The Louvre Museum

Ow the Louvre! A magical labyrinth of world renowned art. A palace that will provoke a kind of sensory and intellectual overload. A 2-mile treasure hunt with history and herstory around every corner. Once a royal residence, the Louvre wasn't considered entirely a museum until 1993. And today, the Louvre is the most visited museum on Earth, housing over 35,000 pieces of art.

”The Intervention of the Sabine Women“ by Jacques-Louis David

Whether you‘re visiting during the winter or summer season, the entry line will be lonnnnnnnnng! You do have the option to purchase a “skip the line” pass online. But if you're anything like me, I can create a memorable experience on a budget.

When i decided to visit the Louvre, i needed a low-stress plan with least resistance to enjoy my experience. So I did some research and found a way to wait in a much SHORTER line, on their free night, INDOORS (out of the blazing sun, rain and/or freezing cold tempatures) surrounded by shops and restaurants to preoccupy me!

On your way to the Louvre, google directions to LE CARROUSEL DE LOUVRE. The nearest metro stop is Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (Lines 1 and 7). Its a shopping center.

People in line are usually kind enough to hold your spot while you wonder around the shops or grab a bite. Just ask with a smile and be willing to return the favor. Be sure to snap a photo by La Pyramide Inversée skylight before heading into the Louvre, it’s so stunning!

How much art you will see in the Louvre will solely depend on how much time you've allotted to this exploration. IT’S A MASSIVE MUSEUM. If you only have 3 hours or less like i did, then its imperative that you grab a map and head straight to the 3 most famous masterpieces in the Louvre, below.

1. THE MONA LISA is a portrait painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci that has been described as, "The best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world". -John Lichfield

Like most, when i parted the sea of eager spectators, I was baffled by the mere size of La Joconde. I thought, “that’s it?”

Mona Lisa

While i stared at her enigmatic expression, I had seconds to process it before being swept away in the rapid current of fellow descendants who’ve also traveled many miles to point their smartphones at Lisa, or to finally arrive just so they can turn their backs on her, open their Instagram story and shoot a boomerang selfie with her deep in the background. And then there were the elders who stood in fascination and studied the work as if they recognized Lisa from their yearbooks.

Next up...!

2. WINGED VICTORY of SAMOTHRACE is a sculpture by Pythokritos. It was discovered in 1863 by an archeologist and has been on display at the Louvre since 1883.

The Winged Victory

The Winged Victory is considered one of the museums greatest treasures. It is quite a breathtaking experience to walk up the sweeping Darn staircase and come face to face, in such a glorious fashion, with this victorious woman on the sea. This statue has the most impressive movement and form than any other.

...Last but not least!

3. VENUS DE MILO is the ancient armless Grecian marble majesty of the Louvre. The half-naked Greek goddess was discovered in ruins by a farmer on the Milos Greek island in 1820.

Venus de Milo

What I love most about this 6ft-8in statue of grace and femininity, is how we celebrate her imperfections. She is beautiful but broken. She is incomplete yet poised with her sensual curves, her royal attitude and her sex appeal. Yes honey!

No matter where you aimlessly wonder in the Louvre, you are destined to drop your jaw in awe in celebration of such impressive works.

Of course you must also visit “The Dying Slave” sculpture by Michelangelo, the “Death of the Virgin“ painting by Caravaggio, what’s known to be Rembrandt's greatest painting of the nude, “Bathsheba at Her Bath” and my favorite, The Great Sphinx of Tanis and so much more!!!

The Great Sphinx of Tanis

Thank you for reading my story!