The Louvre, originally a medieval fortress, has evolved over the centuries into a royal palace and then a world-renowned art museum. Its history dates back to the 12th century, when Philip II Augustus commissioned the construction of a defensive fortress. Over time, successive French rulers expanded and beautified the building, until finally Louis XIV moved his residence to Versailles, leaving the Louvre as a place to display the royal art collections.

The Louvre's architecture is a fascinating mix of styles from different eras. From the medieval foundations, to the Renaissance and Baroque elements, to the famous glass pyramid, designed by I.M. Peia and opened in 1989. This structure, controversial at the time, has now become an iconic symbol of the museum, harmoniously combining modernity with its historic facade.

When visiting the Louvre, it is worth noting the various wings of the building, each with its own unique history and character. The Denon Wing, the most popular with tourists, houses, among others, the famous Mona Lisa. The Richelieu Wing impresses with its collection of sculptures and decorative arts, while the Sully Wing offers a fascinating journey through ancient Egypt and Greece.

It's worth remembering that the Louvre is not just about the interiors - the Tuileries gardens surrounding the museum are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy tour. It is here that you can admire the numerous sculptures, fountains and carefully designed flower beds, enjoying the atmosphere of a typical Parisian park.

When planning a visit to the Louvre, keep in mind the enormity of the place. With an exhibition area of more than 60,000 square meters, the museum is simply too big to see everything in one visit. That's why it's a good idea to study the museum's itinerary in advance and select the works and collections that are most important to you. The museum offers various thematic tours that can help you visit efficiently, especially if you are traveling with children or have limited time.

The Louvre is famous for its countless masterpieces, which attract art lovers from all over the world. Among the most famous and sought-after works by tourists is, of course, Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa'. This mysterious portrait, protected by bulletproof glass, is always surrounded by crowds of visitors. To see it, you should be patient and plan your visit during less crowded hours.

No less impressive is the 'Venus de Milo,' an ancient Greek sculpture that has become a symbol of classical beauty. Her elegant form and puzzling lack of hands have fascinated visitors since her discovery in 1820.

Another must-see is the 'Nike of Samothrace', a majestic sculpture depicting the Greek goddess of victory. Her dynamic pose and the masterfully rendered folds of her robe make her seem almost to come alive before the eyes of viewers.

For painting lovers, the Louvre galleries offer a real treat. In addition to the aforementioned 'Mona Lisa,' masterpieces such as Théodore Géricault's 'Raft of the Medusa,' Eugène Delacroix's 'Liberty Leading the People to the Barricades' and Jacques-Louis David's 'Coronation of Napoleon' can be admired.

However, the Louvre is not only about European masterpieces. The museum has an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian art, including the famous Code of Hammurabi, and an extensive collection of artifacts from the Middle East and ancient Mesopotamia.

For families with children, the Louvre offers special tours and educational programs. Take advantage of audio guides tailored to different age groups or participate in workshops organized by the museum. Children can be fascinated not only by the art, but also by the history of the building itself, exploring the medieval walls and underground corridors.

When planning a visit, it is worth remembering that the Louvre is huge and it is impossible to see everything in one day. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your route in advance and focus on selected works or collections. The museum offers various thematic tours that can help you use your time efficiently.

Opening hours are also worth noting. The Louvre is open every day except Tuesdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:45 p.m. These evening opening hours are especially recommended - the museum is then less crowded and the atmosphere more intimate.

Ticket prices vary, with free admission for those under 18 and EU citizens under 26. For other visitors, a ticket costs about 17 euros (as of 2023), but it's worth checking current prices on the museum's official website. It is advisable to buy tickets online, which avoids long queues at the ticket windows.

When planning a visit to the Louvre, it is worth taking advantage of other tourists' experiences. Many visitors stress that the key to a successful visit is good preparation. As one reviewer notes: 'It's best to reserve 3/4 hours for the tour. By the entrance queue, it is best to buy a ticket online and check which queue is for your hour. Entrance is at full hours and at half past.'

Another visitor shares valuable advice on the order of the tour: 'I recommend starting the tour at the lower floors, then moving on to the second floors and ending at the Mona Lisa, because that's where the biggest crowd is, most tourists go in there just for it.' This strategy makes for a more comfortable tour and avoids the biggest crowds.

It's also worth remembering the amenities available at the museum. As one visitor notes: 'There are cafes and toilets inside.' This is important information, especially when planning a longer stay at the museum.

For families with children, the Louvre can be a challenge, but also an unforgettable experience. One mom shares her experience: 'Admittedly, we did not visit the museum because we were with our 6-year-old son. On the other hand, the size of the museum surprised me. I didn't imagine it was such a huge area. The square itself is impressive.' This shows that even the building itself and its surroundings can be an attraction for the little ones.

For those who want to avoid the biggest crowds, another visitor's advice may be valuable: 'If one comes on one's own and without an organized tour, it is worth reserving the afternoon of Wednesday or Friday to visit the Louvre, because then the museum is open until 9:00 pm and except for the room with the Mona Lisa there are very few people and such an evening visit has its own charm, we have the Louvre to ourselves and will enter the Louvre through the main entrance under the pyramid without any queue!'

It is also worth remembering that the Louvre is not only famous masterpieces. As one reviewer notes: 'Few works by the French Impressionists or the Cubism of Picasso, who is, after all, buried in France.' This is a reminder that the museum offers a broad cross-section through art history, not just the best-known works.

All in all, a visit to the Louvre is an unforgettable experience that requires good planning. It is advisable to use the maps available in the information, to reserve enough time for the visit and be prepared for a tremendous experience. Whether you are an art lover or simply a curious tourist, the Louvre offers something for everyone. It's not just a museum, but a true journey through the history of human creativity and genius that remains in the memory for a long time.