The history of the Musee du Louvre can be traced back to the end of the 12th century. Since then, it has always been an important fortress and royal palace of France until it was transformed into a museum and opened to the public in 1793. In the late 1980s, after being designed and renovated by the architectural master Ieoh Ming Pei, the classic and modern elements were combined. Now it is one of the most famous museums in the world, with a rich collection of history and art.
Today, the Louvre houses over 38,000 artworks, including artistic treasures such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and even ancient Egyptian statues. Whether you are an art lover or a history enthusiast, every painting, sculpture and artifact in the Louvre can take you through time and allow you to experience the cultural essence of different eras.
Visiting Guide: The Louvre Museum is vast and full of treasures, so it is recommended to plan your route in advance. You can choose to focus on certain exhibition areas, such as ancient Egyptian art, European art during the Renaissance, etc. Due to the rich variety and unique features of the exhibits, one day is often not enough to visit all of them. It is recommended to make reasonable arrangements to avoid fatigue during the tour. If time permits, don’t forget to take a photo under the glass pyramid of the Louvre. It has become one of the iconic and popular check-in spots in Paris.
Opening hours: The Louvre is usually open on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The opening hours on Wednesday and Friday are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. In addition, during holidays or when certain exhibitions or areas within the museum have special opening hours, it is recommended to check the official website in advance for the latest information.
Nearby attractions
Duleli Garden
The Jardin des Tuileries is one of the oldest public gardens in Paris, located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Its history can be traced back to 1564, when it was commissioned by Catherine de ‘Medici to be built as an annex garden of the Tuileries Palace. Today, this place has become an oasis for Parisians and tourists to relax and unwind. Not only can they feel the weight of history, but also enjoy exquisite art installations, making the garden possess the dual charm of nature and art. In addition, there are many sculptures and fountains scattered throughout the garden, which are worth admiring carefully. It is recommended to bring a cup of coffee or a sandwich for a genuine Parisian picnic experience.
The garden is open free of charge all year round, usually from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (the exact time varies by season). It is recommended to go in the morning or evening. This way, you can avoid the peak hours of the crowd and also enjoy the gentlest light of the day.
Orange Garden Art Museum
The Musee de l ‘orangerie is a museum of great significance to me, because it was here 😄 that my wife and I had our first date.
It is a gem that art lovers cannot miss, located at the western end of the Tuileries Garden in Paris. This building was constructed in 1852 and was originally used to protect the orange trees in the Tuileries Garden. After World War I, the orange grove was transformed by Georges Clemenceau into an art museum. It has now become an art palace showcasing masterpieces of Impressionism and post-Impressionism. The most enchanting one is undoubtedly Monet’s “Water Lilies” series. This awe-inspiring large-scale painting is displayed in an oval-shaped exhibition hall specially designed for him, as if one were in Monet’s garden.
In addition to Monet’s “Water Lilies”, the museum also houses masterpieces by Renoid, Cezanne, Picasso and other great artists. It is recommended to start your visit with “Water Lilies” and then explore the collections on other floors. The museum is of moderate size. One to two hours are sufficient for a careful appreciation, making it suitable for tourists with tight travel schedules.
The Orange Garden Art Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. On Fridays, it is extended to 9 p.m. Additionally, it is closed on Tuesdays. The full-price adult ticket is 12.5 euros. There are discounts for group visits. Students under 18 and 26 years old and under are free. For more details, please refer to the official website of the Orange Orchard
The Royal Gardens of Paris
The Jardin du Palais Royal in Paris was built in the 17th century and was the private courtyard of the French royal family at that time. Nowadays, it has become an ideal place for citizens and tourists to relax. The garden is renowned for its symmetrical design, neatly trimmed hedges and fountain square, especially the installation art “Les Colonnes de Buren” created by Daniel Buren, which adds a modern touch to this historical site.
The best part is that the Palace Garden and the Louvre are just a stone’s throw away. They are open to the public for free all year round. It is recommended to take a stroll after visiting the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden.