Louvre-Lens
A branch of the Louvre built on a former mining site, where the Gallery of Time presents five thousand years of art in a single hall, with the permanent collection free.
Louvre-Lens opened in 2012. Designed by the Japanese firm SANAA, its low aluminium-panel and glass building stands on a former coal mine. The central Gallery of Time is 120 metres long and displays around 200 Louvre works in chronological order, from Mesopotamia to the 19th century. Admission to the permanent collection is free, while special exhibitions cost extra. Closed on Tuesdays. From Lille, take the TER train to Lens, about 40 minutes, then take the free shuttle bus or walk for 20 minutes.
Opening hours
Wed–Mon 10:00–18:00; closed Tuesdays
Nearby sights
- Canadian National Vimy Memorial
- Notre-Dame-de-Lorette & Ring of Remembrance
- Arras Grand-Place & Belfry
- Wellington Quarry
- Wazemmes Market
- Lille Zoo
- Citadel of Lille & Bois de Boulogne
- Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille