Mona Lisa, Paris

History of Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci (La Joconde in French) is the most famous painting of the Louvre.

Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 in Vinci near Florence in Italy. He was a genius in many fields including painting, music and engineering.

In 1503, King Francois I, fighting a war in Italy, was so impressed by Leonardo da Vinci that he invited him to France. Leonardo da Vinci painted Mona Lisa during his stay in France (1503 - 1506).

Mona Lisa, the painting

The subtle smile of Mona Lisa is famous. Leonardo da Vinci used his finger to erase outlines, creating an impression of fuzziness.

Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519 in Amboise, a lovely royal city in the peaceful Loire valley.

Mona Lisa is the  most famous masterpiece of the Louvre Museum, which has many many more pieces of art of all kinds to amaze you.

Mona Lisa is in the italian painting department.

See Mona Lisa in Louvre Museum

Musee du Louvre
75058 Paris Cedex 01

metro station Palais Royal on line 1

The Louvre Museum is open 9am to 6pm all days except Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, November 11th and December 25th. The Louvre Museum is open until 10 pm Wednesdays and Fridays.

More information on Louvre Museum

Visit Louvre Museum

Full-day Louvre Museum entrance fee: 10 euros. Entrance fee with exhibitions : 14 euros.
Buy tickeys online.

To get easy access on your own to Paris museums, get your Paris Museum Pass. You will also save altogether on entrance fees.

As the Louvre Museum is quite large, we also recommend you a guided visit.  

Louvre Museum web site