As a traveler, there’s always that one place you look forward to visiting in every destination you go to. For me, it was the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. As someone who is naturally curious, I knew this would be a day of endless discoveries. The Louvre Museum is home to some of the world’s most famous art pieces and artifacts, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The museum is massive, with over 35,000 works of art on display across 782,910 square feet of exhibition space. It can be overwhelming to navigate, but I was determined to make the most of my time there. To avoid the crowds, I opted for an early morning visit and arrived just as the museum opened at 9 am.
As I walked through the galleries, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer volume of artwork on display. The Louvre is divided into different departments, each with its own collection of art pieces. I started with the Egyptian Antiquities department, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt.
One of the most fascinating things about the Louvre is that it’s not just a museum; it’s also a former royal palace. As I walked through the galleries, I couldn’t help but imagine what life must have been like for the kings and queens who once lived here. The architecture alone is worth admiring, with grand halls and ornate ceilings that are works of art in themselves.
After exploring the Egyptian Antiquities department, I made my way to the Greek, Roman, and Etruscan Antiquities department. This was where I finally got to see the Mona Lisa in person. The painting is small, but its impact is immense. It’s hard to describe the feeling of being in the same room as such an iconic piece of art.
Next, I visited the Sculptures department, which houses some of the most famous sculptures in the world, including the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace. The sheer size and beauty of these sculptures are breathtaking, and it’s hard to believe that they were created so many centuries ago.
As I continued my journey through the Louvre, I found myself drawn to the paintings in the European Paintings department. This is where I discovered some of my new favorite artists, including Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Honoré Fragonard. The paintings are so detailed and vivid that it’s almost like stepping into a different world.
One thing that surprised me about the Louvre was how interactive it is. There are touch screens throughout the museum where visitors can learn more about the artwork on display, as well as audio guides available in multiple languages. I found these resources to be incredibly helpful in enhancing my understanding and appreciation of the artwork
I’m going to explore more incredible destinations, you’ll find out more tomorrow.
Mary