There are centuries of art at the Louvre—an enormous museum with some of the world's most famous paintings, sculptures, and cultural artifacts. It is home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Egyptian tombs, just to name a few. I.M. Pei's ultramodern—if not controversial—glass pyramid stands at the entrance in stark contrast to the classic palace.

Despite temptation, don't attempt to see more than a few galleries with your kids. With 30,000 works on display, a single visit is overwhelming. Younger ones (for some reason) like starting out at the bottom in the crypt, which showcases the history of the building, including 12th-century battlements and a model of the Louvre from its castle days. Then head to the gift shop, where your kids can pick out postcards of such noted works as the Mona Lisa or any of the Rembrandts. –Candyce Stapen & Kim Grant

Visitor Information

Contact Away