I have to share a secret, not that it’s much of a secret for my friends and family, but I have never been fascinated by art or cared much for it. Yes I enjoy looking at the paintings and I know a few artists, but really nothing more than that. Despite this, I promised myself that once I move to Paris I would make an effort to go to the best museums and try my best to learn and properly admit the paintings. Hence, I decided to start the Paris Museum Experience series to make sure I do just that, but also talk about my experiences with my readers.
Now, I’ve been to Paris a couple of times before moving here, yet I’ve never been inside the Louvre. To me, this meant it was the first museum I had to visit. I really just have a photo outside of it when I was 5 years old with my sister. The first time I went I was with my best friend, and with neither of us really understanding the artwork, we strolled through it taking pictures and just saying “that’s a nice painting”. We were in there 3/4 hours and still hadn’t seen the whole thing. That meant I had to go a second time. That’s why just one week later I am right back here, this time actually paying attention, reading the history, and really trying to take in the meaning of each piece.
Whether you’re an art fanatic or not, the Louvre is definitely a place to visit, and because of its size it can be difficult to navigate. For this reason I have decided to share my favorite art works from the Louvre, and where to find them.
I do have to say that my favorite part of the Louvre is not the artwork, but rather the architecture. Each room is though-out perfectly and the entire museum is one picturesque design. From the staircases, to the gold and hand painted/hand carved ceilings, you are to be in awe.
Sculptures
The Louvre has separate sections for their sculptures, all divided based on origin, and spread over different floors. Within the wide collection of sculptures, a specific few have caught my eye. Here is a list of the most fascinating sculptures;
The Winged Victory by Samothrace (Denon Wing, 703)
As many, the Winged Victory falls onto my category of favorites. Not only is it a beautiful statue, but it carries a lot of history which makes it that much more fascinating. It showcases Nike, the winged goddess who is seen about to descend from a ship.
The Winged Victory is one of the few Greek statues who’s exact location is shown.
It is one of the most famous statues in the Louvre, and it is thoughtfully placed on top of the Daru Staircase.
This Greek statue was made as an offering to the gods for a sanctuary on the Greek island of Samothrace. It was placed at a heigh to allow people to see her from far, which was carried out to the Louvre by being at the top of the staircase.
Venus de Milo by Alexandros (Sully Wing, 345)
Venus de Milo is a marble sculpture believed to be of Aphrodite, the goddess of the sea. It was carved in 150 BCE and when it was found on the Aegean island of Melos on April 8, 1820, it was nothing but pieces.
Louis XVIII was the last holder of this statues before he donated it to the Louvre in 1821.
The arms were never found despite having been put back together. It now stands in the Louvre as the sculpture we know today.
The Marly Horses (Richelieu Wing, 102)
These marble horses were originally showcased on either side of the horse pond at Marly-le-Roi, a commune outside Paris.
There are two sculptured opposite to each other that now reside in the Marly Court in the Louvre. They were commissioned by Louis XV in 1739, and he lated donated to the museum.
Paintings
The Louvre holds some of the most important paintings in the world. I have to say that seeing them hung up has a very exciting emotion attached. From seeing them in pictures to approaching them in the galleries is a very different experience that I encourage everyone to do.
La Grande Odalisque (Denon Wing, 702)
Without lying, I first loved this paining because it was at the back of my phone case. However, seeing it in person landed it as my favorite painting of the Louvre.
This oil painting was completed in 1814 by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. It depicts an odalisque (a reclining nude female figure)
La Liberté Guidant le Peuple (Denon Wing, 700)
This paining holds great historical importance for France. This paining commemorates the July Revolution in Paris that removed Charles X from the throne.
Despite initial mixed reviews, it became one of Eugène Delacroix’s most famous paintings.
The Four Seasons by Arcimboldo
These paintings immediately gained by attention just because I remembered having to recreate them in elementary school art class. Now, having read about them I am able to understand the importance and thoughts behind them.
Each face represents a season. Each painting description goes into a lot of depth, too long to explain here. If you are interested to read more, click here
The Raft of Medusa (Denon Wing, 700)
This is yet another very famous and important paining. It was painted in 1819 by Théodore Géricault. It depicts survivors of a shipwreck, the Medusa, adrift and starving on a raft during the French Revolution.
150 survivors embarked on a raft due to the lack of lifeboats. During a 13-day ordeal of starvation, it descended into murder and cannibalism. Only a handful of survivals were rescued.
The Monalisa (Denon Wing, 711)
The Monalisa always belongs on one of these “favorites” lists. Leonardo Da Vinci was a great artist and managed to create probably the most famous painting in the world.
However, upon arrival I was very underwhelmed. Many people say that this paining is great, but nothing special once you see it. I never believed them, but now I do. Even just trying to look at it is very difficult, because of the size but also because of the enormous line of people who want to take a picture.
Just to give an indication of what I’m talking about, here is a picture I took of the line, and you are able to see the Monalisa at the back. Keep in mind this was on a day where the Louvre is considered ’empty’.
Zones
The Louvre has strategically placed their artwork in certain areas. Areas which after the modernization of the museum have contributed to the display of art. If you ask me, they have made it more special.
The Marly Court (Richelieu Wing, 102)
Not only is this a beautiful area picturesque and lit up by the natural like from the glass ceiling; it holds sculptured of great importance. For example, the Marly Horses, created by Guillaume Coustou the Elder in 1743–1745.
Galerie D’Apollon (French Crown Jewels)
This gallery is the most breath taking room of the Louvre. This is where all the Crown Jewels are exposed with detailed information about them all.
In my opinion, the jewels are not the center of attention, but rather the portraits and gold detailing on the walls and ceilings. And don’t even get me started on the painted ceiling. The attention to detail to everything in this room amazes me and every time I go, it’s the first room I visit.
Napoleon Apartments (Richelieu Wing)
Last but most certainly not least, is the Napoleon Apartments. For some reason when looking at the pictures online, it seems like I still haven’t seen them all. This might call for a third visit.
Each room is beautiful and carefully decorated. With unique pieces, from their carpet to the chairs.
With the simple explanation that there is not enough space to add all the must-see pictures of the Louvre, I decided to add a gallery of loose photos.
Times and Dates
As the Louvre is a very popular spot among tourists, it’s important to find a time where it is not too crowded to enjoy the experience to the fullest. And, if you’re like me, to take the best pictures.
The best times are in fact the evening hours, which are only open on Wednesdays and Fridays when the museum is open until 9:45pm. It’s safe to say I will be going back a third time to experience this myself. Also avoid going on the weekends. But year round, going after 3:00pm is ideal to find less crowds.
Tickets
The big questions for all of you that want to visit the Louvre is where can I buy the tickets and is it expensive. Well, I have some great news for you.
There are different types of tickets, but if youre younger than 26, you can enter the Louvre for FREE! You do have to be an EU resident to qualify for the 18-25 ticket, but younger than 18 is free nonetheless. However, if you don’t qualify for the free tickets, the entry price is 17€.
Purchase tickets here
Closing the Louvre
Here you have it, my personal thoughts and opinions on the Louvre and my favorite paintings I’ve seen. If you use this guide to visit the Louvre please comment or tell me about your opinions. Also let me know if you have any other favorite you would add to this list or if there’s anything you would change.
I look forward to seeing you at the next “Paris Museum Guide” article.
1 Comment
Very good and clear report.
Unfortunately, I have never been there, despite I spent plenty of time in Paris….maybe next time we go together❤️
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