Louvre Museum Opening Hours 2026: Best Times, Late Nights, Closures & Crowd-Smart Tips
Looking for information on Louvre Museum opening hours?
The Louvre Museum is generally open 9:00 AM–6:00 PM on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. It stays open late, from 9:00 AM–9:00 PM, on Wednesday and Friday.
The museum is closed every Tuesday. Last entry is 1 hour before closing, and rooms begin clearing 30 minutes before closing.
The Louvre Museum’s core weekly hours do not usually change by season or month. What can vary are the Tuileries Garden hours, gallery closures, special events, public-holiday effects, renovation work, operational notices, and temporary exhibition time-slot rules.
- Best overall time for first-timers: first available morning slot.
- Best calmer alternative: Wednesday or Friday evening, especially outside peak travel periods.
- Worst default timing: late morning to midafternoon on weekends and school holidays.
- Tuesday is closed.
- January 1, May 1, and December 25 are official closure dates.
- The Tuileries Garden has seasonal/monthly hours.
- Some Louvre galleries close periodically, so check the room schedule if a specific gallery matters.
For official hours and closure notices, use the official Louvre hours and admission page (louvre.fr/en/visit/hours-admission).
If you want help choosing a route or fitting the Louvre into a busy Paris day, compare GetYourGuide Louvre Museum guided tour listings and Viator Louvre Museum listings.
⭐ Start here: the best Louvre Museum tours to book first
Use these options if you want help with timing, route planning, entry logistics, family pacing, or a more complete Paris day.
- Louvre Museum Tour: Mona Lisa & Iconic Masterpieces — best guided intro for first-time visitors
- Louvre Overview, Exploration Tour and Reserved Entry — easy navigation through a huge museum
- Louvre Museum Hosted Entry and Mona Lisa Audioguide — hosted entry with self-guided flexibility
- Louvre Guided Tour with Reserved Access & Boat Cruise — smart Louvre plus Seine combo
- Louvre Guided Treasure Hunt for Families and Kids — best pick for keeping kids engaged
This guide covers official Louvre hours, late-night openings, seasonal and monthly changes, room closures, public holidays, best time slots, tour timing, and how to plan around crowds.
Best Louvre Museum Tickets and Tours at a Glance
| Booking option | Best time to use it | Best for | Booking angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Louvre ticket (ticket.louvre.fr/en) | Morning or any slot that fits your plan | Lowest-cost direct admission | Official, untracked |
| Hosted entry with audio guide | Morning or early afternoon | Independent visitors who want entry help | Third-party hosted entry |
| Guided Louvre highlights tour | Morning | First-time visitors | Third-party guided tour |
| Reserved-access masterpieces tour | Morning or evening | Art lovers who want a stronger route | Third-party guided tour |
| Louvre plus Seine cruise combo | Morning or early afternoon | Easy Paris sightseeing day | Combo experience |
| Family treasure-hunt tour | Morning | Families with kids | Private/family guided tour |
| Private Louvre tour | Morning, evening, or custom timing | Splurge travelers and repeat visitors | Private third-party tour |
🧭 Planning Tip: The Louvre is too large to “see everything” in one visit. Pick a highlights route, book a time slot, and leave room for security checks.
Louvre Museum Opening Hours 2026: Official Weekly Schedule
The Louvre is open every day except Tuesday. Wednesday and Friday are the late-opening days.
Last entry is 1 hour before closing. Rooms begin clearing 30 minutes before closing.
| Day | Official Louvre Museum hours | Last entry | Room clearing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
A late time slot is not the same as a full evening visit. If you enter near the final entry time, plan a short, focused route.
For the current official schedule, check the official Louvre hours and admission page before booking.
Do Louvre Museum Hours Vary by Season or Month?
The Louvre Museum’s core weekly hours do not usually vary by season or month in the official schedule. The basic pattern is steady: closed Tuesday, late on Wednesday and Friday, and regular 6:00 PM closing on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Other parts of the Louvre visit can vary.
The Tuileries Garden changes hours by month/season. Some galleries close for maintenance or operations. Temporary exhibitions may have specific time-slot rules. Public holidays, strikes, security notices, special events, or renovation work can also affect the day.
| Area or schedule item | Varies by season/month? | What travelers should know |
|---|---|---|
| Louvre Museum core hours | Usually no | Regular weekly pattern, with Tuesday closure and late Wednesday/Friday hours |
| Tuileries Garden | Yes | Longer in summer, shorter in winter |
| Cour Napoléon / Cour Carrée | No standard monthly variation listed | Courtyards have their own daily access windows |
| Musée National Eugène-Delacroix | Not by season in the basic schedule | Different weekday/weekend hours and special evening openings by programming |
| Open rooms/galleries | Yes, by maintenance and operations | Check the open-rooms schedule if one gallery matters |
| Temporary exhibitions | Sometimes | Some Hall Napoléon exhibitions may require a specific time slot |
The practical takeaway: Louvre Museum hours are mostly weekly, not seasonal. Garden hours and gallery access are the bigger moving parts.
Louvre Public Holiday Closures in 2026
The Louvre is closed on three fixed public holidays: January 1, May 1, and December 25.
It is also closed every Tuesday. The museum remains open on other public holidays unless the holiday falls on a Tuesday.
| Date or rule | Louvre status | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Every Tuesday | Closed | Do not plan a Louvre visit |
| January 1 | Closed | New Year’s Day closure |
| May 1 | Closed | Labor Day closure |
| December 25 | Closed | Christmas Day closure |
| Other public holidays | Usually open unless Tuesday | Book ahead and expect higher demand |
🎟️ Ticket Tip: If official Louvre tickets are available for your date, they may be the cheapest way in. A third-party tour can still be worth it if you want a guide, hosted entry, easier logistics, or a Louvre-plus-Seine combo.
What Time Is Last Entry at the Louvre?
Last entry is 1 hour before closing.
That means 5:00 PM on regular 6:00 PM closing days and 8:00 PM on late 9:00 PM closing days. Rooms begin clearing 30 minutes before closing.
Do not choose the final entry slot for a first Louvre visit. It is too short for a relaxed highlights route.
Late entry can work if you have one focused goal: a specific gallery, a short masterpieces route, or an evening atmosphere. If you are joining a tour, arrive before the meeting time and allow for security.
🖼️ Museum Tip: Don’t judge a Louvre tour only by duration. A well-planned 2-hour route can be better than wandering for 4 hours without a plan.
Best Time to Visit the Louvre Museum
The best time to visit the Louvre is the first available morning slot if this is your first visit.
You will have more energy, a cleaner start, and a better chance of keeping your route under control. That matters more at the Louvre than at many museums.
Wednesday and Friday evenings can also be excellent. They work best for focused visitors, couples, and travelers who like a quieter, more atmospheric museum visit.
| Traveler type | Best time slot | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitors | First morning slot | More energy, cleaner route, better start |
| Families with kids | Morning | Fewer fatigue issues |
| Art lovers | Morning or late evening | More focus, less rushed feeling |
| Couples | Wednesday or Friday evening | Softer pacing and easy dinner pairing |
| Short-stay travelers | Morning guided tour or Louvre + Seine combo | Builds a cleaner Paris day |
| Budget travelers | Any available official slot that fits | Price is more important than perfect timing |
If you want the smoothest first visit, book the Louvre for the morning and leave the afternoon loose.
Is Wednesday or Friday Evening a Good Time to Visit the Louvre?
Yes. Wednesday and Friday evenings can be very good times to visit the Louvre because the museum stays open until 9:00 PM.
Last entry is still 8:00 PM, and rooms begin clearing at 8:30 PM. That gives you extra room compared with a standard 6:00 PM closing day, but it is not an all-night visit.
Evening visits work best for a focused route. They are less ideal if you want a long, comprehensive visit.
Families with younger kids usually do better in the morning. Couples and repeat visitors may enjoy the evening more.
Also note one official room-timing detail: on Wednesdays and Fridays, rooms on Level 2 open at 10:30 AM. If a Level 2 gallery matters to you, check the open-rooms schedule before choosing an early time.
⏱️ Quick Win: For a soft Paris evening, book the Louvre late slot first, then keep dinner nearby instead of crossing town.
Which Day of the Week Is Best for the Louvre?
The best day depends on your travel style.
Wednesday or Friday evening is a smart choice if you want late hours. Monday or Thursday morning can work well if you want a standard museum day with a cleaner start.
Weekends are convenient but often busier. If Saturday or Sunday is your only option, book a morning slot and use a focused plan.
Tuesday is closed.
| Day choice | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Monday morning | Standard weekday visit | Can be busy because some Paris museums close Monday |
| Wednesday evening | Late-opening visit | Better for focused routes than “see everything” plans |
| Thursday morning | Practical midweek choice | No late hours |
| Friday evening | Atmospheric late visit | Last entry still applies |
| Saturday/Sunday morning | Weekend travelers | Higher demand; reserve early |
| Tuesday | Not available | Museum closed |
⚠️ Trust Tip: Avoid street sellers and unofficial-looking “jump the queue” claims. Use the Louvre’s official ticketing site for direct tickets, or a clearly labeled third-party platform for guided tours and hosted-entry products.
Best Month or Season to Visit the Louvre
The Louvre is a year-round indoor museum. Its core opening hours do not generally change by season.
Crowds matter more than seasonal hours.
Winter can be a great time to use the Louvre as a warm, indoor anchor. Spring and fall are excellent but busier. Summer is high demand, so book ahead and consider late openings.
| Season | Louvre timing advice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Book a morning or late-opening slot | Good indoor activity, shorter daylight outside |
| Spring | Reserve early and favor morning | Paris demand rises |
| Summer | Book ahead; consider evening openings | Busy travel season; useful break from outdoor heat |
| Fall | Morning or late-opening slots work well | Strong balance of weather and museum time |
| Holidays/school breaks | Reserve earlier than usual | Higher demand and family travel |
If you are visiting during school holidays, treat the Louvre like a high-demand attraction. Reserve early and keep your day simple.
Tuileries Garden Hours by Month
The Tuileries Garden is often paired with a Louvre visit. Unlike the museum’s core hours, garden hours do vary by month and season.
Visitors are asked to leave the garden 30 minutes before closing.
| Months | Tuileries Garden hours | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| January, February, March, November, December | 7:30 AM–7:30 PM | Shorter winter hours |
| April, May, September, October | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM | Good for before/after Louvre walks |
| June, July, August | 7:00 AM–11:00 PM | Longest summer garden hours |
In summer, the garden is an easy way to decompress after a focused museum visit. In winter, build your walk earlier in the day.
Cour Napoléon and Cour Carrée Hours
The Cour Napoléon is open from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM. The Cour Carrée is open from 7:30 AM to 7:45 PM.
These courtyards are useful for arrival, photos, orientation, and meeting points. They are not the same as the museum gallery hours.
If your tour meets outside, check the exact meeting point and build in time to find it.
For entrances and arrival planning, use the Louvre Museum location guide.
Musée National Eugène-Delacroix Hours
A Louvre ticket includes access to the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix on the same day as your Louvre visit or the next day the Delacroix Museum is open.
The Delacroix Museum has different hours from the Louvre.
| Day | Musée National Eugène-Delacroix hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 PM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 PM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM–5:30 PM |
The Delacroix Museum is closed January 1, May 1, and December 25. It remains open on other public holidays unless they fall on Tuesday.
Special evening openings until 8:30 PM may occur depending on programming. For current details, use the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix official site.
Do All Louvre Rooms Stay Open During Regular Hours?
No. Some rooms close periodically for maintenance, renovation, weather-related reasons, or technical issues.
The Louvre publishes an open-rooms schedule. Check it if you are planning around a specific wing, gallery, or collection.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, rooms on Level 2 open at 10:30 AM. That matters if your top priority is in one of those spaces.
Use the official Louvre open rooms schedule before visiting if a specific room matters.
If your must-see list is strict, consider a guided tour. A guide can help you adjust when a room is closed or a route changes.
What Time Should You Arrive for a Louvre Reservation?
Arrive before your booked time slot. Do not aim to show up exactly on the minute.
Independent official-ticket visitors should usually arrive about 20–30 minutes before the slot. Families should give themselves more buffer.
If you are joining a guided tour, follow the tour provider’s meeting instructions. Meeting points may not be at the entrance you would choose on your own.
Keep tickets, ID, and free-admission proof easy to reach.
For timed-entry rules, see the Louvre Museum reservations guide. For entrances and Metro stops, use the Louvre Museum location guide.
Official Tickets vs Timed Tours: Which Is Better for Your Schedule?
Official tickets are best when you want the lowest-cost entry and independent pacing.
Guided tours are better when you want a clean route, a fixed plan, and less time wasted inside the museum. Hosted entry can help if entry logistics make you nervous.
A combo tour can help if you want to fit the Louvre and the Seine into one block.
| Booking choice | Best schedule fit | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Official ticket | Flexible independent museum visit | Strict date/time terms; no guide |
| Hosted entry | Visitors who want help starting | Not the same as a full guided tour |
| Guided highlights tour | First-time visitors with limited time | Fixed meeting time and route |
| Family treasure hunt | Families who need structure | Narrower route, kid-focused pacing |
| Private tour | Travelers who want control | Higher price |
| Louvre + Seine combo | Short Paris stays | Longer fixed plan |
If your Paris time is tight, a guided tour can be more efficient than a basic ticket.
Best Guided Tour Times for the Louvre
Morning guided tours are the best default for first-timers and families. You have more energy, and the visit is easier to build around.
Late afternoon and evening tours can work well for couples, repeat visitors, and focused museum fans. They are less ideal for young kids or travelers arriving from overseas that same day.
For summer, evening slots can be useful because the museum is indoors and the Seine or Tuileries can be pleasant afterward.
Good options to compare include the Louvre Museum Tour: Mona Lisa & Iconic Masterpieces, the Louvre Guided Tour with Reserved Access & Boat Cruise, and the Private Guided Tour: Louvre Museum.
👨👩👧 Family Tip: The Louvre can overwhelm kids fast. A family treasure-hunt tour turns the museum into a game and keeps the visit focused.
Where Should You Book Based on Timing?
Book direct through the official Louvre portal
Use the official Musée du Louvre ticketing site when your date is firm and your preferred time slot is available.
This is usually the best path if you want the lowest direct admission price, do not need a guide, or qualify for free admission and need a time slot.
Book through GetYourGuide for guided or hosted timing
Use GetYourGuide Louvre Museum guided tour listings when you want a guided route, hosted-entry option, family tour, or combo experience.
This can also help when official time slots are not ideal.
Check Viator for private and small-group timing
Use Viator Louvre Museum listings when you want a private guide, backup tour timing, small-group alternatives, or a schedule that needs more care.
This is especially useful for multigenerational groups.
Why Book Through GetYourGuide or Viator?
The official portal is usually the best low-cost path when your time slot works. That is the cleanest choice for independent travelers.
Third-party options cost more, but they may make the schedule easier. They can add guide context, hosted entry, family pacing, private-tour timing, or a bundled Paris experience.
You may prefer GetYourGuide or Viator if you want:
- Guided context
- Hosted entry
- Family pacing
- Private-tour timing
- Combo tours
- Easier English-language comparison
- Free cancellation where offered
- Reserve-now-pay-later where offered
- Backup choices when official times are inconvenient
Check every product page carefully. Confirm whether admission is included, where the meeting point is, how long the tour lasts, and what happens if your plans change.
Practical Louvre Timing Tips Before You Book
Small timing choices can make the Louvre feel much easier.
Before booking:
- Do not book Tuesday.
- Avoid January 1, May 1, and December 25.
- Use Wednesday or Friday evening if you want a later museum day.
- Book morning for families and first-timers.
- Check last entry before choosing a late slot.
- Check open rooms if a specific gallery matters.
- Leave time for security.
- Do not schedule a tight paid activity right after the Louvre.
- Save tickets offline.
- Check the meeting point if booking a tour.
🚇 Transit Tip: Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre is the most useful Metro stop for many visitors. Pyramides can also work well, especially if you are coming by Line 14.
Where to Stay Near the Louvre Museum
Staying near the Louvre makes early time slots easier. It also helps if you choose a Wednesday or Friday evening visit and want dinner nearby afterward.
| Hotel | Best for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Regina Louvre | Classic luxury near the Louvre and Tuileries | A polished stay close to the museum and central Paris |
| Hotel Louvre Saint-Honoré | Practical Louvre-area base | Easy for early tickets, transit, and sightseeing |
| Hôtel Thérèse | Boutique stay in the 1st arrondissement | Stylish and well placed for Palais Royal, Opéra, and the Louvre |
| Hotel Malte – Astotel | Comfortable 4-star near Louvre and Opéra | Useful for travelers who want central comfort without being right on the river |
| Hotel Britannique | Good-value central stay | Handy for the Seine, Châtelet, and easy cross-city transit |
🏨 Stay Nearby Tip: Staying near the 1st or 2nd arrondissement makes an early Louvre time slot easier. It also keeps you close to the Seine, Palais Royal, Tuileries Garden, and Opéra.
What Should You Do Next?
For official hours, use the official Louvre hours and admission page.
For direct timed tickets, start with the official Musée du Louvre ticketing site.
For ticket types and buying choices, read the Louvre Museum tickets guide.
For guided routes, compare options in the Louvre Museum tours guide.
For time-slot rules, use the Louvre Museum reservations guide.
For arrival planning, see the Louvre Museum location guide.
FAQ: Louvre Museum Opening Hours 2026
What are the Louvre Museum opening hours in 2026?
The Louvre Museum is open 9:00 AM–6:00 PM on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is open 9:00 AM–9:00 PM on Wednesday and Friday. It is closed Tuesday.
What days is the Louvre closed?
The Louvre is closed every Tuesday. It is also closed January 1, May 1, and December 25. It remains open on other public holidays unless the holiday falls on Tuesday.
Does the Louvre stay open late?
Yes. The Louvre stays open until 9:00 PM on Wednesday and Friday. Last entry is 8:00 PM, and rooms begin clearing at 8:30 PM.
What is the best time to visit the Louvre?
The first morning slot is best for most first-time visitors. Wednesday and Friday evenings can be good for a calmer, more atmospheric visit. Families usually do better in the morning.
Do Louvre hours vary by season or month?
The Louvre Museum’s core weekly hours do not usually vary by season or month. The Tuileries Garden hours do vary by month and season. Room closures, special events, holidays, and operational notices can also affect a visit.
What time is last entry at the Louvre?
Last entry is 1 hour before closing. That means 5:00 PM on regular 6:00 PM closing days and 8:00 PM on late 9:00 PM closing days.
Are all Louvre rooms open during opening hours?
No. Some rooms close periodically for maintenance, renovation, weather-related reasons, or technical issues. On Wednesdays and Fridays, rooms on Level 2 open at 10:30 AM. Check the official open-rooms schedule before visiting if a specific gallery matters.
Is Friday evening a good time to visit the Louvre?
Yes, Friday evening can be a good time for a focused visit because the museum stays open until 9:00 PM. It is not ideal if you want a long, comprehensive visit unless you start earlier.