{"id":10302,"date":"2024-04-16T17:25:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T13:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.headout.com\/?p=10302"},"modified":"2024-04-18T16:03:15","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T12:03:15","slug":"must-see-at-louvre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/must-see-at-louvre\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see at the Louvre in Paris: Planning your visit"},"content":{"rendered":"

A selfie with \u2018Mona Lisa\u2019 has become customary at the Louvre! Synonymous with the world\u2019s biggest art museum, the Mona Lisa grabs disproportionate attention out of more than 35,000 artworks that call Louvre home. Unless you are an art connoisseur, you can find yourself feeling lost in the endless display of art through the ages. I wouldn’t blame you, because the Louvre is spread across three wings, four floors, and over eight curatorial departments. That can make even the best museum lover weak in the knees ( quite literally) ! If you are a novice to the world of museums or just feeling overwhelmed at the thought of covering Louvre<\/a> in a limited time, we have put together a guide for you. It includes details of exemplary masterpieces that deserve an eye and applaud. Crush your Louvre visit in a day and make it a day to remember.<\/p>\n

Scroll right to the bottom and get some great first hand tips and insider information on rooms that you CAN maybe skip and not loose out on much! <\/p>\n

What not to miss at the Louvre?<\/h2>\n

1<\/span><\/p>\n

The Venus de Milo<\/h2>\n

Sculpture: Unknown Sully Wing, Ground Floor, Room 346 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

The statue of the Venus de Milo found on the island of Melos in Greece is shrouded in mystery. The world yet does not know of who the sensual and detailed depiction is of \u2013 Aphrodite or Amphitrite? Yet she continues to mesmerize visitors who admire the classical work belonging to the Hellenistic Period.<\/p>\n

2<\/span><\/p>\n

The Winged Victory of Samothrace<\/h2>\n

Sculpture: Unknown Denon Wing, Ground Floor, Victory of Samothrace Staircase, Room 703 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Flickr<\/a><\/p>\n

The Goddess of Victory, Nike, is depicted in this stunning marble sculpture \u2018The Winged Victory of Samothrace\u2019. Look out for the details on the drapery and awe-inspiring wings that seem to breathe life into the sculpture. The theatrical stance as the woman is bracing the wind and water is a sight to behold.<\/p>\n

3<\/span><\/p>\n

The Raft of the Medusa<\/h2>\n

Artist: Th\u00e9odore G\u00e9ricault Denon Wing, First Floor, Room 700 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

The painting by G\u00e9ricault is highly regarded as an icon of Romanticism, and is based on the tragedy of the shipwreck of a French frigate \u2018Medusa\u2019. It is known for its realistic portrayal of the plight of the forlorn sailors who were at sea, still hoping for a rescue.<\/p>\n

4<\/span><\/p>\n

Psyche Revived by Cupid\u2019s Kiss<\/h2>\n

Sculptor: Antonio Canova Denon Wing, Ground Floor, Room 400 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

The statues of Cupid and Psyche in embrace hark back to the legend of \u2018Metamorphoses\u2019 when Cupid\u2019s mother Venus played truant in their love story. The languid movement of Psyche looking towards her lover is beautifully captured in the unblemished marble. The complex composition is worked on thoroughly and can be admired from all points of view.<\/p>\n

5<\/span><\/p>\n

Liberty Leading the People<\/h2>\n

Artist: Eug\u00e8ne Delacroix Denon Wing, First Floor, Room 700 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

Liberty Leading the People has become the emblem of the July Revolution of 1830. The oil painting depicts the working and middle-class revolting, running over corpses \u2013 of people and monarchy \u2013 to herald the revolution and unfurling the Tricolor flag. The painting style was considered innovative and realistic, a harbinger of times to come.<\/p>\n

Planning a visit to Louvre Paris? Here are deals you cannot resist!<\/h5>\n

<\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Louvre Museum: Skip the Line Tickets <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac17<\/span> <\/span><\/a> Louvre Skip the Line Louvre Museum Guided Tour <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac48<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Paris Museums Paris Museum Pass 2 or 4 Days <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac48<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Extended Louvre Masterpieces & Royal Palace Gr… <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac59<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Small Group Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac69.95<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Louvre at Closing Time – Small Group Guided Tour <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac69<\/span> 6<\/span><\/p>\n

The Coronation of the Emperor Napoleon I and the Crowning of the Empress Jos\u00e9phine<\/h2>\n

Artist: Jacques-Louis David Denon Wing, First Floor, Room 702 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

The painting of the coronation of Napoleon is as momentous as the event itself. It was painted by David who was present at the coronation and was directed by Napoleon himself. The realistic painting is huge and like Napoleon himself said, \u2018What relief, what truthfulness! This is not a painting; one walks in this picture\u2019.<\/p>\n

7<\/span><\/p>\n

Sleeping Hermaphroditos<\/h2>\n

Sculptor: Unknown, Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Mattress) Sully Wing, Ground Floor, Room 348 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

The legend of the Sleeping Hermaphroditos is one of unrequited love, where the nymph Salmacis unable to woo Hermaphroditos urges Zeus to merge them as one. The sculpture has to be viewed from the front and the back. The sinuous form of a woman sleeping on a mattress takes a complete turn at the back with a representation of a bi-sexed figure.<\/p>\n

8<\/span><\/p>\n

Law Code of Hammurabi<\/h2>\n

Creator: King Hammurabi of Babylon Richelieu Wing, Ground Floor, Room 227 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Wikipedia.org<\/a><\/p>\n

The Code of Hammurabi is a basalt slab engraved with inscriptions in the cuneiform script and the Akkadian language. It is one of the world\u2019s first code of laws full of legal precedents and the collective wisdom of the king ready to be passed on to future generations.<\/p>\n

9<\/span><\/p>\n

The Dying Slave and Rebellious Slave<\/h2>\n

Sculptor: Michelangelo Denon Wing, Ground Floor, Room 403 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

The set of two slaves are marble sculptures that were originally intended to be produced for the tomb of Pope Julius II. Unfortunately, it never materialized due to financial reasons and while the Dying Slave was completed, the Rebellious Slave was hurriedly abandoned. The contrast in the artistry of both is worth noting to understand Michelangelo\u2019s ideal process.<\/p>\n

10<\/span><\/p>\n

Crown of Louis XV<\/h2>\n

Creator: Augustin Duflos Denon Wing, First Floor, Room 705 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

The Crown of Louis XV is a magnificent piece of French Royal jewelry. It was a tradition of French Kings to have their personal crowns made for their coronation and Louis XV commissioned two of them. The one is Louvre is made of Gilded silver and includes motifs of the fleur-de-lis the symbol of France.<\/p>\n

Looking for tickets to Louvre Paris? These popular guided tours are the deal.<\/h5>\n

<\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Louvre Museum: Skip the Line Tickets <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac17<\/span> <\/span><\/a> Louvre Skip the Line Louvre Museum Guided Tour <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac48<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Paris Museums Paris Museum Pass 2 or 4 Days <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac48<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Extended Louvre Masterpieces & Royal Palace Gr… <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac59<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Small Group Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac69.95<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Louvre at Closing Time – Small Group Guided Tour <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac69<\/span> 11<\/span><\/p>\n

Winged human-headed bull<\/h2>\n

Sculptor: Unknown Richelieu wing, Ground Floor, Room 229 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org<\/a><\/p>\n

The gates of Assyrian Palaces back in 713 BC were flanked by these imposing relief sculptures known as the Shedu or Lamassu. The sculpture in the Louvre is made from a single block of stone and is known for its detailing of the creature that is a mix of a human, bull, and bird.<\/p>\n

12<\/span><\/p>\n

The Four Seasons<\/h2>\n

Artist: Factory of Nicolas Fouquay Sully Wing, First Floor, Room 605 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: wikipedia.org<\/a><\/p>\n

The Four Seasons are depicted in these delicate faience busts, which are essentially tin-glazed pottery. The large busts represent the seasons in the form of ancient Gods \u2013 Spring as Flora, Summer as Ceres, and Autumn as Bacchus \u2013 while is in the form of an old man. The colors and fine details of this 18th Century are commendable work.<\/p>\n

13<\/span><\/p>\n

Napoleon III Apartments<\/h2>\n

Replica of Napolean Apartments Richelieu Wing, First Floor, Room 547 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

The building of the Louvre was used for multiple purposes throughout history and in the 18th century, it was renovated to accommodate Napoleon III apartments. The rooms are well-preserved and an excellent example of decorative arts of the period. The sheer opulence and grandeur of the objects are captivating.<\/p>\n

14<\/span><\/p>\n

The Wedding Feast at Cana<\/h2>\n

Artist: Paolo Caliari Veronese Denon Wing, First Floor, Room 711 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

The Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese is an epic depicting the moment when Jesus turned water to wine. The painting originally commissioned by the San Giorgio Monastery in Venice is heralded for its grand proportions and the artistic composition with realistic details and bright colors.<\/p>\n

15<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rape of the Sabine Women<\/h2>\n

Artist: Nicolas Poussin Richelieu Wing, Second Floor, Room 828 <\/span> \"mustImage Courtesy: Louvre.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

Poussin illustrated an ancient Roman myth in this painting \u2018The Rape of the Sabine Women\u2019. The story goes that Roman men abducted the women of Sabine to build a city and ensure offspring. The painting depicts the commotion and the fearful women with three-dimensional effects and sense of movement.<\/p>\n

Louvre Paris Tickets<\/h2>\n

Grab Louvre tickets<\/a> online and save a few euros! You can’t get these deals anywhere else.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Louvre Museum: Skip the Line Tickets <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac17<\/span> <\/span><\/a> Louvre Skip the Line Louvre Museum Guided Tour <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac48<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Paris Museums Paris Museum Pass 2 or 4 Days <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac48<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Extended Louvre Masterpieces & Royal Palace Gr… <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac59<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Small Group Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac69.95<\/span> <\/span><\/a> 10% Cashback Louvre Louvre at Closing Time – Small Group Guided Tour <\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac69<\/span> \"Inside More On The Insides of Louvre <\/p>\n

Experience the Magic of Louvre from the inside!<\/h2>\n

The Louvre is housed in an old palace and exhibits some of the world’s best-known art pieces. Learn more about why you should explore the Louvre from the insides! <\/a><\/p>\n

Louvre Paris floor plan<\/h2>\n

To put all these wings and rooms into perspective, here’s a quick floor plan of the Louvre. You can find a detailed one here<\/a>. Make sure to download this and keep it handy on your phone. Alternatively, you can pick up a free copy from the museum.<\/p>\n

Rooms you cannot skip at the Louvre Paris<\/h2>\n