A number of museums, gardens, and cultural institutions have opened or are preparing to reopen in France as the country eases restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. One such place is Musée du Louvre, which will once again welcome visitors starting on July 6.
French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced that museums would begin opening in June, with several parks and gardens already accessible. Following this, a provisional calendar for the reopening of specific public institutions was shared by Minister of Culture Frank Riester after discussions with leaders from major establishments. Consequently, visitors must secure tickets for the museums in advance, and new signage will be implemented to manage visitor flow within the buildings. Individuals entitled to free admission are also required to book a timeslot for their visit.
Moreover, entering visitors will need to wear masks and adhere to safety recommendations while inside the museums. In addition, the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix will prepare to reopen on June 22, while both the Carrousel Garden and Tuileries Garden are already open to the public.
Jean-Luc Martinez, president-director of the Musée du Louvre, stated, “The Louvre is happy to announce that it will be reopening its doors after these weeks of quarantine that we have all endured. Visiting conditions will be adapted to adhere strictly to the recommendations made by health authorities, as we want everyone to feel safe at the Louvre, whether they are coming for work or pleasure. This period has not been easy, but commitment and collaboration will see us overcome the difficulties we are facing. Although we have been providing resources on Louvre masterpieces online, nothing can replace the emotion felt when standing face to face with such treasures—the raison d’être of all museums.”
The Louvre’s “Advent of the Artist” exhibition in the Petite Galerie has been extended through the summer. This family-oriented exhibition, created as part of this year’s Renaissance series, is a wonderful opportunity for visitors of all ages to discover some of the greatest artists featured in the museum. The Renaissance season will continue with “Body and Soul: Sculpture in Italy from Donatello to Michelangelo” and “Albrecht Altdorfer, a German Renaissance Master”, both initially planned for spring but now set to launch in October.
Furthermore, the museum will continue to provide new digital and audio-visual content online, allowing art enthusiasts to enjoy the Louvre from the comfort of their own homes.
For more information, visitors can check the official website for updates on tickets and guidelines.
