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Musée du Louvre
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Art Museum
History Museum
Historical Landmark
Special Collection
Musée du Louvre Description
You really have to go to the Louvre while you're in Paris: Your children will remember seeing the Mona Lisa for the rest of their lives, they'll be awed by Egyptian mummies; the unbelievable collection of Western, African, and Oriental art; and the sheer size and scope of what was once the palace of kings. The glass pyramid outside the entrance, the weird fountains around it ("it looks like you're walking in the water!" cried one 9-year-old), and the ad hoc musicians playing baroque music in the courtyards will charm them as well. Parents may get foot sore and crowd-weary but, as long as you let your child's interests guide you, you'll be fielding requests to come back!
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Try this game: Look at paintings and sculpture together and think of which friend or family member the person in the picture reminds you of.
School-Age Kids: As you explore the museum, look up. There is art on the ceilings and the architecture up there is almost as interesting as some of the paintings.
Pre-Teens & Teens: If yours is an eye roller, come anyway. There are so many people to watch (school groups and tour groups come here in droves) that he can't help but be intrigued.
Planning Notes
- Less is more. It's tempting to try to see as much of the museum as possible but don't. You would need three days at least (or as much as a week) to do that. Instead, plan to spend just an hour or two at the Louvre, so no one gets tired or cranky. You can come back another day.
- Beat the crowds. If you enter through one of the wings off the main plaza instead of by the glass pyramid, you will get in much more quickly. But in order to do this you need to get your tickets before you go by buying >online. (Kids younger than 18 are free.)
- Go in the evening. If traveling with older children, plan to go to the Louvre in the evening (it's open late on Mondays and Wednesdays) when there are fewer people.
- Consider a tour. There are guided tours in English lasting about 90 minutes. Sign up for these at the information desk.
- First Sundays. Admission is free the first Sunday of every month.
Just the Facts
Hours: The museum is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday Monday and Thursday; open until 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Closed Tuesdays and the following holidays: January 1, May 1, November 11 and December 25.
Fees: $10-$20
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
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