Everyone knows the Louvre Museum in Paris is where you can see the Mona Lisa, and you should. But prepare yourself–it will be very crowded and the painting is much smaller than you imagine. This is our guide to viewing the Mona Lisa and what to see that is not the Mona Lisa.
Prepare yourself for seeing the Mona Lisa. It will be crowded, and everyone will be trying to snap photos. Worse yet, people want selfies. We took this photo on our last visit. If you want to get up close, move forward slowly and gently as people depart. Patience is a virtue.
Are you at the Louvre and are tired of glimpsing the Mona Lisa from behind hundreds of people? Most of the other works will not be so crowded! Here are some of the most famous, important, and interesting pieces in the Louvre. We especially loved the Vermeers.
Best Things to See at the Louvre not the Mona Lisa
5. The Winged Victory of Samothrace is an ancient classic you you can now see in person. The goddess Nike greets you the bottom of the Daru Staircase.
4. The Statue of Aphrodite (also known as Venus De Milo) was found on the island of Melis in 1820 where it was found partially damaged. One of the world’s best-known artworks, you can see her in gallery 16 on the ground floor of the Sully wing.
3. Leonardo da Vinci, Virgin of the Rocks.
DaVinci painted two highly similar versions. The other is on display at the National Gallery in London.
The subject of both is the adoration of the Christ child by the infant John the Baptist.
2. Théodore Géricault, Raft of the Medusa has become an icon of French Romanticism. The French frigate Méduse, ran aground on 2 July 1816. On 5 July 1816, at least 147 people were set adrift on a hurriedly constructed raft; all but 15 died in the 13 days before their rescue. The event became an international scandal, prompting Géricault to create this work.
1. Eugene Delacroix, Liberty Leading the People. The recently restored painting returned to display in April 2024. Under eight layers of varnish and dirt they found the central figure’s dress was not entirely yellow but originally light grey with bits of gold. Also, they discovered a boot in the lower left corner which for many years had blended into the paving stones.
More Art in Paris not the Louvre
And there is more to great art in Paris than the Louvre. Read more here. Paris holds some of the best impressionist and modern art collections in the world.
Practical Matters for a Visit to the Louvre Museum
Lines for buying tickets can be long so we suggest buying your entrance tickets online before you visit. Only tickets purchased online guarantee entrance.
Be sure to review the guidelines for a visit.
If you would like to view much of the collection online, you can view the Louvre Museum online collection for free.
The Louvre has created some helpful itineraries to consider for your visit.
If you arriving by Metro, Take Line 1 or 7 to the “Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre” station for the closest access.
Alternatively, Line 14 to ‘Pyramides’ station also provides nearby access.
For more things to see at the Louvre that are not the Mona Lisa, read here.
