The Louvre is probably the most famous museum in the world. The Paris museum’s collection of masterpieces is so vast, even their own official records can’t seem to put an exact number on it. Filled with irreplaceable treasures from around the world, this premier series of exhibits offers something for everyone.
The building itself is something of an historical and architectural marvel. The construction of the original structures began as long ago as the 13th century. The existing Chateau du Louvre, which forms a large portion of the floorspace, was begun in 1546.
For the next three hundred years, this Paris landmark has been subject to sporadic expansion efforts. The latest alteration was the addition of The Crystal Pyramid that now stands as its entrance. The glass pyramid was completed in 1989, and not without controversy. Some critics have called it ‘grotesquely inappropriate.’
One clear advantage that no critic will dispute is that the pyramid offers a spacious and comfortable welcoming area for the museum’s many visitors. Through the entrance and down an escalator the visitor enters a world of 6,000 years of every style and type of art known to man.
Within the museum walls are Egyptian sarcophagi, Persian and Greek artifacts, medieval and Renaissance paintings, 19th century classical and Romantic sculptures and also some of the best artwork from this century.
No visitor can ever cover the entire Louvre in one day. With its vast collections, it is advisable for visitors to do some research and cover the periods and art styles they prioritize. Some do the museum in several visits.
You can always stick to the ultimate classics. There are pieces known even to those with little interest in art: Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’, the marble Winged Victory (Nike) of Samothrace, the armless Venus de Milo are just a few. Other notable masterpieces - Delacroix’s ‘Liberty Guiding the People’, Vermeer’s ‘Geographer’ or ‘Lacemaker’, Ingres’ ‘The Bather’ and David’s ‘Marat Mort’ (Death of Marat).
Along with the more recognizable pieces there are literally thousands of fabulous artworks on display that are known only to experts or the most regular visitors. Most of the collection is in storage at any given time. Many of the walls are covered from floor to very high ceiling with paintings ranging from miniatures to 10m by 3m (33 feet by 10 ft) canvases.
And there are many of those walls. The floor space covers several thousand square meters and there are a dozen different major buildings including the Chateau and the Tuileries that have been joined by passageways. The various parts are also on several different levels, many connected only by steps. Be prepared to walk.
Fortunately, there are benches scattered about and the steps in many places are lightly used, providing several places to rest. The exterior also has several places to sit. As you rest your feet, you can enjoy the passing parade of people or the stationary Les Jardins des Tuileries (jardins is French for garden).
Lines can be long for tickets. Best to buy a ticket in advance or purchase one of the many available multiple tourist site passes. The museum is easy to reach via the metro (subway). Exit at the Palais Royal or Louvre Rivoli stations.
Related tours and destinatino in the Louvre Paris.
Follow in the footsteps of Robert Langdon, the principal character in Dan Brown’s bestseller, the Da Vinci Code. The novel is brought to life as you trace the steps from Vendome Square and the Ritz Hotel to the Louvre and Saint Sulpice Church.
When you dream of Paris… do you imagine the Eiffel Tower, gastronomic delights, the Louvre’s artistic treasures and the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral? If so, this tour combines them all, including a cruise on the Seine and lunch in a restaurant located at the Eiffel Tower.
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