If you’re spending a week vacation in Paris, visiting the Louvre is a must. Whether you’re an art lover or just a lover of all things French, the Louvre is one of the most beautiful pictures of culture and beauty in Paris. With some of the most famous works of art from all across the globe, this is one of the best art museums in the world.
There are three wings to this museum and over 73,000 square meters of art display space, hundreds of display rooms, along with hallways and extra spaces filled with sculptures and art. Everywhere you turn, beauty and art fill this museum.
If you only have time to visit the Louvre once, it’s important to know what to see and do. This guide can help. Here are 5 must do activities at the Louvre, which works of art to see, and a few tips to get the most out of your trip.
Here’s what you need to know!
1. See Mona Lisa Smile
Likely one of the most famous paintings in the world, Mona Lisa is on display at the Louvre in the Denon Wing. If you can manage to steal a close-up view of this work, you’ll be met with charm, mystery, and a flirtatious look from the subject of the painting. However, even if you don’t make it through the line of tourists, you can enjoy Mona Lisa’s smile from anywhere in the room.
This painting is the world’s most beloved, renowned painting, but scholars aren’t exactly sure why. Maybe it’s because the subject’s expression is the perfect display of happiness and content. Maybe it’s because there’s something more going on beneath the smile. Is she happy? Is she smug? Is she flirting? Mona Lisa captivates her viewers with her sideways glance and light smile in a way that no other painting can.
2. Attend a Wedding Feast at Les Noces de Cana
The Les Noces de Cana depicts The Wedding Feast at Cana where Jesus performs his first miracle of turning water into wine. This biblical scene is beautifully portrayed in what remains the largest painting on display at the Louvre. Over six meters in length and ten meters in width, this painting overwhelms the space. Still, the size of the painting simply makes you feel like you’re in the story too, watching Jesus, the disciples, and the wedding party eat, drink, and be merry.
3. Admire Vénus de Milo
Admire the beauty of the goddess Aphrodite in the work of art Vénus de Milo. With textures, dimension, and a slouching yet beautiful posture, the goddess was presented in statue form to King Louis XVIII. Of course, this piece is known for missing both of her arms. The right is cut off at the shoulder, and the left is cut off more cleanly halfway down the upper arm. Let your imagination fill in the gaps. How was she standing? Were her arms hanging by her sides or reaching out for a warm embrace?
4. Catch a Glimpse of Cupid and Psyche
Cupid and Psyche, two of the most famous lovers in history. If you’ve ever wanted an up close glimpse of the love they share, be sure to see Psyché Ranimée par le Baiser de l’Amour by Antonio Canova in the Denon Wing of the Louvre. Inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, this sculpture will evoke emotion and tell the breathtaking tale of true love.
5. Want To Catch a Card Game?
Head to the Sully Wing to admire The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds by Georges de La Tour and catch a card game. This painting is known for its staggeringly lifelike expressions, movements, and emotion. Not only can you admire the lovely detail of the French players’ clothings, headdresses, and hair, but the pure emotion pouring from the painting is subtle, yet undeniably real.
When you sit in front of this painting, you’ll feel like a real spectator of the game, watching as the man to the far right is about to be beaten while the man to the far left cheats with cards behind his back. Do the two women in the center know? Do they suspect the man is cheating? Or are they sharing some other secret?
Be Sure to Store Your Bags!
When you go to the Louvre, you can’t take any large bags with you. You will be able to enter with a small purse or backpack, but if you’re just getting off your plane or checking out of your hotel, you can’t bring any of your luggage or large bags with you into this museum. That’s why we suggest storing your bags.
Using luggage storage in Louvre is an excellent way to keep your bags safe and secure while also letting you explore hands-free. Soak in the works of art you love and don’t worry about your belongings.
“Coffee trailblazer. Social media ninja. Unapologetic web guru. Friendly music fan. Alcohol fanatic.”