10 Masterpieces Not To Miss at Louvre Museum in Paris
The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum. It is renowned for Leonardo Da Vinci’s, Monalisa. If you only have limited time to spare inside, here are 10 masterpieces not to miss at Louvre Museum in Paris. Ideally, this museum should not be seen in a rush.
There’s so much to see here and I’d say that spending a half day here would be great! If you’re really into arts, then spending a whole day here would be a day you won’t forget. The Louvre Museum is beyond Monalisa. There are certain rooms and galleries that have only a few people – where you can be almost alone with the works of the master artists.
Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum
I have three tips for you. First, buy the ticket online to avoid the line. Second, go early to avoid the crowd. Make it your very first thing to do in the morning. Third, get the audio guide to get the story/descriptions of each masterpiece – in your language of choice.
The Crowd. The Louvre Museum is the most visited museum in the world in 2016. It hosted 7.3 million people! That’s more than the whole population of Bulgaria or Paraguay!
10 Masterpieces Not To Miss at Louvre Museum in Paris
The Collections. There are about 35,000 works of art by almost every well-known artist that graced the world. There are 380,000 objects on display, taken from different civilizations and historical times.
MONALISA
Well, seeing the Monalisa is almost every reason why people go to the Louvre. The intriguing smile of Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece has beguiled historians, art critics, and art afficionados for centuries. Whatever the reason why Monalisa is smiling or whoever Monalisa is, we still don’t know until today. That mysterious smile has puzzled generations of humans. 😀 (See the Monalisa portrait here.)
VENUS DE MILO
This sculpture may not have arms but it is one of the most-renowned depictions of classical female beauty. She stands there in the middle, captivating everyone with her statuesque charm. Don’t just see her up close, but stand back and admire her from afar.
LIBERTY LEADING THE PEOPLE
Perhaps, there’s no painting in France more famous than this. The lady in the middle is Liberty (also known as Marianne) who is leading the people during the 1830 Revolution. Remember that the French gifted the USA the Statue of Liberty? I wonder if the woman in this painting is the same as that of the statue in New York.
WINGED VICTORY OF SAMOTHRACE
This 2,200-year-old marble sculpture is magnificent! Just by looking at it, you’ll feel the wind ruffling her clothes. The wings stretch like she’s ready to take a flight to go somewhere. Until this day, no one really knows who sculpted this masterpiece in classical Greek style.
GALERIE DE APOLLO
This is one room in Louvre Museum where you’ll get neck pain. From its walls to the decorative paintings and frescoes on the roof, everything here seems to flicker in gold. Though the gallery is not that big enough, the incredible Hall of Mirrors inside the Palace of Versailles is modeled after here.
VIRGIN AND CHILD WITH ST. ANNE
This is another of Leonardo Da Vinci’s works. And if it’s from him, it must be good, right? I saw this painting in a book years ago and I remember a friend commenting that Mary and St Anne can be a great couple. 😀
LAMASSUS
In China, you’ll find big statues of lions at the entrance of buildings or some houses. In ancient Assyria, the Lamassus are the ones guarding entrances. They are part human, part animal, and are believed to be protective spirits. These colossal statues are intimidating when you’re standing in front of them and at the same time sort of otherworldly.
SCULPTURE ROOM
Here, you’ll find sculptures of different themes, sizes, and curves. If you’re into sculptures, then, this is your paradise.
CODE OF HAMURABI
Do you ever wonder where the banks got an idea about loans, private taxes, interest, inheritance laws, and fines for something you’ve done wrong? Blame it on the Code of Hamurabi!
THE GLASS PYRAMID
And of course, do not miss admiring the work of I.M. Pei. The construction of his glass pyramid was a controversial one but when it was done and finished, people came to love it. Its modern style blends well with the rest of the architectural style and it gives natural light to the dark ground floors below.
Honorable Mention: The Coronation of Napoleon
Sit in front of the massive painting and imagine how the event unfolds before your eyes. The painting has all the elements of what royals/monarchies looked like in ancient times.
Where to Stay in Paris: Hostel in Paris
This is a medium-priced hostel that’s a few steps from the Gare Du Nord metro stop. The hostel is reachable to a lot of cafes, restaurants, and grocery shops. The hostel itself has a fantastic bar with bulging security guards. 😉 The rooms are sizeable, clean, and well-ventilated. The bunk beds are comfy with electrical pugs and lamps.
How to Save Time and Money in Paris
Paris has an excellent transport system. There’s nothing to worry about getting from one tourist attraction to another. If you have more time in Paris, then, you can do it all on your own. And it would be cheaper and less time-consuming if you are on the Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus. However, if you only have a short time staying in the city and you want hassle-free preparation (especially avoiding long queues), then joining a Paris Tour is always a good idea!
no comment