The Louvre Museum Floor Plan: A Comprehensive Guide

by

The Louvre Museum floor plan is a complex layout spanning 60,600 square meters (652,300 square feet) across four main levels. It comprises three wings – Denon, Sully, and Richelieu – each housing distinct collections. The main entrance is through the iconic glass pyramid, leading to an underground lobby that connects all wings. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the museum’s layout, major collections, and navigation tips for visitors.

What is the Overall Structure of the Louvre Museum?

the louvre museum floor plan
Image ‘File:L’Aurore Philippe Magnier Louvre MR3243.JPG’ by

The Louvre Museum is divided into three main wings:

  1. Denon Wing: Located in the south, housing the Mona Lisa and Italian paintings.
  2. Sully Wing: In the east, containing ancient Egyptian antiquities and the Venus de Milo.
  3. Richelieu Wing: In the north, showcasing French paintings and the Napoleon III apartments.

These wings are spread across four main levels:

  • Lower Ground Floor: Ancient foundations and Medieval Louvre
  • Ground Floor: Antiquities and sculptures
  • First Floor: Primary painting collections and state apartments
  • Second Floor: Additional paintings and decorative arts

How is the Louvre Museum Floor Plan Organized?

the louvre museum floor plan
Image ‘File:Paris moderne. Les Tuileries, le Louvre, et la rue de Rivoli, vue prise du Jardin des Tuileries.jpg’ by Charles Fichot

Denon Wing

The Denon Wing is home to some of the most famous artworks in the Louvre:

  • First Floor:
  • Grande Galerie: A long corridor housing Italian paintings

  • Mona Lisa: Located in a specially designed room

  • Ground Floor:

  • Winged Victory of Samothrace: Prominently displayed at the top of a staircase

Sully Wing

The Sully Wing surrounds the Cour Carrée and includes:

  • Ground Floor:
  • Egyptian Antiquities
  • Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities

  • Venus de Milo

  • First Floor:

  • 16th-century Lescot Wing

Richelieu Wing

The Richelieu Wing extends along the rue de Rivoli:

  • First Floor:
  • French Paintings

  • Napoleon III Apartments

  • Ground Floor:

  • Aile de Rohan and Aile de Marsan

What are the Key Features of the Louvre Museum Map?

  1. Entrances and Exits:
  2. Main entrance: Glass pyramid in the Cour Napoléon

  3. Additional entrances: Passage Richelieu and Carrousel du Louvre

  4. Facilities:

  5. Restrooms: Located on each floor and in the underground lobby
  6. Elevators: Available in the central lobby and each wing

  7. Emergency exits: Marked throughout, typically near stairwells and corridor ends

  8. Amenities:

  9. Cafes and restaurants: Comptoir du Louvre, Café Marly
  10. Gift shops: Located throughout the museum

How to Navigate the Louvre Exhibition Layout?

Major Collections

Collection Location
Egyptian Antiquities Sully Wing, Ground Floor
Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities Sully Wing, Ground Floor
Renaissance Paintings Denon Wing, First Floor
French Paintings Richelieu Wing, First Floor
Napoleon III Apartments Richelieu Wing, First Floor

Temporary Exhibitions

Temporary exhibitions are held in various parts of the museum, including:
– Underground lobby
– Specific galleries within the three wings

These exhibitions are well-marked and included in the museum’s map and guide.

What is the Recommended Route for a 2-Hour Visit?

For a quick tour of the Louvre’s highlights, follow this route:

  1. Mona Lisa (Denon Wing, First Floor) – 30 minutes
  2. Venus de Milo (Sully Wing, Ground Floor) – 20 minutes
  3. Winged Victory of Samothrace (Denon Wing, Ground Floor) – 15 minutes
  4. Napoleon III Apartments (Richelieu Wing, First Floor) – 25 minutes
  5. Great Sphinx (Sully Wing, Ground Floor) – 20 minutes

Note: Walking times between exhibits can be significant. For example, moving from the Denon Wing to the Sully Wing can take 10-15 minutes.

How Accessible is the Louvre Museum?

  • The museum is generally accessible, with elevators and ramps connecting different levels.
  • Crowd management can be challenging, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.

What are the Dimensions of the Louvre Museum?

  • Total area: 60,600 square meters (652,300 square feet)
  • Length of the Grande Galerie: Approximately 275 meters (902 feet)
  • Height of the glass pyramid: 21.6 meters (71 feet)

How to Make the Most of Your Louvre Visit?

  1. Plan ahead: Study the floor plan and decide on your must-see artworks.
  2. Use the museum’s audio guide or smartphone app for detailed information.
  3. Take breaks: The museum is vast, so pace yourself and use the cafes for rest.
  4. Consider a guided tour for a more structured experience.
  5. Don’t try to see everything in one visit – focus on specific sections or themes.

By understanding the Louvre Museum floor plan, visitors can navigate this vast cultural treasure more efficiently, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.

References:
1. Designing Buildings Wiki: The Louvre
2. Wikipedia: Louvre Pyramid
3. Exp1 Blog: Louvre Map: A Room-by-Room Navigation Guide To Plan Your Visit

Leave a Comment