Where can I get tickets for the Louvre?
Introduction to the Musée du Louvre
The Musée du Louvre, majestically anchored in the heart of Paris, is more than just a museum. It is a symbol of the cultural and artistic history of France and of all humanity. Every year, millions of visitors from all over the world pass through its doors to admire its exceptional collections. So how do you get tickets for this French national treasure? In this article, we’ll explore the different options available to you.
Why the Louvre is a must-see
Whether you’re an art lover, a passionate historian or simply a curious tourist, the Musée du Louvre is a must-see in Paris. It’s the world’s largest museum of art and antiquities, covering more than 210,000 square meters. It boasts some 38,000 exhibits dating from prehistory to the 21st century (of the 460,000 in the museum’s collection).
The Louvre is famous for its iconic works of art such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, but it also houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, objets d’art, archaeological pieces and graphic arts from different civilizations. It is a window on the history of mankind, a truly unique and memorable experience.
Tickets for the Louvre
So, where can I find tickets for the Musée du Louvre? There are several options for purchasing your tickets, whether you prefer to buy them online, on site or via an authorized reseller.
Buying tickets on the official website
The first option – and probably the safest – is to buy your tickets directly from the Musée du Louvre’s official website. You can easily choose the date and time of your visit, pay securely and receive your tickets directly in your mailbox. This is the ideal option for those who prefer to plan their visit in advance and avoid queues at the museum entrance.
How to buy tickets online
Buying tickets on the official website is fairly straightforward. All you have to do is select the type of ticket you want (full price, reduced price, free), and the date and time of your visit. Once you’ve paid, you’ll receive an e-ticket that you can print out or present on your smartphone at the museum entrance. Don’t forget to check the conditions of use and refund policy before purchasing your tickets.
Classic ticket prices
The full price for admission to the Louvre is €17 for adults. In the event of low visitor numbers, and subject to availability, tickets can be purchased on the spot for €15 (if you’d like to take advantage of these rates without booking in advance, prefer off-peak, weekday periods). Admission is free for under-18s and EU residents aged 18 to 25. There are also other reduced rates and free tickets for certain categories of visitor, such as art and art history teachers and disabled people and their carers.
Other tickets available
Guided tours, storytelling and workshops are available from €9 to €12 in addition to the cost of admission.
To take advantage of an audioguide during your visit, charge €5 per person.
Where can I buy tickets for the Louvre?
Buy tickets on site
If you prefer spontaneous purchase, you can buy your tickets on site at the museum entrance. However, please note that the Louvre is a very popular museum, and there can be long queues, especially during the peak tourist season. In addition, due to security measures, the number of visitors is limited, so there is no guarantee that you will be able to enter the museum if you have not booked your tickets in advance.
Opening times and prices
The Musée du Louvre is open Wednesday to Monday, 9am to 6pm. From 9am to 9:45pm on Fridays. Closed on Tuesdays and certain public holidays. Ticket prices are the same as for tickets purchased online. Please note that admission is free for all visitors on the first Friday after 6pm, except in July and August.
Buying tickets via authorized resellers
You can also purchase tickets for the Louvre via authorized resellers. This is a practical option if you want to buy a tourist package that includes other attractions or services, such as a guided tour, bus or boat transport, or entry to other museums.
Best ticket resellers for the Musée du Louvre
Among the most reliable and popular ticket resellers for the Musée du Louvre are Hellotickets, GetYourGuide and Tiqets. These sites offer a variety of options for your visit, such as guided tours in different languages and special offers. However, be sure to check the reseller’s reputation and conditions of sale before purchasing your tickets.
Tips for saving on Louvre tickets
If you’re looking to save money on your Louvre tickets, there are a few tips you should know.
Free and discounted tickets
Certain visitors are entitled to free or reduced-price tickets. For example, young people under 18, EU residents aged 18 to 25, art and art history teachers, jobseekers and disabled people and their carers can enter free of charge. Non-EU teachers, artists affiliated with the Maison des Artistes and members of certain art history associations benefit from a reduced rate. Be sure to check eligibility requirements on the official museum website.
Teachers
Teachers holding an Education Pass validated and approved by their institution benefit from free access. Teachers specializing in disciplines such as art history, visual arts, applied arts, design, architecture and archaeology can also benefit from this offer upon justification of their area of expertise.
Ministry of Culture staff
Members of the Ministry of Culture, accompanied by a guest, may enter free of charge on presentation of their Carte Culture.
ICOM and ICOMOS members
ICOM and ICOMOS members have free access, on presentation of their card with the current year’s stamp.
Guides and lecturers
Guides and lecturers working for the French Ministries of Culture and Tourism or the Réunion des musées nationaux are entitled to free admission on presentation of their professional card.
Journalists
Journalists may visit the museum free of charge on presentation of their national or international press card.
Artists
Artists affiliated to the Maison des Artistes and the AIAP are entitled to free admission on presentation of their Maison des Artistes membership card with the current year’s stamp, or a certificate of affiliation to the social security scheme for visual artists and the AIAP.
Students from certain institutions
Students from the École du Louvre, the Institut National du Patrimoine, the École Nationale des Chartes and the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts de Paris are entitled to free admission.
Job-seekers
Jobseekers are entitled to free admission to the museum on presentation of a recent certificate (less than one year old) or one showing a period of validity, accompanied by proof of identity.
Recipients of minimum social benefits
Beneficiaries of minimum social benefits are entitled to free admission on presentation of a recent certificate (less than a year old) from the organization to which they belong, such as a certificate of entitlement to RSA, ASS, AME, APA, Complémentaire santé solidaire, Couverture maladie universelle, or Carte solidarité transport.
Disabled visitors
Disabled visitors and their companions are admitted free of charge.
Asylum seekers and refugees
Asylum seekers and refugees are also entitled to free admission.
Youth Judicial Protection teachers
Technical teachers from the Protection Judiciaire de la Jeunesse department can visit the museum free of charge.
Free days at the Louvre
On the first Sunday of every month from October to March, admission to the Louvre is free for all visitors. This is an excellent opportunity to visit the museum without spending a penny, but be prepared for heavy crowds.
Conclusion
The Louvre is a must-see destination for any visitor to Paris. Whether you buy your tickets online, on site or via an authorized reseller, make sure you plan your visit carefully to get the most out of this exceptional cultural experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I buy tickets for the Louvre in advance?
Yes, you can buy tickets in advance on the Louvre’s official website. It’s even recommended, as it allows you to avoid queuing at the entrance and to choose the time of your visit.
2. How much do tickets to the Louvre cost?
The full price for admission to the Louvre is 17 euros. Admission is free for under-18s and EU residents aged 18 to 25. There are also other reduced rates and free tickets for certain categories of visitor.
3. What are the opening hours of the Musée du Louvre?
The Musée du Louvre is open from Wednesday to Monday, 9am to 6pm. From 9am to 9:45pm on Fridays. Closed on Tuesdays and some public holidays.
4. Where can I buy tickets for the Louvre online?
You can buy tickets for the Musée du Louvre on the museum’s official website, or via authorized resellers such as Hellotickets, GetYourGuide, or on the official website of the Paris Ile-de-France destination.
5. Are there any free days at the Louvre?
The Musée du Louvre is free for everyone on the first Friday of the month after 6pm (except July and August) and on July 14.
Whether you’re an art fanatic, history buff or curious tourist, the Louvre offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Prepare well for your visit and enjoy your journey through art and history!
