There are some museums that I never get bored visiting and one of them is the Louvre in Paris.
An official press release from the museum announced that in 2019, 9.6 million people visited the Louvre. But perhaps not surprising given that its at the top of many tourists’ wish lists. Always ranking above other giants such as the Met in New York or the Vatican Museums.
Each year, Tripadvisor collects around 95 000 visitor reviews, 46,000 in English. What does the world say about this experience? What are the secrets of a cultural machine that welcomes almost 10 million annual visitors?
There are hundreds of 5-star reviews that underline how much the public enjoy this mecca for art. A quick scroll shows a constant refrain of adjective like unbelievable, wonderful, awesome and breathtaking.
But what do those who have a negative experience complain about? An attractions expert has to listen to all the rumors. But in reality, the negative feedback is minimal. The complaints we hear are perhaps obvious. The museum is massive and overcrowded and takes a long time to visit. The average visit to the “city of the light” is only a few days, so there’s rarely enough time
It’s been a while since I first visited in 2005. My nomadic spirit was already evident and I loved to travel. I traveled with a lot of curiosity, wanting to see for myself the art that I studied in books.
I visited again when I was in Paris for work recently, and the impact was powerful as usual. You need a careful plan to see everything. It’s impossible to think of seeing everything on a single visit.
There is just so much to see. Even the most interested visitor will be overwhelmed and distracted after 4 or 5 hours. And there is always a feeling of not seeing as much as they had expected.
Put these feelings aside. In the end, it is simpler to plan this visit than it appears. Each of us has preferences, even if we are not an expert. Do you love paintings or sculptures more? Greek classicism or the Roman world? Renaissance or Contemporary art? Making these decisions will help us decide what to see.
You must buy your tickets online before you leave home to guarantee entry. As the Trip Advisor reviews show, the priority access granted by an online ticket is the key.
Nothing is left to chance in this museum. And the website is a great resource to get ready for your visit.
Arriving at the museum with an online ticket will save a lot of stress. There still are security checks but soon we are under Ming Pei’s famous glass and steel pyramid opened in 1988.
The great pyramid is the heart of this machine, which sometimes resembles a large cultural market. I often sit in one of the benches to watch people. It’s a magnificent tourist and anthropological spectacle. This heart that beats for days and hours is a real meeting point in the world. You’ll find WIFI, free maps of the site in different languages, toilets, cloakroom and audio guide rental. Everything you need to start your visit in the best way.
The museum is accessible by subway, a highlight of your Parisian excellence. There are several stops that take you directly to the large courtyard or inside the structure.
The history of the Louvre began around 1190 when Philippe Auguste decided to erect a fortified enclosure around Paris. The Louvre was not a royal residence but a garrison fortress. The situation changed in 1528 during the reign of François I when he made it his main residence.
The Louvre we see today has been open to the public since 1793.
The collections began with the first nucleus by François I, including Leonardo’s iconic Mona Lisa (La Gioconda).
Are you ready for this adventure? I hope my attractions expert tips have given you some ideas about enjoying your experience to the fullest.
The museum is divided into several sectors: Denon, Sully, and Richelieu. The collection boasts more than 35 000 works and is spread over 360 000 square meters.
The Denon wing is perhaps the most popular wing because inside is Leonardo’s Mona Lisa (La Gioconda).
At the small Leonardo masterpiece that is famous as a Hollywood star, turn around. You’ll see another masterpiece: Le nozze di Cana – The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese. Surprising, given its size (6.77 m X 9.94 m), that it often fades into the background.
Lose yourself among the masterpieces of Botticelli, Mantegna, Raffaello, and Caravaggio. Once you’ve satisfied your Italian art addiction, head to the halls that host the great French masterpieces. These include The Raft of the Medusa by Gericault, The Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix and The Coronation of Napoleon by David. A nice breath of French air.
So we have hypothetically leafed through an art book from the Renaissance to the Neoclassical. You’ll be satisfied.
In the Sully wing, see sculptures, such as the Venus of Milo, the Sleeping Hermaproditos and the Seated Scribe.
In the Richelieu wing, you’ll find paintings by Germanic, Flemish and Dutch artists. So if you love painters such as Durer or Vermeer this is the place for you.
You’ll be intoxicated by the beauty you’ve seen and ready to leave the Louvre. But think positively. Hopefully you’ll have other opportunities to return here. As Audrey said, Paris is always a good idea..
After visiting the Louvre, relax in the beautiful Tuileries garden, a quiet place at any time of the year.
Au revoir.
