Photo Examples
About This Spot
The glass pyramid illuminated against the historic Louvre palace creates one of the most striking architectural contrasts in the world. This is where history and contemporary design collide in the most photogenic way.
Complete Photography Guide
GPS Coordinates
Exact Location
Center of the Cour Napoléon courtyard, 20 meters from the pyramid's base. GPS: 48.8606° N, 2.3364° E. Stand between the pyramid and the reflecting pool on the western side for the classic symmetrical shot with palace reflection.
How to Find It
Enter through the main Louvre entrance on Rue de Rivoli. Walk through the passage into the central courtyard—the pyramid is unmissable. For the best angle, position yourself on the western side (toward the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel) near the reflecting pools.
Timing Recommendations
Blue hour (30-45 min after sunset) when the pyramid is illuminated and the sky turns deep blue. Wednesday and Friday the museum is open until 9:45 PM. Avoid rainy evenings when the courtyard gets slippery and reflections are lost.
Crowd Levels
Recommended Settings
Blue hour: f/8, ISO 800-1600, 1/30-1 sec shutter (tripod required). Use manual mode to balance the bright pyramid with darker sky. Shoot RAW to recover highlights in the pyramid and shadows in the palace. Bracket exposures for HDR if needed.
Equipment Needed
Center the pyramid with palace wings symmetrical on both sides. Include the reflecting pool in the foreground for mirror effect. For a unique angle, shoot from inside the pyramid looking up (requires museum entry). Use leading lines from the courtyard patterns.
Silhouette in front of the illuminated pyramid. Touch/lean on the glass panels (clean hands!). Walk naturally in front of the pyramid with motion blur. Reflection shot: Sit by the pool with pyramid and you both reflected. Architectural appreciation: Stand back admiring the structure.
Best Months
Peak Season
Spring and fall for comfortable outdoor temperatures during blue hour shoots
Seasonal Changes
Year-round spot with indoor museum feel. Rainy nights create stunning reflections in courtyard puddles. Summer offers later blue hour (10 PM). Winter blue hour comes earlier (5-6 PM) for easier scheduling. The pyramid is beautifully lit every evening regardless of season.
Elegant evening wear works best for this sophisticated setting: black dresses, dark suits, or all-white for dramatic contrast against the illuminated pyramid. Avoid casual daytime clothing. Metallic accents (silver, gold jewelry) catch the pyramid lights beautifully. Think art gallery opening, not tourist casual.
Fully accessible via elevator from the parking lot. Courtyard is flat and paved. Accessible restrooms inside the museum (free access without ticket).
Quick Info
Medium
Blue Hour