Louvre Museum at Night
Paris is one of the hottest destinations on the face of earth if you are into all things related to art. Paris is abundant with monuments and landmarks which are not only iconic but also hold historical importance and one such attraction is the Louvre museum. It is renowned to be the world’s largest art museum and as you might expect, it attracts huge crowds during the day.
It becomes a bit chaotic even if you just want to stop and stare at an artwork. To get rid of this hurdle, the authorities have extended the Louvre night hours and that too, twice a week! Now you can be a part of the darkness and step into this world which is full of secrets and mysteries. After the sun sets, the Louvre museum at night has its own charm and provides a serene setting to soak yourself in the presence of legendary artworks, that too, with far fewer crowds!
Why Should You Visit the Louvre at Night?
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Since it is one of the major attractions in Paris, long queues at the Louvre museum during the daytime is a regular sight. Night visit hours eliminate the crowds by a fair margin as tour groups and school tours do not take place at night.
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The Louvre pyramid is a marvel in itself which shines like a beacon after the sun sets. Its futuristic architecture is even more highlighted when it’s completely lit up in the night.
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Since most of the art galleries here are lit even during the day, it wouldn’t affect your overall visiting experience even if you visit the museum at night.
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If you visit the Louvre museum at night, you will have spare time during the day to explore the other attractions and museums that Paris has on offer.
Explore Louvre Museum at Night
Louvre Museum is home to many famous artworks but Mona Lisa takes the crown as it is widely regarded as the world’s most famous painting. It is placed inside the Louvre's largest room, to give sufficient space to its admirers. The Mona Lisa is placed alongside other formidable Venetian paintings like Veronese's The Wedding Feast at Cana.
The Pyramid positioned at the centre of the courtyard will greet you at the entrance. Its archaeological structure is the mark of the Egyptian antiquities found inside the museum. The main pyramid structure is surrounded by three smaller pyramids and they all light up at night to provide a visual treat to the visitors.
Designed by Hector Lefuel, Daru Staircase is one of the cognizable figures that you can find inside the Louvre Museum. It comprises a rare and antique Greek statue of The Winged Triumph of Samothrace which is also renowned to be the Goddess of Victory. If this doesn’t excite you, this is also the same spot which worked as the backdrop for a popular hip-hop music video starring none other than Jay-Z and Beyonce.
Here’s your chance to take a deep dive in French art as this gallery is home to a wide array of paintings by renowned French artists. Some of these paintings can be traced back to more than 500 years ago! This collection includes artworks by famous artists like Rousseau, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Nicolas Poussin and Eugène Delacroix.
Take a detailed look at the luxurious and royal lifestyles of past Emperors of the French regime like Napoleon III. The Royal Apartments used to serve as the official apartment of Napoleon in the year 1861. This particular section has been curated and preserved for the past 150 years and is dotted by chandeliers, vases, portraits and other artefacts.
A remarkable Great Sphinx of Tanis is located right at the entrance to a room which is filled with Egyptian antiquities. If you don’t know what a sphinx is, it is a half-human, half-animal creature with an Egyptian ruler’s face and a lion’s body. Spanning over 5000 years of Egyptian history, one can find over 6000 works of art here.
The antiquities section of the Louvre Museum also holds a vast collection of Greek sculptures including the famous Venus de Milo. The collection has grown over time but it was all commenced by Louis XIV who displayed several of his sculptures in 1692.
During the regime of Louis XIV, the first level of this huge gallery was reserved for the showcasing of art by members of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. The Grande Galerie is now home to masterpieces by some of the most well renowned Italian maestros like Leonardo da Vinci, Arcimboldo, Mantegna, Raphael and Caravaggio, to name a few.
Plan Your Visit to the Louvre Museum
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Timings: Opening hours: The Museum stays open from Wednesdays to Mondays between 9 AM to 6 PM. Days closed: The Louvre Museum stays closed every Tuesday, January 1, May 1 and December 25.
Rules to Visit Louvre Museum
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All visitors are mandated to go through the security checks at all the museum entrances.
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Large bags and suitcases which measure more than 55 x 35 x 20 cm aren’t permitted inside the museum premises.
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If you leave any item in the locker by mistake, you ought to collect it on the same day.
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While photography is permitted inside, the use of flash and selfie sticks is prohibited.
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If you have loaned any equipment from the museum, make sure it doesn’t leave the premises.
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You are not allowed to eat, smoke, drink, touch the artworks, run, make noise inside the exhibition rooms.
FAQs About Louvre Museum
Can I visit the Louvre at night?
Yes. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum stays open till 9:45 PM and you can also avail guided tours of the Louvre at night.
Till what time is the Louvre open at night?
The Louvre Museum is open from Wednesdays to Mondays between 9 AM and 6 PM but on Wednesdays and Fridays, the time gets extended up to 9:30 PM. After that, you will have to leave the premises.
Is photography allowed inside the Louvre at night?
Yes, but you can only take photographs for personal use. However, flash lights and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited inside the premises. Moreover, there might be some sections where you cannot take any photographs.
Why should I visit the Louvre at night?
One should definitely visit the Louvre Museum at night because it looks even more beautiful when it’s completely lit up and there are far fewer crowds as well.
What can I see at the Louvre at night?
When you visit the Louvre Museum at night, taking a look at the famous artworks like Venus De Milo and Mona Lisa is a must. Moreover, don’t miss out on marvelling at the Louvre Pyramid which shines like a beacon when the sun sets.
What time should I go to the Louvre?
Prefer visiting the Louvre museum at night on Wednesdays and Fridays, after 6 PM because on these particular days, the closing time gets extended till 9:30 PM. The museum really comes into life during the night!