Discover the Treasures of the Louvre Museum

Exploring the Louvre Museum in Paris is like taking a journey through the annals of Western art, where visitors can admire iconic works such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Vénus de Milo.

Originally a royal residence, the Louvre's collection expanded through acquisitions from the Vatican, the Venetian Republic, and the spoils of Napoléon I.

The Louvre, the world's largest museum, is divided into three wings: Denon, Richelieu, and Sully, each housing a vast array of art and artifacts. With over 70 rooms per wing, it's impossible to see everything in a short visit.

For a focused experience, consider a guided tour to see the Louvre's highlights, which can include skipping long entrance lines.

See also: Where to Stay near the Louvre Museum in Paris

1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci (Denon Wing, Room 711)

The Mona Lisa's fame is attributed to its mysterious subject and enigmatic smile. Believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the painting's allure is enhanced by the subject's gaze that seems to follow viewers around the room.

2. Les Noces de Cana by Véronèse (Denon Wing, Room 711)

Véronèse's Les Noces de Cana is the Louvre's largest painting, depicting the biblical miracle of Christ turning water into wine with over 100 figures in a harmonious composition.

3. Vénus de Milo (Sully Wing, Room 345)

The Vénus de Milo, an embodiment of Greek beauty, captivates with its balanced composition and the elegant fall of its drapery, despite missing arms that leave its original pose to speculation.

4. Victoire de Samothrace (Denon Wing, Room 703)

The Victoire de Samothrace, a Hellenistic sculpture, impresses with its dynamic form and realistic depiction of the Winged Victory goddess.

5. Le Sacre de l'Empereur Napoléon Ier by Jacques-Louis David (Denon Wing, Room 702)

Commissioned by Napoléon, David's painting captures the grandeur of the coronation ceremony, symbolizing Napoléon's power and independence from the church.

6. La Liberté Guidant le Peuple by Eugène Delacroix (Denon Wing, Room 700)

Delacroix's La Liberté Guidant le Peuple portrays the 1830 Parisian uprising, with the allegorical figure of Liberty leading the charge for freedom.

7. Psyché Ranimée par le Baiser de l'Amour by Antonio Canova (Denon Wing, Room 403)

Canova's sculpture captures the tender moment of Cupid reviving Psyche with a kiss, a scene filled with emotion and exquisite detail.

8. Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud (Sully Wing, Room 916)

Rigaud's portrait of Louis XIV exudes the majesty and power of the Sun King, adorned in his coronation robes and surrounded by symbols of his authority.

9. La Dentellière by Jan Vermeer (Richelieu Wing, Room 837)

Vermeer's La Dentellière is a serene depiction of a woman absorbed in her lace-making, showcasing the artist's skill in portraying everyday life with a sense of intimacy.

10. Chevaux de Marly (Richelieu Wing, Cour Marly)

The Marly Horses, sculpted by Guillame Coustou, are dynamic representations of man's struggle with nature, originally designed for the Château de Marly.

Exploring the Louvre Palace

The Louvre's grand entrance is marked by the iconic Pyramid du Louvre, designed by Ieoh Ming Pei. The pyramid serves as a gateway to the museum's vast collection and the Cour Napoléon.

The Medieval Louvre section reveals the fortress origins of the palace, with remnants of the moat and dungeons on display.

The Louvre also houses the opulent Napoléon III Apartments, showcasing the grandeur of the Second Empire.

For accommodation, consider staying near the Louvre, with options ranging from the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Paris to the budget-friendly Hôtel Opera Maintenon.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Louvre Museum

• Hours: Open most days from 9am to 6pm, closed on Tuesdays.
• Guided Tours: Consider the Skip the Line: Louvre Museum Walking Tour for a comprehensive experience.
• Tickets: Purchase in advance to avoid long lines at the Pyramid du Louvre.
• Paris Museum Pass: Offers unlimited, free admission and line-skipping privileges.
• Food and Drink: The Louvre offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafés to upscale restaurants.
• Getting to the Louvre: Accessible via the Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro station or several bus lines.

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris