Why is the Louvre famous? 

The Louvre is the world's largest museum and also one of the oldest: It opened in 1793, just four years after the French Revolution. It hosts half a million works of art, 35,000 of them are on permanent display. Masterpieces including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Alexandros of Antioch's Venus de Milo have been attracting crowds for more than two centuries.

When did it close? 

It closed on 4 March this year, first because French unions were afraid the staff were not sufficiently protected from COVID-19. Only two weeks later, the French government announced the general lockdown. Ultimately, the Louvre stayed closed for more than three months, until Monday.

Didn't it already have queues before COVID? 

Before COVID-19, people from all over the world were queuing in front of the iconic entrance in the form of a pyramid, six days a week, rain or shine. The summer holiday is usually the busiest, when more than 40,000 people a day visit the museum. But on Monday, when the Louvre reopened, just 6,000 people were admitted.

What measures are in place now? 

Visitors have to make a reservation online. Only if tickets are not sold out, there will be tickets available for the day itself. The Louvre is open every day from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., except for Tuesdays. Also, wearing a protective face mask is now obligatory. Within the museum, walking routes are clearly indicated, so people can no longer wander around between the numerous exhibition halls.

Can you get to see the Mona Lisa? 

Absolutely. The world's most famous painting is still there. And, while she is protected by thick glass, she is probably the only woman in the whole museum not wearing a protective face mask. 

Are all museums and cultural centers now open in France? 

There are still some local exceptions, however, if you're planning a trip to a museum or any other tourist attraction, please make sure to check the most recent info online.