Mona Lisa location: where to find her in the Louvre in 2026

You’re heading to Paris, and you want to go to the Louvre. Perhaps you have already even purchased a ticket. There is one painting that most guests want to make sure that they see.

The problem is that the Louvre is huge, and for first-time visitors, it can be a lot to navigate. In fact, if you were to walk the entire thing, it would be more than 8 miles, considering all of the floors and corridors. In this guide, we’re going to answer the one question that everyone wants to know, and then give information on how to actually enjoy your visit instead of wandering in circles. 

Where is the Mona Lisa located in the Louvre?

The Mona Lisa is in the Salle des États, officially Room 711. It’s on Level 1 of the Denon Wing. The painting is in a climate-controlled case that is made of bulletproof glass. It’s hung on the room’s longest wall, alone, and is guarded at all times. Across from it is Veronese’s Wedding at Cana. 

There will be signs for the Mona Lisa, and staff can point you in the right direction, but remembering Denon Wing, Level 1, Room 711 will be helpful. This room is actually the largest and always the busiest in the entire museum. Once you are close, you’ll probably notice a wave of people heading in and out of that direction.

The Louvre itself is in Paris' first arrondissement.

How to find Room 711 fast

The Louvre has three public entrances. Most are only aware of the one underneath the central Glass Pyramid. However, there’s also the Carrousel du Louvre entrance, as well as the Porte de Lions (the South Wing). You can choose to enter at any of these doors (check to make sure they're all open), with a ticket. Regardless of where you enter, you’ll first see the Napoleon Hall. From that hall, three wings branch off. You want to choose the Denon Wing. 

Once in the Denon Wing, you’ll need to go up the stairs. In the US, the first floor is the ground floor. In France, the ground floor is “0” and the “second floor” is actually the first floor. A little confusing to wrap your head around, but just remember, when it’s the first floor, they really mean up the stairs from ground level. Once up the stairs, follow signs for Italian Paintings and the Mona Lisa (in French, it’s called La Joconde). You can also, typically, follow the crowds. Unless you’re there right when the museum opens, off-season, if you don’t see a crowd, you may have gone the wrong direction. 

What to expect when you reach the painting

The Mona Lisa is smaller than some people expect. It’s 77 by 53 centimeters (About 30 x 20 inches), about the size of a poster. As mentioned above, it is behind protective glass, and there’s also a barrier that keeps all museum visitors more than 10 feet away from it.

Because of how busy the room is and how beloved the painting is, there is staff that typically helps manage the crowd, including those who want to get photos in front of the artwork. It’s very rare that you can stand in front of the painting quietly and contemplate it. It’s more of a well-organized pilgrimage, if you will. It’s better to know this in advance so you don’t have unrealistic expectations of how the moment will go.

When is the best time to see the Mona Lisa?

Timing can really change the experience, and it is the biggest lever that you have control over. If your goal is to see the Mona Lisa with the fewest crowds, get the earliest ticket (book in advance to ensure you get the first slot available). Get there early to get in line first, then once you enter, head straight to Denon before the tour groups arrive. Another option is to get a ticket for days that the Louvre is open later into the evening, which isn’t every day. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum is open later (until 9:00 pm). Going later in the evening can also produce fewer crowds. 

If this is your goal, try to avoid going midday, weekends, and on the first Sunday of the month (when the museum is free). These days are all typically packed. 

Is the Mona Lisa moving to a new room?

Yes, eventually. Most guides don’t mention this, but the Mona Lisa is moving. In January 2025, President Macron announced a massive overhaul of the museum that is expected to take more than a decade to complete. This project, the “Louvre New Renaissance,” will upgrade several things and also change the entire Mona Lisa experience – giving the painting its own dedicated room. 

The painting will be moved into an entirely new hall which will be built underneath the Cour Carrée. This space will be much better suited to host large crowds, which will be a more enjoyable experience for everyone. This also means there will be another new entrance, near the Seine. It’s currently set to open by 2031. No exact date has been announced yet. For now, the Mona Lisa will stay in the Salle des États (Room 711). This means that if you’re visiting in 2026, that’s where you’ll find her. 

Tickets and practical information

There are a few things that can be helpful to know for your first visit. It’s strongly recommended to book a timed-entry ticket online, in advance. Having it guarantees that you’ll get into the museum (versus relying on the hope that there will still be tickets left when you get there). It also cuts your waiting time at the entrance. The Pyramid is the famous, main entrance. Entering through the Carrousel du Louvre or the Lion entrances are typically much quieter, as fewer people know about them. 

Additionally, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, as well as January 1st, May 1st, and Christmas Day. Right now, there is no separate ticket required to see the Mona Lisa. It’s included with standard admission. In the future, once the new hall is built, entry will be separate.

Frequently Asked Questions; the Mona Lisa

What room is the Mona Lisa in?

Is the Mona Lisa hard to find?

Is it free to see the Mona Lisa?

How long can you look at the Mona Lisa?

Will the Mona Lisa be moved?

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