Explore the Louvre Museum : night visit
Explore the Louvre Museum differently with a night visit.Nighttime outings at the Louvre.The conditions are perfect when you visit the Louvre in the evening. Each Friday ( as of July 1st,2022), the most famous of Parisian museums extends its hours of operation to 9:45 pm. It gives culture enthusiasts an opportunity to discover or rediscover their favorite galleries in a special atmosphere.
Suggested itinerary for an evening tour of the Louvre
Begin your visit with a refresher on the building's history, from its medieval remnants to its glass pyramids, which seem even all the more symbolic as they glint in the moonlight. Next, head to the gallery devoted to Greek art, where you will find two masterpieces known throughout the world: Winged Victory and the Venus de Milo. Continue exploring the Louvre by night in the Italian art gallery, where you can take your time and get close looks at the greatest works of Veronese and Da Vinci. After checking out famous 19th century French paintings (including Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People), admire the Italian sculptures of Canova and Michelangelo. The peace and quiet at night allow visitors to enjoy some of the most heavily trafficked galleries and to take in excellent perspectives of the museum.
The exhibition "Pharaoh of the Two Lands, the African epic of the kings of Napata" is open at night on Friday evenings until 10 pm on reservation until July 25th.
Why should you visit the Louvre Museum by night?
There are many reasons to take advantage of visiting the Louvre at night. The biggest reason is the low visitor volume. You are unlikely to have the galleries all to yourself, but it will be close! Another reason is the mystical and mysterious ambiance lent by the cover of night. At 6:00 pm, as most French museums are shutting their doors for the day, you are just embarking upon your discovery of one of Europe's most beautiful museums. The feeling of standing at the very heart of French culture at an unusual time of day contributes significantly to the positive experience. And, contrary to common wisdom, the artificial lighting during evening visits to the Louvre does not disturb your enjoyment in any way because, in reality, very few of the galleries have natural lighting – even in the middle of the day.
Practical details for evening visits to the Louvre
The Louvre Museum in Paris is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm every day except Tuesdays. On Fridays, the museum closes at 9:45 pm. Some galleries may start closing at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly.
To make the most of your nighttime visit to the Louvre, we recommend mapping out your itinerary ahead of time and opting for Wednesday evening rather than Friday evening. Evening access to the Louvre costs €17 for adults and is free for persons under the age of 26. Tickets are valid only for the visit at the date and time indicated, any exit is final.