Louvre Museum: Celebrating 200 Years of History and Art in 2025

Louvre Museum, Paris - How to visit, tips and travel guide

Tips on how to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Louvre Museum 2025 in Paris, France, with a guide to iconic works and official program and celebration.

In 2025, the Louvre Museum will reach a historic milestone by celebrating 200 years as a public space dedicated to art and culture. Recognized as one of the most iconic and visited museums in the world, the Louvre is a universal symbol of artistic and historical excellence, attracting millions of visitors annually.

This bicentennial promises to be a global celebration, inviting people from all corners of the world to experience the rich cultural heritage preserved by the museum. The celebrations will include special exhibitions and unique events, highlighting the Louvre’s role as one of the world’s great cultural centers.

In addition to this text about the museum’s 200th anniversary, we have a detailed article on how to visit the Louvre Museum on your trip to Paris .

Table of Contents

A Brief History of the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum began its history as a fortress built in the 12th century to protect Paris from invasion. In the 16th century, under the reign of François I, the building was transformed into an elegant Renaissance palace, housing the art collection of the French monarchy. During the French Revolution, the Louvre underwent a further transformation: it was converted into a national museum, opening to the public for the first time on August 10, 1793.

Over the centuries, the Louvre has established itself as one of the world’s greatest cultural centers. With a collection spanning thousands of years and cultures, the museum reflects a dedication to preserving global artistic heritage. In addition, its impressive architecture, which combines historical elements with the modernity of the glass Pyramid designed by I.M. Pei, has become a visual and cultural landmark in Paris.

Today, the Louvre is not just a museum, but a universal symbol of artistic and historical excellence. Each year, millions of visitors from all over the world explore its permanent and temporary exhibitions, confirming its role as a global cultural reference and a bridge between past and present.

Celebrating the Louvre Museum’s 200th Anniversary: What to Expect?

Although the full official schedule has not yet been released, some exhibitions and events have already been confirmed to mark this special date. Among them are:

“Figures of the Fool. From the Middle Ages to the Romantics” : An exhibition dedicated to the artistic representations of “fools” in European art, covering the 13th to the 16th centuries. (From October 16, 2024 to February 3, 2025.)
“A new look at Watteau. An actor with no lines: Pierrot, known as Gilles” : An in-depth look at Watteau’s iconic work. (From October 16, 2024 to February 3, 2025.)
“Guillon-Lethière, ‘born in Guadeloupe’” : First major monographic exhibition dedicated to the artist Guillaume Guillon-Lethière, highlighting his impact on 18th-century art. (From November 13, 2024 to February 17, 2025.)

Additionally, interactive activities, such as “At the Studio: Figures of the Fool,” promise to engage visitors of all ages in creative experiences within the museum.

Celebrating the Louvre Museum’s 200th Anniversary: What to Expect?

Iconic Works of the Louvre Museum in Paris

The Louvre is known for its unparalleled collection, including some of the world’s most famous works:

Mona Lisa , by Leonardo da Vinci: The most iconic painting in the world, with its mysterious smile.
The Venus de Milo : One of the most renowned sculptures of classical antiquity.
Liberty Leading the People , by Eugène Delacroix: A powerful depiction of the French Revolution.
The Coronation of Napoleon , by Jacques-Louis David: One of the museum’s largest paintings, celebrating the power and pomp of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Wedding at Cana , by Paolo Veronese: A monumental Renaissance painting that impresses with its richness of detail and colors.
The Code of Hammurabi : One of the oldest records of written laws, a landmark of Mesopotamian civilization.
The Sphinx of Tanis : An impressive sculpture from Ancient Egypt, symbolizing power and mystery.
The Seated Scribe : A fascinating Egyptian work, famous for its vivid expression and realistic detail.

These works, among many others, make the Louvre an essential destination for art and history lovers.

How to visit the 200th anniversary Louvre Museum in 2025

Tickets : Tickets for the Louvre can be purchased directly from the museum’s official website or from authorized platforms. Advance purchase is recommended, especially in 2025, when the flow of visitors will be greater due to the celebrations.

Find the best deals and options for flights and airport transfers to your hotel .

Tips :

Plan your visit in advance and choose less busy times, such as early morning or late afternoon.
Opt for guided tours to make the most of the special bicentennial exhibits.

Tips on offers and options for buying tickets to the Louvre in Paris:

Why you should still visit the Louvre Museum in 2025

Even 200 years after its inauguration, the Louvre Museum remains an unmissable landmark for lovers of art, history and culture. In 2025, the bicentenary offers a unique opportunity to explore its legacy through special exhibitions that not only highlight its rich heritage but also its relevance in the contemporary world.

The museum is constantly renewing itself, presenting events and works that connect past and present in a vibrant way. Its ability to inspire visitors across the centuries reinforces its role as one of the world’s greatest cultural symbols, making the bicentennial an unmissable celebration to explore art and history at its grandest.

Where to stay in Paris to visit the Louvre Museum

We’ve been to Paris a few times and we always try to choose a different hotel, both because of the number of options in the city and to try out a new place to stay to share on the blog.

Also find out what Christmas is like at Disneyland Paris – Tips, hotel, itinerary, attractions, costs and meal plan ! A great suggestion for traveling with children (or with your inner child).

If you search on Booking, you will find some options closer to the museum, see the map with some options.

Booking.com

Where to travel next?

General international travel tips

For general travel tips, be sure to check out: