Can you tell me about the Louvre?
 

What is your favorite spot, exhibit, hall, wing, sculpture, painting? What do you think are NOT TO MISS, besides Mona. Is there some little favorite area that you love that most people don't see?

And what about lunch there? And shopping? Any great souvineers to be bought at the gift shop? Any tricks to getting in to avoid the lines? Thanks all, in advance.

Why don't you just go and discover for yourself what interests you? Too many people go to the Louvre with a check list and walk straight past hundreds of amazing artworks that aren't officially pronounced "MUST SEE" and then they crowd around the ones that and don't look at them, and instead read their guidebooks.

Just going and looking with an open mind would be a far superior way to tour the Louvre than any guidebook could give you.

I envy how much this will be a totally new experience for you!

Here's a link to 3 hours in the Louvre, which we did, and I believe hits most of the highlights.

http://www.gettingaway.com/directory...ris/louvre.htm ((b))

I just discovered the exhibit on the history of the Louvre.

Lunch is very doable. There is lots of shopping. You can buy postcards of most of your favorites.

Start with a plan but be flexible when you get there. It is huge and you can't possibly do it all.

I suggest you consult the Louvre website first. Then acquire a copy of the green Michelin guide to Paris to get a good idea of what is in there. Then review the numerous suggestion you most probably will receive on this forum.

I say this because I think you have to make the decision for yourself after weighing your choices. The size of the museum is such that I find myself forced to prioritize so I can pick and choose.

Because Paris has a way of eating up time in a hurry, you might find that you don't have a whole day, or even a full half day for the visit. If that becomes the situation, I found that Rick Steves in his guide to Paris has a sensible plan of attack which, if followed, will allow you to see the highlights without becoming drowned in the detail.

If you don't know what your visit objectives are, chances are you will end your visit wandering aimlessly wondering what you are seeing.

I find the museum to be intimidating to be honest about it because of its size and complexity. Those two factors coupled with my desire see as much as I can lead me to enter the place with trepidation.

Yes, there is shopping in the museum. And there are places to eat, although I think the main restaurant at the Musee d'Orsay is far superior.

My favorite section was undoubtedly the sculptures and other artifacts fron Egypt and other Near Eastern sites.
Next would be the paintings by the Dutch and Flemish painters.

Bear in mind that paintings from the Impressionist period are in the Musee d'Orsay.

I haven't been to the Louvre in a quite a few years. When I last went I did one of those "3 hour tours" as bookmarked above. I guess we were so involved in trying to follow the directions and getting to the right spots, I really don't remember experiencing much art. Yes, I do know we saw the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory. Anything else? I'm not sure. I'd try to avoid being so regimented. And this summer, I pledge to go back and stroll almost at random with a map in my hand. Maybe next time I'll remember something.

That 3 hours in the Louvre Tour is great!
We never used a tour, we just looked for the things we liked the best, wandered and discovered.. I still discover something new every visit, I always go to the Louvre and D'Orsay each visit , it would not be the same if I missed them :)
My all time favorites are Winged Victory ( I will never forget my surprise and the emotion felt coming upon it for the first time!) and the Hermaphrodite..amazing, gee, there is so much, my mind is blank :)
Mona , sadly, was surrounded and small and did not make the impression on me that I expected..I even enjoy standing in a quiet spot by one of the windows, looking out into the courtyard and thinking what it was like when it was a palace and people called it home !

I loved the huge wall painting of Liberty Leading the People. It is about the French Revolution and it just moved me--being in France and all. I think it is by Delacroix. Really though, I just loved exploring and getting lost. The first time I went there I raced to the Mona and then Venus de Milo and a few others on my "list" but I didn't take time to really enjoy it. Subsequent times I went I focused on taking my time and seeing where I ended up so to speak, and found lots of things I loved much more than Mona. (She is totally over-rated, IMHO.)

The Mona Lisa has been relocated...Recommend entering through the entrance nearest (relatively unknown so rarely a line...and there's a check room there as well) and starting there. You'll beat all the crowds using the other entrances and checking off Winged Victory, etc., on their way...

Also recommend having a nice lunch or brunch before heading to the Louvre. For a nice rest and refreshments, our favorite spot within the Louvre is Cafe Mollier (I think it is) with the huge and lovely outdoor terrace.

There are gift shops throughout the Louvre. (Note that most of the books can be ordered for significantly less on Amazon.com and you don't have to drag them home on the plane.)

For "souvenirs", there's a fabulous mall underground adjacent to the Louvre - with wonderful shops. On one trip, when the forecast was 60's but temps were in the 80's for a week straight, I found a fabulous collection of adorable dressy cotton tee's for $10 apiece at one of the shops there, which I bought in several colors and could not have been more thrilled.

go to their website and look at the layout of the museum before you get there. Have an idea of the wings that would interest you the most...map it out. The place is massive so unless you like to wander hour after hour, have a bit of a plan. BTW - if you're looking for French impressionists, try the Orsay (see? I didn't say d'Orsay)

I just got back. There is just so much beautiful 'stuff' it can be overwhelming. I was able to walk right up to Mona Lisa before the lines got there (a rainy Thursday morning right at 9:30AM). Alas, when it is enclosed in such thick glass with overhead lights glaring, you can not see much detail.
My favorite painting was The Wedding Feast at Cana.

I think on this first trip I was most impressed with the sculptures in the Richelieu wing. There is a beautiful, quiet courtyard section full of sculptures where you can sit and ponder and compose yourself. Talk about atmosphere!

A lot of good books in the gift shop. Some cute trinkets also.

There is so much I did not see but I don't regret it because I saw so much. I will be back.

Have a great trip!

On the Louvre website there is some information about a "highlight" tour, you might want to check into that; it will give you a nice overview of the museum and you will be less likely to be totally overwhelmed.

Winged Victory is beautiful, unfortunately my first view of it was complete with several tourists climbing up on the base and clinging to the statue for a photo op.

On our first trip to paris, i used the Dummy's guide for the louvre. We earmarked the works we really wanted to see and made a beeline there. it worked very well.

Some of my favorites are the large paintings such as Delacroix' Liberty Leading the People and the Coronation of Napoleon, because you know they will never be seen outside the Louvre--too big to travel. I also like the other DaVinci's in the Louvre--the ones most people pass by on the way to see the Mona Lisa. They are not behind glass so can be viewed close up. I also make it a point to see any Vermeer that is in a museum. Are you going because you think you have to, or are you going to see fabulous art? If you are going to see some fabulous art remember art is subjective--as others have suggested, go with an open mind and no must see list. If you are going because you think you have to, any guidebook will give you directions to the pieces that many believe they have to see i.e. Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa and Winged Victory.

I don't think anybody could say what is not to miss in the Louvre. Mostly everything there is of major importance providing you have some interest in this particular kind of art/antiquities . You should pick items of interest for you and plan enough time to se them at your leisure. That's true for any large museum, actually.

For instance, I like the decorative art sections, sumerian antiquities and medieval items. The greek vases are impressive, too. Mosty, I don't caere for paintings. How likely is it that some random person would share the same interests?

If you just want to know what my prefered area is, it's the medieval art. But I wouldn't necessarily advise you to visit it rather than, say, the Napoleon III's rooms.

In any case, you must know that sections of the Louvre are closed on specific days. So, if you really want to see a specific area, make sure that it will be open on the day you'll visit the Louvre.

I suggest getting the audio tour of the highlights. I really enjoyed the room of the life of Catherine de Medici. I think she commissioned the paintings to show all of the great things she did in her life. I don't think she had an ego problem! Also enjoyed the David painting of the crowning of Napolean. There were a few other Davids that were interesting nearby. Aside from looking at what the museum says are the "not to miss", it is a very individualized thing and you are better off picking an area that sounds interesting and go there or just wander. I avoid the lines by getting a museum pass and then go in the side door on the rue de Rivoli side and walking in. I like the museum pass because if there are lots of people there when I am trying to look at things, I leave and go back later and I don't have to pay or wait again. I usually do this museum in multiple visits because it can be very overwhelming. Have fun!

Well, I say - "not to be missed" are the Napoleon II apartments...

Scarlett, the next time you're dreamily looking out the window thinking about those picturesque times when people called in home, just remind yourself of three pairs of words:

Heavy Clothes
No airconditioning
Sans deodorant

That'll bring you back to reality!

LOL

The &quot;greatest hits&quot; that most people want to see are the <i>Mona Lisa,</i> the <i>Venus de Milo,</i> and to a lesser extent, the <i>Winged Victory</i>. You can see them all in about an hour. There are a quarter-million other works of art on display, but the vast majority of visitors are not interested in them.

Much of the museum is not air-conditioned, and even in winter the museum is overheated and stuffy. There is no air movement, so this means that you are likely to sweat while visiting unless you are dressed in very cool clothing.

The area around the Mona Lisa and an increasing number of other areas in the museum now prohibit photography of any kind.

The crowds are found around the two greatest hits. There are fewer people in other areas, and places like the Richelieu wing with its many sculptures are positively quiet most of the time, even during peak hours.

Overall, unless you are extremely interested in art, all you need to see at the Louvre is the greatest hits. I have yet to encounter clients who really wanted an in-depth visit to the Louvre, but I'm sure there are a few out there, somewhere, especially if they are staying in Paris for two weeks or more and can spare several days to see the museum.

<i>Liberty leading the People</i> is about the 1830 Revolution.

I was amazed by the Spanish artists which are at the far end of the Italian wing. The Italians were fabulous, Mona Lisa not impressing me overmuch. But you can't get close to Mona Lisa and it is quite small compared to some of those humongous beauties. Anyway, the Spaniards used a very bright gold paint that is marvelous, rich bright color and the style of drawing is very interesting. I loved them.

Also, being a mythology buff, the Greco-Roman statuary was fabulous. The marble...

You'll need more than one trip for sure. It is a vast structure. And when you consider that there were no elevators/escalators when it was a palace... The poor servants.

Hi

To avoid queuing for tickets:

Evening openings until 9.45pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. We went on a Wednesday, around 3pm. Quite a few people but didn't feel crushed. For tickets see the Tourist Office or at train stations (for return train ticket and admission to the permanent collections NOT temporary exhibits). A highly-recommended entrance is the underground entrance from the metro stop “Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre”. Coming off a metro train, exit at the far end of the platform where the sign says “direct access to the Louvre” and you will walk through a security check, then the Carrousel shops, and into the central ticket and information area. We took this advice and walked straight through into the Louvre - no queues.

Game Plan:

There's no way you will see everything in the Louvre in a day. The displays in there are just so vast. When you redeem your entrance ticket you will be given a pamphlet which provides a map of the museum, what the star exhibits are and where they are located. Before you go try to get an idea what you would like to see (obviously tips in this forum will be handy!) and where they are located. This coupled with the pamphlet is a good starting point. Bear in mind that some exhibits are closed on a rotational basis due to staff shortages (can you believe it!).

Be prepared to blow your mind!

You can't possibly take more than a tiny percentage in. Other people's likes are absolutely no guide to what you're going to take to. And most people's heads start bursting after a certain time in a museum: generally 2 hours, but Head Explosion thresholds vary immensely between people.

Here's my couple of eurocents.
1. Research in advance the things you think you'll like. Ignore virtualy everyone else's advice on this: they're not you.
2. Visit just the things you've preselected. But keep your eyes open on the way. Organise your time to allow for being diverted - and allow yourself to follow what intrigues you.
3. Me, I leave a museum the monment Head Explosion strikes. Go back tomorrow, or just save it till next time. Personally, I don't find having a meal in a museum helps. You're still in its stuffy atmosphere: carrying on after the onset of Head Explosion means you won't appreciate anything, and it really risks turning you off that painter or art in general for life. Show me even a sniff of Delacroix and I get a flashback. I believe you have to get out, do something completely different and then start again with a new head. In an emergency, though, rehydrating yourself will give you enough of a boost to last out till your companion's got an attack too.
4. The Mona Lisa has to be the single most over-rated artefact on the planet. Practically every other tourist's greatest hit - the Chrysler Building, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Last Supper, the Taj Mahal, even Winged Victory - feels different when you experience it on the spot from the billion pictures you've seen. The Mona Lisa, because of the crush around it, is actually less impressive than the reproductions. Indeed the sense of complete anticlimax is itself an experience worth having. BUT, when you've had the anticlimax, look at its neighbours.

It can be extremely pleasant to discover wings of the museum that are devoid of visitors -- I remember one time, on a free Sunday when the Louvre was jam packed, I had a whole floor of 19th century Scandinavian paintings all to myself -- the sort of thing I would have never sought out if I had been following a list of must-sees.

It's really unfortunate what has happened to the Mona Lisa. Many years ago, when I lived in Paris, I went to the Louvre at least twice a week. I had little interest in seeing the Mona Lisa, having not liked it in reproductions, so I never sought it out.

One day I walked into the Louvre and found the Mona Lisa and only a half dozen people were there. Within a few minutes, I was the only person there.

The Mona Lisa greatly exceeded my expecations and I learned a great deal about not Leonorado Da Vinci from that day, but about art and painting, too.

The last time I was in Louvre, there were hundreds of people waiting to jam into the small gallery where the painting was hanging. When the reached the Mona Lisa, they began furiously snapping flash cameras that blinded everyone else. People had no compunction about standing directly in front of the painting to have a friend take a picture of themselves. You couldn't see anything.

I'm sorry it is now impossible for people to actually see the Mona Lisa anymore. It's a great loss.

Heavens,

Please remember that with few exceptions, the Louvre displays paintings that were painted and sculpture that was sculpted to speak to people with no art education whatsoever. You'd be missing the chance of lifetime to go in there without preconceptions and just look. If you are at all interested in what you see, go back with a guidebook.

I had a hard time getting my husband away from the display of Charlemagne's sword.

I fell in love with David's depiction of the coronation of Napoleon and Josephine. I'm not sure why, but it's just stuck with me all these years - it's come in handy in answering some trivia here and there too. :)

When I was a kid, the Mona Lisa came to New York and we made a pilgrimage to the Met to see it. I don't remember being overly impressed by the painting, but the experience felt important. A few years ago I went to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and this time I was impressed by neither the painting nor the experience.

Some things I have enjoyed a lot personally include the Rubens room with the Marie de Medici paintings, the wing with Dutch and Flemish art including Rembrandt and Vermeer, the Winged Victory, and the Napoleon III rooms.

If there is something you are hoping to see, be sure to check the Louvre website to see whether the gallery you are interested in is open the day you plan to visit.

I had lunch at a large international food court in the underground mall attached to the Louvre which wasn't bad.

Everyone's got their faves; it's all about personal taste. Greek and Roman art is my favorite area, but I also like the ancient Near Eastern art, esp. the Khorsabad sculptures; the Islamic collection; the French paintings section; and the Cour Marly (sculpture court) as a quiet place to relax and take a breather. Fave artists include Delacroix, David, Lebrun (all hail his Alexander the Great cycle!), Watteau (fluffy as he is), and Jan van Eyck.

Agree with suggestion to research website ahead of time, especially the point about certain galleries being closed on certain days. The schedule is online.

Also agree that the Mona Lisa experience doesn't live up to the hype!

1. Look at the website or a reference book and familiarize yourself with what is there. Choose your favorite era or type of art.

2. Go at opening and go straight to Mona. We were early - but by no means the first in the door - and went straight to the Mona Lisa ans were able to enjoy her with no lines and only three other people in the room.

3. Take Rick Steves walking tour. It hits the high points and his text is entertaining.

4. Stop for lunch.

5. If you're tired of art, leave after lunch. If not, go to the area of the museum that houses the type/era of art in which you are most interested. For our family it was the ancient Egyptian section.

About the Mona Lisa. Let's face it. We've all seen about a million copies of the painting, often displayed in a much larger size even. So looking at the original behind glass from a bit of a distance can't be much of anything special except for the knowledge of knowing this is indeed the original. To be honest, is there a person here who at that distance and through the glass could actually see any difference if it were just a copy? No.

Now I'm not begrudging the idea of standing there admiring one of the &quot;world's greatest paintings&quot;. I really do understand why it is special to know you are looking at the original, but I'm just explaining why I don't think it ends up being the big deal a lot of people expect.

On the other hand, I sort of expected the same sort of &quot;so what?&quot; on going to see the David in Florence. After all, I had seen about a million copies of that sculpture. But seeing that original in its full glory, beautifully displayed and lit really did take my breath away. A totally different experience from seeing the Mona Lisa.

Anyone agree with that assessment?

You bet I agree. No matter how many times you've seen the David in pictures or tacky souvenirs, NOTHING compares to the original. He's more gorgeous than one could imagine or be prepared for. The Mona Lisa was a letdown for me; the David was in contrast a sublime experience.

I was very encouraged to read the report that by going early in the morning, one can still have a chance to see the Mona Lisa in relative peace, and that cameras have been banned.

I, too, had seen many reproductions of the Mona Lisa and avoided it because I thought I would react as Neopolitan is describing. To this day, I cite my experience of seeing the actual painting by Leonardo da Vinci as an example of how reality overturns preconceptions. I had no trouble whatsoever seeing in an instant why this painting had become world famous and why its reputation for art and craft and mystery had endured through the centuries -- and all this through the glass, too!

Few other paintings transmit such power. And, again, I was expecting to be indifferent.

Whether or not one feels or experiences the impact of a painting has a lot to do with the circumstances of the viewing. Feeling hungry, tired, distracted, in a bothersome crowd can block the appreciation -- as well as individual taste or expectations, etc.

There is no reason one must appreciate the Mona Lisa. And many people can't discern the difference between the real thing and a copy. But to imagine such apprecation is impossible for others is inaccurate.

I can't comment or compare to David -- and I don't know what would be the point of comparing a painting to a sculpture -- but I've never seen the original David in Firenze because Michaelangelo's work holds so little interest for me. If I see it the next time I am in Firenze, I hope I have the same insights I had viewing the Mona Lisa, but if I don't, I'll hardly come back to Fodor's and post it's a crock.

For many of us, there is a distinct difference between seeing the original of a painting and reproductions, whether we are talking about Mondrian or the Mona Lisa. And the original is so often a revelation, we are drawn to museumgoing as a major part of our lives.

I have to say, I do wish the people who can't tell the difference would stay home and look at art books. I am mystified why so many people pack into museums on vacations when they are not really interested.

I enjoyed the large courtyard with sculpture the most, too.

Even with a map, my sense of direction got turned around a couple of times and I was wandering aimlessly through the museum. My feet were really starting to hurt, and I entered the courtyard - which was almost completely empty and really quiet.

It was wonderful to sit on a bench, rest my feet and just look at all the sculpture around me.

The Louvre is one of the top museums in the world. And it is definitely the most exhausting. After several trips trying to &quot;see it all&quot;, we realized that a little at a time is better.

If you have a chance and have a three or five day museum pass, do a little research and choose a few things or areas that you want to visit. Go for an hour or two on three different days.

I love the building as a whole, inside and out, and recently have enjoyed the History of the Louvre exhibit, the Napoleon III apartments, the Dutch and Flemish paintings and some of the French collection, especially the Davids.

However, each time I visit Paris, I make a point to see the Winged Victory -my favorite sculpture after Michelangelo's David. It is beyond imagining to me how a regular human being could have created either of these monumental yet moving works of art.
The Louvre is best taken in small doses, concentrating on the things you like.

As mentioned by an earlier post, don't overlook the two (I think it's two but maybe three?) other Leonardo's as these you can get up close and personal with! Also, my fav Venetian, Veronese's &quot;Wedding Party at Cana&quot; which he actually painted as a Last Supper but the Inquisition helped him understand that it was really a wedding not a seder :) The ancient Sumerian and Mesopatomian (yikes, I cannot spell) are great, too.

My favorite things in the Louvre are Michelangelo's Slaves, Dying Slave and Rebellious Slave. They are in the Denon Wing, room 4, ground floor. Especially poignant if you've read The Ecsatsy and the Agony.

The Louvre is so wonderful. You could find news things in there if you went everyday for your whole life.

I was excited about seeing the Mona Lisa, figuring it had to be better in person..I am one of those that just felt a bit of a letdown - it did not move me.
But, copies of or the real thing, the Pieta will bring me to tears!
After reading about various friends meeting up with David , in a crowd or lucky enough to be alone with him, the raves were all the same..he/it is magnificent!
I just hope I get to see more and more of these wonders before something happens to make it impossible..thank goodness for museums who send their treasures out so we can all hope to glimpse them when we are unable to go traveling anymore.
Although, I do intend to travel waaay into my dotage, when someone will be annoyed by that little old lady (me) who has to stand right on top of the painting , squinting, to see it :D

May I suggest bookmarks as souvenirs? They are small,flat,cheap and really pretty and make great reminders of all the wonderful art and most are labeled as to the museum as well as the work of art on the back. I bring them back as gifts as well as gifts to me!

The Persian antiquities were such a surprise to me---very beautiful and different. As to how much time to schedule, I spent 3 days not 3 hours so I'm the wrong gal to help you with that decision!...lynda

The <i>Mona Lisa</i> is famous only because it is famous. There's nothing particularly special about it. It doesn't stand out much from other paintings in general, nor does it stand out much compared to the full body of Leonardo's work.

People go to see it just because it is famous. That's why everyone wanted their picture in front of it (especially when everyone was Japanese or Chinese) before photography was prohibited last September.

Few people stop to really appreciate the painting; then again, it's not the sort of painting that has a lot to appreciate &hellip; certainly nothing close to the hype it receives.

But it <i>is</i> the major cash cow for the Louvre. Without the <i>Mona Lisa</i>, the museum would be very quiet most of the time. Even now, most of the museum is very quiet all of the time; tourists generally keep to a few small, well-beaten paths to the aforementioned painting and the <i>Venus de Milo</i>.