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Murders and Mysteries of the Louvre

(3)
Paris, France
Arts & CultureCultural ToursMuseums & ExhibitionsSkip the Line

About this activity

Explore the Louvre's most famous artworks through the lens of hidden histories, royal scandals, and unsolved mysteries spanning from ancient Egypt to Renaissance Europe. This 2-hour guided tour transforms a museum visit into a detective story, uncovering the secrets behind iconic pieces and the palace's turbulent past.

Once a royal palace and today the largest museum in the world, the Louvre hides within in its walls centuries of secrets, vile crimes, and mysterious masterpieces. Who is hidden behind Mona Lisa’s smile? What secrets are the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace still hiding? Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you will discover the major works of art with a new perspective, and visit the exceptional department of Egyptian Antiquities. Learn about Champollion, who cracked the mysterious hieroglyphic code; Tutankhamen, the boy pharaoh who suddenly died at a young age for unknown reasons; and the curse of Tutankhamen’s tomb that befell those who discovered it. This guided tour will also evoke memories of the royal castle: a misplaced golden helmet found at the bottom of a well; the unusual circumstances of King Henri IV dying in his carriage; and the mysterious murders surrounding the reign of Charles IX… This lively guided tour made for all ages to enjoy will give you a unique look at the Louvre and its masterpieces.

Highlights

  • Decipher the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile and the theories behind her identity
  • Uncover the curse of Tutankhamen and the fates of those who discovered his tomb
  • Explore the Egyptian Antiquities collection and learn how Champollion decoded hieroglyphics
  • Discover royal scandals including the mysterious death of King Henri IV and crimes of Charles IX's reign
  • Visit Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace with historical context

Insider tips

  • The tour combines major galleries with lesser-known stories—arrive with an open mind for narrative connections between artworks
  • Ask your guide about the golden helmet discovered in the palace well; these tangential historical details often spark the most engaging discussions
  • The Egyptian section can draw crowds; position yourself early if you want close views of mummy cases and sarcophagi

Good to know

  • Skip-the-line access included; meet your guide at the designated Louvre entrance (confirm exact meeting point upon booking)
  • 2-hour duration covers significant ground—wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Tour suitable for ages 8+; younger children may find dense historical narratives challenging but enjoy the mystery framing
  • No photography restrictions mentioned for the main galleries, though some temporary exhibitions may prohibit it

Who it's for

History buffs and true-crime enthusiasts seeking storytelling beyond standard art appreciationFamilies wanting an engaging, narrative-driven museum experience for children 8+Art lovers curious about the provenance and legends surrounding famous masterpiecesFirst-time Louvre visitors wanting curated highlights rather than self-guided wandering

Best time to visit

Afternoon tours (after 2 PM) tend to be less crowded than mornings. Visit on weekdays if possible to avoid weekend surges, though the skip-the-line access mitigates wait times regardless of timing.

Frequently asked questions

From
€170
per person