Louvre Museum Checklist: The Best Things You MUST See

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The Louvre Museum is home to roughly $35,000$ works of art, spread across three massive wings. Trying to see it all is a recipe for exhaustion.

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Instead, the key to a memorable visit is to be strategic: prioritize the absolute must-sees, master the crowds at the icons, and then reward yourself with the quieter, breathtaking hidden gems that most visitors miss.

Here is your essential checklist of the best things to see at the Louvre, categorized by experience.

The “Big Three”: Where Everyone Goes

These three works are the most famous in the collection and are located in the same wing (Denon) or close by. Plan to see these first or last to avoid the midday crush.

1. Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) – Leonardo da Vinci

  • Location: Denon Wing, 1st Floor (Room 711)

  • Why It’s Essential: The most famous painting in the world. Its small size, enigmatic smile, and masterful use of sfumato technique have captivated viewers for centuries.

  • Insider Tip: The line is unavoidable. Go immediately at opening (9:00 AM) or an hour before closing (after 6:00 PM on Wed/Fri). Once in the room, move to the sides of the crowd rather than directly in the center to get a slightly better view past the security barriers.

2. Winged Victory of Samothrace – Hellenistic Sculpture

  • Location: Denon Wing, Ground Floor (Top of the Daru Staircase)

  • Why It’s Essential: A breathtaking $2^{nd}$-century B.C. marble sculpture of the goddess Nike (Victory). Though headless and armless, the electrifying movement of her drapery and dramatic placement at the top of the grand staircase makes it a triumphant, unforgettable sight.

  • Insider Tip: The staircase is usually less crowded than the Mona Lisa room. Approach this masterpiece first thing for a majestic, quiet moment.

3. Venus de Milo – Ancient Greek Sculpture

  • Location: Sully Wing, Ground Floor (Room 346)

  • Why It’s Essential: The ultimate symbol of classical beauty. This majestic $2^{nd}$-century B.C. Greek marble statue stands as an icon of the Hellenistic period.

  • Insider Tip: This is located in the Sully Wing, which is often less crowded than the Denon Wing. Use this as a great point to transition into the Egyptian Antiquities section.

French Grandeur: Unmissable Large Format Masterpieces

Located near the “Big Three” in the Denon Wing, these massive paintings are vital to understanding French and Italian history and Romanticism.

  • The Wedding Feast at Cana – Paolo Veronese

    • Location: Denon Wing, 1st Floor (Room 711)—Directly opposite the Mona Lisa.

    • Why See It: It is the largest painting in the Louvre, covering nearly $70$ square meters. This vibrant Renaissance work depicts the biblical miracle with theatrical grandeur, featuring over 130 figures, including contemporary kings and artists.

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  • The Coronation of Napoleon – Jacques-Louis David

    • Location: Denon Wing, 1st Floor (Room 702)

    • Why See It: This monumental painting captures the 1804 coronation ceremony with incredible detail. It is a prime example of Neoclassical painting and a fascinating piece of political propaganda, commissioned by Napoleon himself.

  • Liberty Leading the People – Eugène Delacroix

    • Location: Denon Wing, Ground Floor (Room 700)

    • Why See It: An icon of French Romanticism and revolution. It depicts a personification of Liberty (Marianne) leading revolutionaries over a barricade of bodies during the 1830 Revolution. The image has become a universal symbol of freedom.

Quiet Corners: The Louvre’s Hidden Gems

Escape the crush of the crowd and immerse yourself in the museum’s palace history and ancient wonders.

1. Napoleon III Apartments

  • Location: Richelieu Wing, 1st Floor

  • Why See It: These magnificent, opulent reception rooms are the preserved apartments of Napoleon III and offer an entirely different museum experience. The lavish gilded trim, crystal chandeliers, red velvet furniture, and decorative arts make you feel like you’ve stepped into Versailles. This area is often surprisingly empty.

2. Code of Hammurabi

  • Location: Richelieu Wing, Ground Floor (Room 227 – Mesopotamian Antiquities)

  • Why See It: One of the oldest surviving codified legal texts in the world (c. $1754$ B.C.), inscribed on a towering diorite stele. It’s a profound document of human history and social order.

3. Medieval Louvre Foundations

  • Location: Sully Wing, Lower Ground Floor

  • Why See It: The Louvre was originally a fortress built by King Philippe Auguste in the $12^{th}$ century. Here, you can walk along the preserved foundations and ramparts, exploring the actual military origins of the famous palace.

4. Michelangelo’s Dying Slave & Rebellious Slave

  • Location: Denon Wing, Ground Floor (Room 403)

  • Why See It: Originally intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II, these two unfinished marble sculptures showcase Michelangelo’s mastery of the human form and emotional power. They are often viewed with less distraction than the Venus de Milo.

Final Strategy: Quality Over Quantity

Focus on one wing. A 3-hour visit is perfect for hitting the “Big Three” (Denon Wing) and adding one quiet gem (like the Napoleon III Apartments). Use the Metro to get to the museum, but use your feet to explore the endless wonders inside!

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