THE PARIS ART JOURNAL
Louvre private tours and after-hours visits: what is real and what is worth it
The Louvre does not sell private after-hours visits to individuals. Here is what you can actually book: private guides, small groups and the Wednesday and Friday evenings.
In this article
There is exactly one way to have the Louvre to yourself after closing time: hire the palace for a corporate event of between 50 and 3,000 guests. That is the museum's own rule, and it surprises almost every traveller who asks for a private night visit.
What you can book is nearly as good: a private guide who builds the route around you, a small group capped at six, or an evening visit on Wednesday or Friday, when the museum stays open until 21:00 and the Grande Galerie empties out. Here is how the options compare, with every hour and price checked on the Louvre's official site.
Your options compared
These are the realistic ways to see the Louvre with more space and more attention.
| Option | Group | Timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private guided tour | Your party only | 2, 3 or 4 hours, day or late opening | First-timers who want a tailored route |
| Private night tour | Your party only | Evening, check the start time | Couples, special occasions |
| Semi-private tour | Up to 6 guests | About 2.5 hours | Value with tickets included |
| Official "Welcome to the Louvre" tour | Museum group | Daily 11:00 and 14:00, Fridays 18:00 and 19:00 | Budget, official guides |
| Self-guided evening | Independent | Wednesday and Friday to 21:00 | Repeat visitors |
Is there a real after-hours Louvre?
Not for individuals. The Louvre's official tours run during opening hours, and its private events team works with companies hiring the museum for 50 to 3,000 guests. Any tour sold as "after hours" to individual travellers takes place inside public opening hours, usually during the Wednesday or Friday late opening.
That is still a very good experience. By 19:00 on a Friday most day-trippers have gone, the light in the Grande Galerie softens, and the queue for the Mona Lisa shrinks. Just read the start time before you book: a tour that starts at 18:30 gives you over two hours inside, while one that starts at 20:00 will be cut short at 21:00.
What a private Louvre tour gets you
A private guide is worth the money if you have one visit, limited stamina or children. The best ones plan a route that avoids doubling back across a vast palace, and they know when to skip a room and when to slow down.
Most private tours include reserved-time tickets, which matters this autumn: the Louvre requires reservations for all visitors from 17 October to 1 November 2026, and tickets cannot be refunded or changed. Check whether your tour includes admission (€22 for EEA residents, €32 for others) before you compare prices.
- Ask for a route built around what you love, not just the "big three".
- Families: choose a tour designed for children, with shorter stops and stories.
- If you only have an hour, a private express tour of the Mona Lisa and highlights is the efficient choice.
The official tours: the budget alternative
The Louvre runs its own guided tours for €12 (reduced €9) on top of admission. "Welcome to the Louvre" introduces the palace and its masterpieces daily at 11:00 and 14:00, with extra evening tours on Fridays at 18:00 and 19:00. "Another Louvre" explores less-visited corners on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 and Fridays at 18:00.
These are shared with other visitors, so they are not private, but they are excellent value and led by the museum's own guides.
Official Louvre tickets and toursOfficial website. No commission.
Insider tips
A few small decisions make the biggest difference to a Louvre visit, with a private guide or without one.
Questions before you go
Can you do a private tour of the Louvre after hours?
Not as an individual. The Louvre's private events are corporate hire for 50 to 3,000 guests. Tours sold as after hours run during the Wednesday and Friday late openings, until 21:00.
How much does a private Louvre tour cost?
Prices vary by guide, length and group size, so check the live price on the booking page. Make sure admission is included; the Louvre ticket alone costs €22 for EEA residents and €32 for other visitors.
Is a private tour of the Louvre worth it?
Yes if you have one visit, children, or limited time. A good guide plans an efficient route through a huge museum. Repeat visitors may prefer an evening alone with a plan.
Is the Louvre open at night?
Yes, until 21:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays. Last entry is one hour before closing.
Is there a Louvre Friday night tour?
Yes. The official "Welcome to the Louvre" tour runs on Fridays at 18:00 and 19:00, and many private guides offer Friday evening tours.
Reviewed . Hours, prices and tour times were checked on the Louvre's official site on 17 October 2026. Tour operators set their own start times and prices; check the live listing before booking.
