Your Guide to Where the Mona Lisa Is Displayed in the Louvre Museum

Imagine you arrive at the Louvre Museum and want to see the world’s most famous painting, the Mona Lisa. But where is she? The museum is massive, with over 35,000 artworks and three wings. Without a proper plan, you may face a problem finding the Mona Lisa.

The Salle des États is home to the Mona Lisa painting in the musée du Louvre. It is usually crowded. Without guidance, you could find yourself stuck behind a crowd and unable to enjoy Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.

But don’t worry, in this guide, I will provide step-by-step directions to where is Mona Lisa in Louvre Museum. You will also learn about the best times to visit and expert tips to make your experience better.

Let’s find La Joconde quickly and enjoy your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Go directly to the Denon Wing, 1st floor, Room 711 (Salle des États) to see the Mona Lisa.
  • The painting room is very crowded. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
  • Use the Carrousel du Louvre or Porte des Lions entrance for faster access.
  • If you are planning to visit the Louvre Museum, book your tickets online to skip the line.
  • Capture photos without flash and find the best angle to view them.

Mona Lisa: Leonardo da Vinci’s Masterpiece

The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous portrait paintings in the world. It was painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1517. It is so famous that it attracts millions of visitors to the Louvre Museum in Paris every year.

A Closer Look at the Mona Lisa Painting

The Mona Lisa, also known as La Gioconda. It is the most famous portrait in the world. The painting shows a woman with an enigmatic smile. It is admired for its mysterious expression and masterful sfumato technique. Her eyes seem to follow you around the room.

Why is the Mona Lisa so famous?

There are various reasons why the Mona Lisa is famous:

  • Mystery of the Mona Lisa: Her subtle, almost-smirking expression has confused viewers for centuries.
  • Leonardo’s Genius: Da Vinci’s smart use of light, shadow, and anatomy makes the painting a true masterpiece.
  • A Stolen Treasure: In 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre. It remained missing for two years. This stolen news became very famous.
  • Pop Culture Icon: The painting shows up in movies, songs, and ads. Because of this, it’s one of the most well-known artworks in history.

Fun Facts About the Mona Lisa

  • The painting is smaller than most people expect. It’s only about 30 x 20 inches (77 x 53 cm).
  • The Mona Lisa has faced attack attempts. These include an acid attack and a rock thrown at her.
  • Leonardo carried the painting with him until his death in 1519.

Curious about the Louvre’s past? Explore The Fascinating History of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.

Where is Mona Lisa in Louvre Museum?

where-is-mona-lisa-in-louvre-museum

The Mona Lisa is displayed in the Denon Wing of the Louvre Museum. The room number is 711, also known as Salle des États. It is located on the 1st floor, near other Venetian painting masterpieces. The Mona Lisa room is the Louvre’s largest room. The painting is protected by a bulletproof glass case.

Here’s a table with details on Mona Lisa location in Louvre Museum:

CategoryDetails
Museum NameLouvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)
Location in MuseumDenon Wing (Aile Denon)
FloorFirst Floor (1er étage)
Room NumberRoom 711
Gallery NameSalle des Etats (Hall of the States)
Nearby ArtworksThe Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese.
Access TipsEnter through the Pyramid, follow signs for “La Joconde”
Special TicketThe Louvre Access and Direct to Mona Lisa

Ready to visit the Louvre? Learn how in How to Buy Louvre Museum Tickets: A Guide.

Louvre Museum Mona Lisa Tickets

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Booking tickets for Paris’s best museums can be tough due to high demand and limited availability on official websites. But don’t worry! Last-minute tickets can help you avoid disappointment.

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How to Find the Mona Lisa Painting – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Get Your Ticket

First, you need a ticket to enter the Louvre Museum. You can buy it online or at the museum. It is best to buy online in advance to skip long lines.

Step 2: Choose the Best Entrance to the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum has multiple gates to enter. The easiest way to quickly reach the Denon Wing is:

  • Pyramid Entrance (Main entrance) – Best for general visitors.
  • Carrousel du Louvre Entrance (Underground mall) – Great for avoiding long lines.
  • Porte des Lions Entrance (Less crowded) – Closest to the Denon Wing, but not always open.

Step 3: Navigate to the Denon Wing Mona Lisa.

After entering, follow the signs for the Denon Wing. This wing has iconic artworks, including the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Liberty Leading the People.

Take the escalator or stairs to the 1st floor, where Room 711 (Salle des États) is located.

Step 4: Enjoy the Leonardo da Vinci Mona Lisa

There she is! You will see a large crowd in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece. The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci. She has a famously enigmatic smile. She was once stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, but now she is safe in the Louvre Museum.

Can’t decide between the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay? Find out which museum to visit in Louvre vs Musée d’Orsay?

Why is the Mona Lisa in this room? Behind history

1. The Royal Collections and King François I

The Mona Lisa painting was shipped to Paris during the time of King François I. The king brought the painting in the 16th century. At that time, Leonardo da Vinci was at the Manoir du Cloux. The painting was presented at the Palace of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV.

After the French Revolution, it was moved to the Louvre Museum. Before returning, Napoleon kept it in his room.

2. The Theft That Made It Famous

On 21 August 1911, an Italian named Vincenzo Peruggia stole the painting from the Louvre Museum. For two years, no one talked about the artwork. After some time, the painting was found in Italy. This event made the Mona Lisa even more popular.

3. Safe and Protected

At  present time, to keep the Mona Lisa safe, the authorities keep it behind a protective glass case. The historic room of the Mona Lisa has lavish painted decorations. It is part of a vast decorative scheme. The light and room design make the painting on display look extra special.

Best Time to See Mona Lisa and Avoid Crowds

TimeCrowd LevelWhy?
Early Morning (Right at Opening)Less CrowdedFewer people are inside the museum at the opening time. It is Best time.
Mid-Morning to AfternoonVery CrowdedMany tour groups and visitors arrive. Hard to get a good view.
Late Afternoon (Before Closing)Less CrowdedMost people have left. Easier to enjoy the painting.
Weekdays (Tuesday Closed)Less CrowdedFewer visitors than on weekends. Best days: Wednesday & Thursday.
Weekends & HolidaysVery CrowdedMore tourists and long lines. Hard to see the Mona Lisa.

Skip-the-Line Tickets and Private Tours

  • Book your tickets online in advance to save time.
  • Choose private tours from ParisCityVision for an exclusive experience.

Thinking about when to visit the Louvre? Find out in When Is The Best Time to Visit Louvre Museum?

What to Expect When Viewing the Mona Lisa

1. Security and Protection

  • The Mona Lisa painting is now behind bulletproof glass for protection from damage.
  • Expect a line of visitors in front of the masterpiece.
  • You cannot get too close—a barrier keeps people a few feet away.

2. Best Spot for Photography

  • Flash photography is not allowed, but you can take photos.
  • Stand at the center of the crowd-free zone for the best photo.

Other Must-See Artworks Near the Mona Lisa

1. The Wedding Feast at Cana

Location: Denon Wing, near the Mona Lisa

This Veronese’s huge masterpiece is the biggest painting in the Louvre Museum. It shows a wedding party with 130 different characters.

2. Liberty Leading the People

Location: Denon Wing

This shows a woman holding a French flag. It indicates leading people to fight for freedom. It is one of the most famous works in the history of art.

3. The Winged Victory of Samothrace

Location: At the top of the Du Carrousel staircase

This amazing statue of a winged goddess is over 2,000 years old.

4. The Great Sphinx of Tanis

Location: Egyptian Antiquities Section.

This statue is a lion’s body and a human face. It comes from ancient Egypt and is one of the oldest works on display.

5. The Galerie Médicis

Location: Room 6, Richelieu Wing

This gallery is full of history and mysteries.

6. The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne

Location: Near the Mona Lisa

This painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century shows Lisa Gherardini.

7. The Death of Sardanapalus by Delacroix

Location: Denon Wing

This painting has bright colors and shows a dramatic story from history. It’s a great example of Italian art.

8. Titian’s Portrait of a Man

Location: Italian Paintings Section

This famous work is a beautiful painting on canvas. It shows a mysterious man wearing dark clothes.

Wondering what to see at the Louvre? Check out What to See in Louvre Museum? Best 10 Louvre’s Masterpieces Not to Miss.

Things you need to know before visiting the Louvre Museum

  • Buy tickets in advance: Buy tickets online ahead of time to avoid long lines.
  • Security procedures and restrictions: Be ready for security checks. You cannot bring large bags, backpacks, helmets, or bulky items.
  • Take care of your children: Children are welcome at the Louvre Museum. But it is important to watch over them.
  • Behave respectfully: Please do not touch the exhibits. Keep your voice down. Avoid using flash photography.

Planning a trip from the Louvre to Arc de Triomphe? Check out Louvre Museum to Arc de Triomphe: Guide to Routes & Landmarks.

Other attractions in Paris

Attraction NameLocationTicket Booking Link
Eiffel TowerChamp de Mars, 7th Arr.Eiffel Tower Tickets
Musée d’Orsay1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 7th Arr.Musée d’Orsay Tickets
Notre-Dame CathedralÎle de la Cité, 4th Arr.Notre-Dame Tickets
Sacré-Cœur BasilicaMontmartre, 18th Arr.Sacré-Cœur Tickets
Arc de TriomphePlace Charles de Gaulle, 8th Arr.Arc de Triomphe Tickets
Versailles PalacePlace d’Armes, VersaillesVersailles Palace Tickets
Musée Rodin77 Rue de Varenne, 7th Arr.Musée Rodin Tickets
Centre PompidouPlace Georges Pompidou, 4th Arr.Centre Pompidou Tickets
PantheonPlace du Panthéon, 5th Arr.Pantheon Tickets
The Catacombs of Paris1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 14th Arr.Catacombs Tickets
Musée de l’OrangerieJardin des Tuileries, 1st Arr.Musée de l’Orangerie Tickets
Luxembourg Gardens6th Arr.Luxembourg Gardens Info
Pont Alexandre IIISeine River, 8th Arr.Pont Alexandre III Info
Disneyland ParisMarne-la-Vallée, outside ParisDisneyland Paris Tickets

Looking for the best spots near the Louvre? Check out Top Attractions Near Louvre Museum: Your Paris Tour Guide.

FAQs About the Mona Lisa’s Location in the Louvre

What room is the Mona Lisa in at the Louvre?

The Mona Lisa is in Room 711 (Salle des États), Denon Wing, 1st floor of the Louvre Museum.

What is the fastest way to get to the Mona Lisa?

Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre. Go to the Denon Wing. Take the stairs or escalator to the first floor. Then, follow the signs to Salle des États.

Can I take photos of the Mona Lisa?

Yes, you can take photos of the Mona Lisa. Just a quick note: please avoid using flash photography, as it is not allowed.

Is the Mona Lisa worth seeing at the Louvre?

Yes, the Mona Lisa is the most famous portrait worldwide and a must-see for art fans.

Conclusion

Now that you know where to find the Mona Lisa, visiting her is easier. Follow the directions in this guide. Plan your visit at the right time. Also, explore the other masterpieces in the Denon Wing.

Ready to see the Mona Lisa? Book your tickets online and plan your Louvre Museum adventure today.

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