The Louvre Museum in Paris is probably the most famous and largest art museum in the world! It has been influenced by major events in French history and has experienced changes and additions to the original structure by many architects and decorators.
The museum presents the main part of its treasures to visitors, in the new Richelieu wing, Islamic art collections, oriental antiques, French sculptures, objets d’art,French paintings & paintings from the Northern school (including Rubens).
The Louvre was built on the site of a medieval fortress on the banks of the Seine river. It was used as the official residence of the French Kings during the 16th and 17th centuries before the Court moved to Versailles in 1682. It officially became a “Peoples Museum” in 1793 after the Revolution, and is now one of the most important museums in the world. Its collection, which ranges from Egyptian art of 5000 BC to nineteenth-century work, is divided into seven departments: Oriental and Islamic Antiquities; Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Roman and Etruscan Antiquities; Painting; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; and Graphic Arts.
Overview
Here is a quick overview of the 3 wings:
The north wing is Richelieu which holds primarily decorative arts, French, German, Dutch and Flemish paintings and Near Eastern art. In this wing you’ll find the Marly Horses, Napoleon III’s apartments, Vermeer’s Lacemaker and the Medici gallery.
The south wing is Denon. In this wing, you’ll find more paintings including English and 19th century French painters; as well as, Greek and Roman masterpieces. There are a several famous pieces in this wing including Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Coronation of Napoleon and Liberty Leading The People.
The east wing is Sully and it connects the two other wings and contains overflow works of art including French paintings, decorative arts, Greek and Roman art but also Egyptian antiquities and the medieval parts of the building. Key items to see in this wing include Venus de Milo, statue of Ramesses III and the moat from the medieval fortress.
Overview of the levels:
Unless there is a temporary exhibit, there are no pieces of art in the Napoleon Hall. This level is where you will find the information desk, restaurant, bookstore, souvenir shop and can buy your museum tickets. This level is free and is located under the glass pyramid.
All the wings except Denon have art on all levels.
Overview of the eight departments:
The eight departments include Paintings; Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; Islamic Art; and Prints and Drawings.
While all the art is categorized in one of these eight departments, you will find these works throughout the museum wings and floors. For example, you’ll find paintings in all three wings.
Whichever way you choose; I hope you add the Louvre Museum to your Paris itinerary.
Trip Highlights
- See the Mona Lisa – Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary masterpiece up close.
- Explore the Glass Pyramid – The iconic entrance designed by architect I. M. Pei.
- Discover Ancient Civilizations – View Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, and Roman artifacts.
- Walk Through History – Explore the museum’s medieval foundations and grand halls.
- Marvel at French & Italian Masterpieces – Works by Michelangelo, Delacroix, and Raphael.
