What is the largest art museum in the world?
Quick answer
The Louvre in Paris is the world's largest art museum — and with 9.7 million annual visitors, also its most visited. World Museum Guide's verified Louvre guide covers hours (Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays, 1 January, 1 May and 25 December)), admission (€22 for EEA visitors; €32 for non-EEA visitors (since 14 January 2026)), and how to plan the 3–5 hours it deserves.
Visitor information last reviewed 25 September 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
The Louvre at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Paris, France |
| Annual visitors | 9.7 million |
| Opening hours | Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays, 1 January, 1 May and 25 December) |
| Admission | €22 for EEA visitors; €32 for non-EEA visitors (since 14 January 2026) |
| Time needed | 3–5 hours |
| Founded | 1793 |
Visitor details last reviewed 2026-09-25. Check the linked official museum websites before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Louvre also the most visited museum?
Yes — the Louvre drew 9.7 million visitors in the most recent figures in our data file, the highest of any art museum. See the World Museum Index for the full ranking.
How big is the Louvre collection?
The Louvre displays tens of thousands of works from a far larger collection spanning ancient civilisations to 1848 — which is why our guide recommends picking one wing per visit.