Summary of Key Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum
Visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris can be overwhelming and provoke a kind of sensory and intellectual overload if you attempt to take in too much.
Especially on a first visit, tourists end up making some very common mistakes and feeling drained or claustrophobic. Therefore, it’s vital to learn how not to approach an excursion to the world-famous museum. Follow these basic tips on how to take on this mammoth of a museum, and you will likely come away with a much more enriching and satisfying experience.
Before you make your trip, remember to purchase an entry ticket online or at the museum. You will have to pick a date and time, and once you leave the museum, you cannot re-enter.
Don’t Try to See Everything in One Day
It’s all too easy to suffer from sudden burnout when visiting the Louvre, given the museum’s collection of 35,000 works of art and eight massive curatorial departments.
While it’s tempting to try to conquer the collections in a single day, this strategy is often counterproductive. Instead, start by browsing the collections online before your visit and decide on one or two wings to focus on. You can also choose a thematic trail to concentrate on specific periods or artistic schools. Consequently, this approach will make your experience much more enjoyable and enriching.
Avoid the Crowds by Choosing Non-Peak Hours
The Louvre currently boasts an average of over eight million visitors per year, making it clear why avoiding peak times is essential for a more in-depth experience with the collections. It is wise to avoid weekends and the first Sunday of the month, when admission is free for all visitors. Although this option may seem appealing, if you prefer an enjoyable visit without the hassle of large crowds, it’s advisable to plan your visit during quieter times.
Take a Tour
The Louvre’s collections are rich and complex. Therefore, opting for a guided tour can be beneficial, particularly for first-time visitors. The Louvre offers a variety of guided tours tailored to meet different interests, including those suitable for children, families, and even thematic gallery talks focusing on specific artistic movements or highlights.
Don’t Just See the Mona Lisa
On initial visits, many guests make a beeline for the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. While this is understandable, it is crucial not to overlook some equally remarkable treasures housed at the museum.
Some of these hidden gems include exploring the Louvre’s medieval foundations, the masterpieces of Islamic art, the recently renovated Apollo Gallery, and the Babylonian tablet known as the Hammurabi Code.
Don’t Neglect to Read up Before Visiting
As previously mentioned, walking through the Louvre for an extended period can induce sensory overload. One effective way to avoid burnout during your visit is to explore virtual tours of the collections and read about the museum’s history and its highlights ahead of time. This preparation will enhance your experience by providing meaningful context during your visit, allowing you to focus on enjoying the works themselves.
