What to see at the Louvre in 2 Hours
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, one of the must-see attractions is the Louvre Museum. Alongside its counterpart, the Eiffel Tower, it’s hard not to be impressed with how stunning the exterior of the Louvre is. With an iconic glass Pyramid located in the center of the enormous former palace, the Louvre is made up of 3 wings, Sully, Denon & Richelieu.
Home to some of the most famous art in the world, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. But with nearly 35,000 works of art on display, it can be tough to know what to focus on. Here’s a guide to some of the key exhibits in the Louvre Museum that you won’t want to miss.
Purchasing Tickets to the Louvre
Avoid the long lengthy lines to the Louvre (especially those at the entrance of the Pyramid) and buy your tickets online. You can select in advance which time slot works best for you and your itinerary in Paris, and it will mean avoiding disappointment when the lines stretch as far as the eye can see.
Purchase your tickets for the Louvre here or check the Get Your Guide availability widget below:
Guided Tour of the Louvre
Skip the Line Guided Tour of the Louvre – Winner of the 2022 Viator Awards for the Best Guided Tour in Paris. Experience the Louvre with an art historian who will take you on a journey through the museum’s most famous artworks.
Private Guided Tour of the Louvre – The perfect private tour for a small group of friends or family to enjoy a special privately guided tour of some of the most important art works in the Louvre.
Why is the Louvre one of the most famous museums in the world?
The Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. The museum houses some of the most iconic works of art, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
In addition to these masterpieces, the Louvre also has a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and sculptures, Greek and Roman antiquities, Islamic art, and Renaissance paintings. There are also many other interesting galleries in the Louvre, such as the Galerie d’Apollon, the Salon Carré, and the collection of Islamic art. The Louvre is a must-see for anyone who loves art and history.
The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
Location: Denon Wing // Room 711
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world. Completed in the early 16th century, the painting features a portrait of a woman believed to be Leonardo’s wife, Lisa Gherardini. The Mona Lisa has been described as an “enigma,” due in part to the enigmatic expression on the subject’s face.
For centuries, scholars have speculated about the meaning of the Mona Lisa, and the painting continues to captivate viewers today. Leonardo da Vinci was a groundbreaking artist who helped to shape the course of Western art. The Mona Lisa is just one example of his genius, and it is sure to continue to inspire wonder and debate for many years to come.
Things to look out for when viewing the Mona Lisa
When viewing the Mona Lisa, visitors should take a moment to admire the painting’s enigmatic expression, which has captivated viewers for centuries.
The painting’s composition is striking, with the subject of the painting positioned off-center, while the background is composed of a landscape of distant mountains and a river in the foreground.
Visitors should also take note of the painting’s use of light, with subtle shading used to create depth and atmosphere. The painting’s colors are also remarkable, with a range of blues, greens, and yellows used to create a sense of movement and texture.
Finally, visitors should take note of the painting’s size, which is surprisingly small when compared to other paintings of its time. All these elements come together to create a painting that is truly a masterpiece.
What other Leonardo da Vinci paintings should I see at the Louvre?
In addition to the Mona Lisa, visitors to the Louvre should also take the time to view Leonardo da Vinci’s other masterpieces. These include The Virgin and Child with St. Anne, the Virgin of the Rocks, and St John the Baptist. All of these paintings are incredible examples of da Vinci’s remarkable talent, and visitors are sure to be captivated by their beauty and complexity.
Liberty Leading The People by Eugene Delacroix
Location: Denon Wing // Room 700
The painting Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix is an iconic representation of the French Revolution. The painting depicts a woman personifying liberty, brandishing a French tricolor flag, and leading a group of revolutionaries through the streets of Paris.
The painting is a powerful expression of Delacroix’s patriotism and love of freedom and is a vivid reminder of the courage and determination of the people who fought for the rights of their nation.
The painting’s composition is striking, with a mix of cool and warm colors used to create a sense of movement and energy. Liberty Leading the People is one of the most famous paintings of the 19th century and is a must-see for anyone visiting the Louvre.
The Lacemaker by Johannes Vermeer
Location: Richelieu Wing // Room 837
The Lacemaker by Vermeer is a beautiful and enigmatic painting that draws visitors into a moment of quiet contemplation. The painting depicts a young woman in a room, carefully engaged in the delicate task of lace-making.
The painting is a masterful example of Vermeer’s use of light and texture, with the light source coming from the window and creating a soft, hazy atmosphere. The painting’s composition is also striking, with a careful balance of warm and cool colors used to create a sense of depth and movement.
The Lacemaker is a truly remarkable painting, and it is easy to understand why it has captivated viewers for centuries.
Venus de Milo
Location: Sully Wing // Room 345
The Venus de Milo is one of the most famous sculptures in the world, and it is located in the Louvre museum in Paris. The sculpture is believed to have been created by the ancient Greek sculptor, Alexandros of Antioch, around 100-150 BC and was found on an archeological on the Greek island of Milos in the 19th century.
The sculpture is a representation of the Greek goddess Aphrodite (her Roman counterpart is Venus) and depicts her in a graceful pose with her body slightly twisted.
The sculpture is remarkable for its timeless beauty and skillful use of marble, and it is easy to understand why it has captivated viewers for centuries.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace
Location: Denon Wing // Room 703
The Winged Victory of Samothrace, also known as the Nike of Samothrace, is a marble sculpture of the goddess Nike (Victory).
It is one of the most famous sculptures in the world and is considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of Greek art. The sculpture dates back to the 2nd century BC and was discovered in 1863 on the Greek island of Samothrace. It is currently on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace is widely regarded as an enduring symbol of victory and power.
Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss
Location: Denon Wing // Room 403
Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss is an incredible marble sculpture created by Antonio Canova in 1793. The sculpture depicts the mythological story of Cupid awakening Psyche from a deep sleep with a kiss. The sculpture is remarkable for its sensuousness, with the figures of Cupid and Psyche entwined in an intimate embrace.
The sculpture is also notable for its use of classical elements, with Psyche’s wings and Cupid’s bow and arrow creating a dynamic composition. Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss is a must-see for anyone visiting the Louvre.
Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss is one of my favorite sculptures of all time. Every time I visit the Louvre, I make sure to visit this statue and am usually transfixed for several moments as I lay eyes upon it. It’s such a romantic and tender moment between Cupid and Psyche that it almost feels as if you are intruding upon them.
The Wedding Feast at Cana
Location: Denon Wing // Room 711
The Wedding Feast at Cana is a large painting by the artist Paolo Veronese, which was first displayed in 1563. The painting depicts the biblical story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. The painting is remarkable for its size and detail, with a large crowd of over 120 figures depicted in the painting.
The painting also showcases Veronese’s use of vibrant colors and his skill in composition, with a dramatic sense of movement and perspective. The Wedding Feast at Cana is a truly remarkable painting and is a must-see for anyone visiting the Louvre
The Intervention of the Sabine Women
Location: Denon Wing // Room 702
The Sabine women were a group of women who, according to Roman legend, intervened to stop a war between the Romans and the Sabines. The story goes that the Sabines had come to Rome to snatch up some young Roman maidens for their own husbands.
The Romans, of course, were not about to let this happen, so they declared war on the Sabines. In the midst of the battle, the Sabine women rushed onto the battlefield and begged their respective husbands and fathers to stop fighting.
This intervention is said to have brought about peace between the two groups. While the historical veracity of this story is questionable, it nonetheless highlights the important role that women have played in stopping warfare throughout history.
From ancient times to the present day, women have often been at the forefront of peace movements, using their voices and their bodies to resist violence and call for an end to hostilities. The remarkable ‘Intervention of the Sabine Women’ by Jacques-Louis David is a must when visiting the Louvre.
How to Prepare for a visit to the Louvre
When preparing for a visit to the Louvre, it is important to plan ahead. Visitors should read up on the museum’s collections and exhibits, and decide which ones they would like to see. It is also helpful to purchase tickets in advance, as this will save visitors time and hassle.
Visitors should also wear comfortable shoes, as the museum is very large and can take a few hours to explore. Finally, visitors should also be aware of the museum’s security measures, as backpacks and large bags are not allowed.
When buying tickets for the Louvre, it is best to purchase them in advance, as this will save time and hassle. Visitors should also consider buying a combination ticket, which will allow them to visit multiple museums and attractions around Paris. Finally, visitors should also be aware of the museum’s security measures, and make sure they have valid identification when they arrive.
How to get to the Louvre
The Louvre is easily accessible by public transportation.
The closest metro stations are Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre on Line 1, and Les Halles on Line 4.
Visitors can also take the RER A train to the Châtelet – Les Halles station, which is located near the Louvre. Additionally, there are several bus lines that run near the Louvre, and there are also taxi and bike-sharing services available.
