woman with exquisite and three-dimensional features and a mysterious smile on her lips has attracted countless people to worship and admire her. Mona Lisa is recognized as da Vinci's greatest work and the world's most famous painting, regarded as one of "the Three Great Works of Art". It attracts tens of thousands of visitors every day. Visiting Tips: "Mona Lisa" is located in Room 6 of the Italian Painting Gallery on the first floor. It is recommended to go there as soon as the museum opens, otherwise you will likely be crowded. In addition, since the size of Mona Lisa is actually quite small, only 53 x 77 cm, don't imagine it to be too large, so as not to be disappointed!

Yes, the Louvre also has other Venus sculptures, such as this "Venus de Milo". Although she is also dismembered and arm-less, her elegant and composed posture still conveys Venus's charm. She is nude from the waist up and wears a flowing long skirt on the lower body. Her hips are slightly tilted back, and her weight rests on her right foot, presenting a sturdy and graceful figure. Compared to the previous two Venuses, the Venus de Milo appears more elegant, aloof, and with a cool expression.

Another masterpiece, a colossal sculpture towering at 3.2 meters! The "Winged Victory of Samothrace" portrays the goddess of victory in a unique and powerful style, taking flight with her wings outstretched. Compared to the gentle and graceful Venus de Milo, this Winged Victory is more resolute and spirited. With one foot planted on the prow of a ship and her garments billowing in the wind, she seems poised for takeoff, symbolizing the triumph of the ancient Greek navy. The statue's majestic form and rigorous structure are widely regarded as the pinnacle of Hellenistic sculpture. Visitor Tips: "The Winged Victory of Samothrace" stands at the foot of the Denon Staircase in the Louvre Museum, a must-see for most visitors. If you want to capture a solo shot without the crowds, it's best to head straight there as soon as the museum opens!

Speaking of the Egyptian wing's treasure, this mysterious Sphinx is undoubtedly it! Its human-headed lion body and enigmatic smile have captivated people for millennia as they seek its secrets. This Sphinx statue stands about 2 meters tall and was carved from a single piece of red granite. It is remarkably well preserved, with elongated limbs, distinct muscle lines, and showcases the superb craftsmanship of Egyptian sculpture. Visiting Tip: The Louvre's collection of Egyptian artifacts ranks among the top three in the world! Besides the Sphinx, there are other rare treasures like the sarcophagus of Sekhmet and the Stele of Seti I, each with a significant history. However, many people miss the Sphinx because it is placed in an inconspicuous corner (Hall D4). You can start your visit from Hall D1 and follow the order to experience the enduring charm of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Dubbed one of the "Top Ten Paintings in the World," Delacroix's masterpiece "Liberty Leading the People" depicts the 1830 French July Revolution on a grand scale of 6.25 meters. At the center of the painting is Liberty, a goddess holding the French flag and dressed in a yellow robe. In her left hand, she holds a musket high, leading the crowd forward with fierce determination. The painting's vibrant colors and dynamic lines perfectly embody the romantic revolutionary fervor. This magnificent historical painting is not only a representative work of Romanticism but also an enduring symbol of defending freedom and resisting oppression. Visiting Tip: "Liberty Leading the People" is located in Hall 77 at the French Painting Museum. Delacroix's "Massacre at Chios" is also nearby and worth admiring together.

David's masterpiece depicts Napoleon's coronation at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on December 2, 1804. Measuring 6.21 meters wide and 9.79 meters high, it captures the solemn grandeur of the occasion with Napoleon crowning his wife Josephine kneeling before him. With meticulous detail, David brings to life the expressions of numerous historical figures present that day, making it a quintessential work of Neoclassical painting. This monumental canvas is also one of the Louvre's most popular exhibits. Visitor Tip: "Napoleon's Coronation" is located in Gallery 75 of the Italian Painting Collection. The same area houses several other masterpieces by David, well worth spending half a day to appreciate carefully.

This masterpiece by the Venetian Renaissance master Titian is considered his greatest achievement. Measuring 6.66 meters wide and 9.9 meters high, it is one of the largest oil paintings in Europe. Titian spent two years completing this painting, depicting over 130 guests as he recreated the scene of Jesus performing his first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana, turning water into wine. Visiting tip: "The Wedding at Cana" deserves a five-star rating! It is hanging in Hall 711 of the Italian Pavilion. This hall also displays masterpieces by other Venetian school giants like Titian and Giorgione. The romantic and delicate tones and enigmatic figures are deeply charming and well worth savoring slowly.

When it comes to the most breathtaking artwork in the Louvre, "The Raft of the Medusa" is undoubtedly the one that steals the show! This grand masterpiece, painted by 19th-century Romantic master Théodore Géricault, measures an impressive 4.91 meters high and 7.16 meters wide. It not only serves as a quintessential example of Romanticism but also reflects the prevailing pessimism in French society following the Revolution. The shipwreck depicted in the painting serves as an allegory for France's internal and external struggles, as well as the widespread discontent among its citizens. Through his own personal trauma, Géricault has awakened the collective memory of the nation, transforming this monumental work into a poignant footnote of history. **Tips for your visit:** "The Raft of the Medusa" is located in room 700 on the first floor of the Denon Wing. This room showcases some of the greatest oil paintings from the 19th century, including Ingres' "The Fountain" and Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People". It is recommended to spend 1-2 hours admiring the artistic feast of Romanticism, Neoclassicism, and Realism that flourishes in this era. By delving into the historical context behind these paintings, you will gain a deeper understanding of the social realities of this tumultuous 19th century.