If you’re buying the Paris Museum Pass for quick entry into the Louvre, think again. Even with the pass and a reservation, we waited 30 minutes to get in.
Also, I would not recommend visiting on a Monday. Since it’s one of the few major museums open, it’s extremely crowded.
Posted by
Chicago
8550 posts
Having tickets ahead -- or the pass -- used to make entry to museums easier but no more. Since COVID pretty much everyone has a reservation so half an hour wait is typical. We waited 70 minutes at the Eiffel tower to get to the elevators WITH a reserved time slot. The only magic pass now is the Carte Blanche which currently gets you to the head of every line at the Orsay and facilitates entry at the Orangerie. Once people realize this and more are sold, those benefits will probably wane.
The Museum Pass has no real benefits now unless you will go to so many museums in a short time that it saves money. You get only one entry per museum so the former benefit of several short visits to the Louvre is gone and it never was that much of a line advantage i.e. the line advantage was exactly the same as those for people who just bought tickets ahead.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2001 posts
I loved the Museum Pass, especially a shorter wait in line. I also went to many museums I might not have. I loved being able to take 3 or 4 visits to a favorite museum for shorter periods each time. It is so sad those benefits are no longer available.
Posted by
Chicago
8550 posts
The pass never gave line advantage that just buying a ticket ahead didn't also give.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14725 posts
I'm sorry you were expecting something that the Museum Pass that did not deliver. I think in nearly every post asking about the Museum Pass or "skip the line" tickets those of us who visit Paris frequently remind people that NO ONE skips the security line. THAT is what you were waiting for in your 30 minutes.
People are also often shocked when they can't get a timed entry for the Louvre with the Museum Pass. The limit the numbers so sometimes there are timed entries available for those paying for them when the Museum Pass entries are gone.
I hope you enjoyed the Louvre anyway. There are some really fabulous things there and the building is very interesting as well!
Posted by
Central Indiana
272 posts
For those of you who, like me, enjoy multiple shorter visits to the Louvre, consider becoming a member. Among other benefits, it allows entrance via a members only entrance where there is rarely a line.
Posted by
Chicago
8550 posts
And if you are a teacher -- at any level with professional ID you can buy a professional membership that is very cheap and gives you access for a year plus you can bring a guest on evening openings. I did this for many years when I was still working. There is an office along the corridor from the Carousel entrance that issues these photo ID memberships. Haven't tried this lately so not sure if it is still an option but I would think it would be.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
No longer available. Only French art teachers can get the educational pass now, Janet. This changed a while ago. The office hasn't existed for years
And all pass holders no longer have the right to bring a second person into the Louvre for free after 18h. That changed after the pandemic.
Posted by
27 posts
I had read that Thursday morning at opening is best and that some entrances are less crowded than others. Has anyone usied these tips?