Louvre Museum & Tuileries

News & exhibitions

Updated automatically from the venue’s official sources and the press.

• Zurbarán exhibition at the Louvre

  Musée du Louvre · 04/10/2026

History of the place

The former palace of the French kings houses collections from antiquity to the 19th century. Choose a few departments rather than trying to see everything, then pause among the sculptures and ponds of the Tuileries Garden.

The Louvre began as a fortress under Philip Augustus in the late 12th century. Gradually transformed into a royal residence, it was enlarged across successive reigns, notably during the Renaissance. The remains of the medieval Louvre still recall its defensive origins.

The museum opened in 1793 during the Revolution. Its collections span ancient civilisations and many European artistic traditions. Inaugurated in 1989, architect I. M. Pei’s pyramid reorganised visitor access. To the west, the Tuileries continue the visit through a garden created in the 16th century and later redesigned by André Le Nôtre.

Visiting tips

1. 01

   Pick two or three priorities, such as Egyptian antiquities, Greek sculpture or painting, rather than attempting every gallery.

2. 02

   Book a time slot and check which galleries are open: works may be on loan or temporarily unavailable.

3. 03

   If you want to see the Mona Lisa, expect crowds and keep time for the other collections.

4. 04

   Finish in the Tuileries: garden access and opening times are separate from the museum’s.