The Louvre vs Centre Pompidou: which should you visit?
Quick answer
Centre Pompidou is closed until 2030, so the Louvre is the one you can visit now. The Louvre: €22 for EEA visitors, allow 3–5 hours. The Louvre and Centre Pompidou are two of Paris's essential museums — both art museums.
Paris, France
The Louvre
€22 for EEA visitors; €32 for non-EEA visitors (since 14 January 2026)
⏱ 3–5 hours
Paris, France
Centre Pompidou
Closed for renovation — Centre Pompidou exhibitions at partner venues such as the Grand Palais are ticketed separately
⏱ 2–3 hours
Side by side
| The Louvre | Centre Pompidou | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Paris, France | Paris, France |
| Museum type | Art Museum | Art Museum |
| Admission | €22 for EEA visitors; €32 for non-EEA visitors (since 14 January 2026) | Closed for renovation — Centre Pompidou exhibitions at partner venues such as the Grand Palais are ticketed separately |
| Free entry | Under 18 free (all nationalities) · EEA citizens and residents under 26 free · Everyone free on the first Friday of the month after 6 PM (not July or August) · Bastille Day (14 July) free · Disabled visitors + 1 companion free | — |
| Time needed | 3–5 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Closed | Tuesdays | — |
| Standout works | Mona Lisa; Venus de Milo | Fontaine; The Frame |
| Good for | Art Lovers, History Enthusiasts, First-timers, Families | Art Lovers, First-timers |
Facts from our verified data file (last verified 2026-09-25) — confirm on each museum's official site before travelling.
Should I visit The Louvre or Centre Pompidou?
Choose The Louvre if…
Choose the Louvre for Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo — admission is €22 for EEA visitors. Allow 3–5 hours.
Choose Centre Pompidou if…
Choose Centre Pompidou for Fontaine and The Frame — admission is closed for renovation — Centre Pompidou exhibitions at partner venues such as the Grand Palais are ticketed separately. Allow 2–3 hours.
Can you visit both The Louvre and Centre Pompidou in one day?
Both are in Paris. With 3–5 hours suggested for one and 2–3 hours for the other, combining both in a single day is ambitious — two days is more comfortable. Note closures: The Louvre closes on Tuesdays.