Souvenir shops are usually filled with junk because plastic keychains and cheap magnets are everywhere in Paris. However, the Librairie Boutique du Musée du Louvre is entirely different. It is arguably one of the best art bookstores in all of Europe.
Located in the Hall Napoléon under the main pyramid and in the Carrousel du Louvre, this Louvre Museum shop is vast. It spans several floors and different sections. If you truly love art, you can easily spend an hour here browsing through their unique collection.
The Massive Book Collection
The bookstore section is a serious resource for art lovers. It is not just filled with simple coffee table books because it stocks scholarly texts, exhibition catalogs, and deep history books.
If you loved a specific temporary exhibition, you should buy the catalog here. It is the single best way to take the art home with you. Furthermore, they have a fantastic section for children that includes illustrated books explaining art history in simple terms. While many books are in French, there is a massive selection of English guides and reference books available for international travelers.
The Chalcography Department and Original Prints
This is the hidden jewel of the Louvre Museum shop. The museum actually has a chalcography department where they print engravings using original copper plates from the collection.
You can buy high quality prints pressed from plates that are several centuries old. These are not cheap posters but are instead genuine works of art. They even come with an official stamp of authenticity. If you want a souvenir that will actually look good on your living room wall, you should look here first.
Museum Replicas and Historical Jewelry
The boutique also sells beautiful replicas of jewelry found throughout the museum galleries. You can buy gold earrings modeled after ancient Roman artifacts or necklaces inspired by Egyptian queens.
Additionally, they sell moulages or casts. These are plaster or resin reproductions of famous statues like the Winged Victory or a bust of Marie Antoinette. Because these are made by the museum’s own workshops, they are incredibly accurate and high quality. This makes the Louvre Museum shop a prime destination for collectors.
Gifts and Fine Stationery
For visitors with smaller budgets, the stationery section is excellent. You can find notebooks with beautiful covers featuring details of famous paintings. They also sell high resolution postcards that are far better than the pixelated ones sold on street corners. Finally, their stylish and durable tote bags remain a favorite for tourists and locals alike.
Location and Access Information
The main shop in the Hall Napoléon is accessible only after you pass through security. However, there is a large branch in the Carrousel du Louvre called the Boutique du Musée. You can actually access this Carrousel branch without a ticket to the museum.
Buying from the official Louvre Museum shop supports the institution directly. The money goes back into conservation and maintenance, so you can feel good about your purchase. You are not buying a cheap product but are instead investing in a curated souvenir.
Summary for Your Visit
Make sure you leave extra space in your suitcase before you head to the museum. The art books are heavy, but they are absolutely worth the weight.
