Located in Lens in the Hauts-de-France region, the Louvre-Lens is a regional extension of the famous Louvre Museum in Paris. Inaugurated in 2012, it represents a major initiative to democratize access to art and revitalize a region once marked by mining industry.

Objective and Mission

The Louvre-Lens was designed in the spirit of making works of art accessible outside the French capital and to participate in the cultural and economic development of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. It aims to give new life to the Louvre's collections by presenting them in an innovative and dynamic context.

Architecture

The museum's design, by Japanese architecture firm SANAA, is remarkable for its minimalist elegance and exceptional luminosity. The main building is entirely made of glass and aluminum, stretching over a linear space nearly 360 meters long. This transparent structure blends harmoniously into the landscape of the surrounding 20-hectare park, symbolizing a link between the region's industrial past and its cultural future.

Collections and Exhibitions

The Louvre-Lens have a permanent collection, the Galerie du Temps, and hosts temporary exhibitions and long-term exhibitions that change regularly. The works exhibited are mainly from the reserves of the Louvre Museum. The exhibitions are organized around varied themes, allowing visitors to discover pieces from different periods and civilizations.

The Galerie du temps

Since the museum’s opening, the Galerie du temps has offered a free chronological journey through a single open space of 3,000 m². It now showcases over 250 masterpieces from the Louvre Museum, enhanced by loans from national collections and contemporary perspectives.

What are the main questions asked about the Louvre Lens?

1. Why was this museum created?

The Louvre-Lens was created as part of a decentralization initiative for major cultural institutions, with the aim of making national collections accessible to a wider audience.

2. What works are on display?

Inaugurated at the end of 2024, the new Galerie du Temps at the Louvre-Lens now spans from Prehistory to the present day. It features 250 new works from the Louvre, loans from major national museums, and creations by six contemporary artists. Co-created with over 200 local residents, its redesigned mediation embodies the spirit of “the Louvre to be shared.”

3. What are the must-see works of the Louvre-Lens ?

The Louvre-Lens Museum, thanks to its partnership with the Louvre Museum in Paris, has the opportunity to present world-renowned works from the Louvre's vast collections. The exhibitions change regularly, but several landmark works have been exhibited, including: The Four Seasons by Giuseppe Arcimboldo, The Spirit of Liberty by Auguste Dumont, Gathering of Friends by Eustache Le Sueur, Portrait of Luis María de Cistue y Martínez by Francisco Goya, Head of the Aphrodite of Knidos type, known as the “Kaufmann Head”…

Exhibitions are subject to rotation and the museum often offers works of great diversity, covering many historical periods and artistic styles. It is advisable to check the museum's website for current exhibitions before planning your visit.

4. What are the best times to visit the Louvre-Lens?

To make the most of your visit to the Louvre-Lens, here are some tips on the best times to visit:

• Morning: Visiting the museum as soon as it opens (at 10am) is a good strategy to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Mornings are generally quieter, allowing for a more tranquil experience.

• Weekdays: If possible, prefer a weekday visit over the weekend. Wednesdays, and Thursdays often offer less crowded conditions.

5. Where is the museum located?

The Louvre-Lens is within walking distance from the center of the city of Lens, in the Hauts-de-France region (in northern), France. It is located on the site of the former pit n°9 of the Lens mining company, reflecting the link between the region's industrial history and its cultural revival.

6. Is the museum free?

Access to the Galerie du temps is free for everyone. Temporary exhibitions may be subject to a charge. The museum also offers specific days and times when access to the entire museum is free.

The Hotel Louvre-Lens, nestled in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage, embodies the vibrant reflection of the mining basin that surrounds it. This hotel, located in a restored miners' housing estate, bears witness to the region's industrial past while offering a haven of peace for its visitors. Local architects have masterfully combined the traditional architecture of workers' houses with elements of modern comfort, creating an elegant contrast between raw materials and soft textures.

The hotel's interior is a blend of oak, black stones, and floors fashioned from old railway tracks, contrasting with the elegance of the Galibot's pewter bar and the patterns of the cement tiles. This duality is highlighted, while preserving a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is reflected in the bar and cuisine of Franck Kasprik, where local recipes are revisited to surprise and delight both visitors and connoisseurs.

Located opposite the Louvre-Lens and therefore in the center of the city, the hotel offers an ideal starting point for exploring the region's cultural and historical riches. Visitors can enjoy the panoramas offered by the spoil heaps, discover emblematic sites linked to the Great War, and experience unforgettable human experiences in the heart of the mining basin.