Louvre Courtyard & Pyramid
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Louvre Courtyard & Pyramid – An Icon You Can Visit for Free
The Louvre may be the most famous art museum in the world, but you don’t need a ticket to enjoy one of its greatest sights: the courtyard and the glass pyramid. Designed by architect I. M. Pei and unveiled in 1989, the pyramid has become a modern symbol of Paris.
Anyone can walk into the courtyard for free, day or night. The contrast of the sleek glass pyramid with the historic Louvre palace makes this one of the most striking places in the city. Many visitors come here just to take photos or to soak in the atmosphere without going inside the museum.
It is also possible to go under the pyramid into the main lobby, known as the Hall Napoléon. Entry to this area is free, and you can see the pyramid from below or access the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall. The museum galleries, however, require a ticket – the free visit ends at the ticket barriers.
In the evening, when the pyramid is lit up and the palace glows golden, the courtyard becomes especially beautiful. Street musicians often play nearby, adding to the atmosphere.
The space is also a crossroads: from here you can step into the Tuileries Garden, head toward the Seine, or explore the historic streets of the Right Bank. Even if you don’t visit the museum itself, the courtyard and pyramid are a must-see stop in Paris.
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