Visitor rules and amenities

Museum rules

Security and bags: Everyone goes through a security check at the entrance. This is part of France's national Vigipirate protocol, and there are no exceptions.
Large suitcases and bags over 55 x 35 x 20 cm are not allowed inside at all, so plan ahead. Smaller bags and umbrellas that don't fit in your bag go into the free self-service lockers under the Pyramid or at the Porte des Lions. Pick everything up before closing (the Lions Hall lockers close at 5 p.m.). The museum is not responsible for valuables left in lockers.

Photography: Photos and videos are fine in the permanent collections, as long as they're for personal use. No selfie sticks, no flash, no lighting equipment. Some temporary exhibitions ban photography of certain works, so check the signs when you enter.

In the galleries: No eating, drinking, smoking, running, touching the artworks, or making excessive noise.

What you can't bring in: The full list: weapons and ammunition of any kind; tools such as craft knives, screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, pliers, or clippers; blunt objects like batons or baseball bats; explosive, flammable, or volatile substances; aerosol cans that could damage art or equipment; electrical weapons or incapacitating devices; artworks or antiques; large quantities of food or drink.
Animals are not allowed either, with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs for visitors with motor or mental impairment.

Speaking publicly: You cannot address a group in the galleries unless you are authorized to do so. This applies to curators, teachers with their class, and professional tour guides holding a permit from the French Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Tourism.

The gardens: No cycling. No walking or sitting on the lawns. No picking plants, touching or climbing sculptures, walking pets, feeding birds, or removing chairs from the premises. Smoking is also prohibited.

Leaving the museum: Once you leave, you cannot re-enter. The Louvre enforces this to manage crowd flow and queuing, so think twice before stepping outside.

Size: 2.10 MB

Comfort and convenience

Information desks: Two desks sit under the Pyramid, staffed by people who can answer questions and hand out the museum map, available in 9 languages. If you're unsure about anything during your visit, this is where to go.

Lockers and storage: Free self-service lockers are available under the Pyramid and at the Porte des Lions entrance. Nothing over 55 x 35 x 20 cm. Umbrellas that don't fit in your bag go into the umbrella stands in the cloakroom area. Everything must be collected the same day.

Equipment you can borrow: Walking sticks, folding stools, pushchairs, baby carriers, a rolling chair, and wheelchairs are all available at no cost. Head to the visitor assistance area under the Pyramid with a valid ID. The equipment cannot leave the museum premises.

Wi-Fi, toilets, and parking: Free Wi-Fi is available under the Pyramid and throughout the galleries. Connect to "Louvre_Wifi_Gratuit" for one-hour sessions, renewable as needed.
Toilets are located in the welcome areas across the museum, and most include baby changing tables.
An underground car park operates at 1 Avenue du Général Lemonier, open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reduced parking rates are available for visitors with disabilities upon presentation of documentation.

Families with young children: The Studio, on the Richelieu wing ground floor, has a dedicated baby space with a bottle warmer, a microwave, and a nursing chair.

Lost something?: If you've lost an item during your visit, file a report through the museum's Lost and Found partner website, or speak to staff at the Help Desk under the Pyramid.

Museum rules