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 (Wednesday to Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)), admission (€17 standard admission), and how to plan the 3–5 hours it deserves.
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
The Louvre at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Paris, France |
| Annual visitors | 9.7 million |
| Opening hours | Wednesday to Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays) |
| Admission | €17 standard admission |
| Time needed | 3–5 hours |
| Founded | 1793 |
Facts verified 2026-06-30 against official museum websites — always confirm 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.