Le Louvre

Bonjour tout le monde,

When in Paris, is is almost mandatory for all first time visitors to go to the Louvre.  They see the Mona Lisa (la Joconde, in French), and then...What? What else is there to see in the Louvre?  

There are so many things to see in the Louvre, which is considered the largest art museum in the world.  However, it has not always been such a famous landmark.

Situated in the premier arrondissement of Paris, on the Rive Droite of the Seine, the Louvre, in some form or another, has existed in the same place since around the 12^th century.  Historians consider that the Louvre got its start as a fortress built by Philip II.  Legend has it that there might have been another structure on the site, but no one really knows, so Philip gets the credit.

As with any new owner, successive French kings (Charles V, François I^er, many Louis) added to and altered the palace to suit their needs and architectural style.  François I^er renovated his Louvre in the French Renaissance style, and began acquiring the art that would be the nucleus of the Louvre’s art portfolio.  That includes La Joconde, which was a gift to him from his good friend, Leonardo da Vinci.

Over the following years, the Louvre served as a royal palace, a home for artists (when the royal residence moved to Versailles by Louis XIV). During this time, since the royal attention and treasury was concentrated on Versailles, the Louvre was left unfinished in parts and began to fall into bad shape.  Just before the start of the French Revolution, the royals rediscovered the huge building by the Seine, and began restoring it.  Interestingly enough, the French Revolutionaries took interest in the Louvre.  The new National Assembly created a national museum in the Louvre.  This National Museum opened on August 10, 1793; its exhibits contained more than 500 paintings and decorative arts, much of which had belonged to the royal family and other nobles.

Napoleon Bonaparte lived in the Louvre, even as it was still a museum, and renamed it the “Musée Napoléon”.  He kept La Joconde next to his bed; he added to the museum’s collection by acquiring art and statuary through his military campaigns.

What I find most intriguing is that during World War II, when Paris was under German control, most of the artwork had already been shipped elsewhere to prevent it from being confiscated.  Art works were sent all over France and hidden in châteaux, basements, and even caves.  Huge pieces like Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo were also packed up and shipped out.  After the war, all the pieces were returned to the Louvre. 

Now the Louvre is a must-see spot for tourists.  They crowd into the room where La Joconde is shown behind bullet proof glass.  Even though you are not supposed to take pictures, flashes go off every instant.

Then what do you do?  There are so many other interesting things to see in the Louvre, including the lowest part of the 14^th century fortress, accessed by stairs.  Decorate arts – furniture and art pieces arranged in their “natural” settings.  Egyptian sculptures, even some crown jewels! 

When you’re finished, go out through the lobby level to the shopping mall and food court.  It is a little pricey, but foods from different parts of the world can be eaten for lunch – my favorite is the Middle Eastern shop with rice and couscous.   The mall has some shops that you will recognize – Fossil anyone? – and some real gems that sell beautiful bracelets and earrings. 

So, next time you’re in Paris and you go by the Louvre, just think of all the history that has taken place within the walls, and all the cool art that you can see.

All the information that you will need on getting to the Louvre, when it’s open, admission prices, etc.  http://www.louvre.fr/en