Louvre, Paris

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THE LOUVRE IS ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS MUSEUMS IN THE WORLD!

A VISIT TO PARIS HAS TO INCLUDE A DAY IN THE LOUVRE!

EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT AN ART OR MUSEUM FREAK!

If you want to save time pay at the automatic systems with your credit card.

Don't take the main entrance. Take one of the smaller ones.

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This century-old museum lodges one of the most extensive and most important art collections of the world.
The most folk finds a visit in the Louvre museum, as breathtaking and staggering, a real joy and an unforgettable adventure.
Others, against it, find this, only frustrating and exhausting.
You must, but, never forgets:
You would need years in order all to see.
The secret recipe for a fertile tour is peaceful speed and the correct selection.
The beginnings of the Louvre decline until in the year 1200, as Philipp August, let build, in the proximity of the river, a fortress for defence purposes.

If ever the world's most famous painting came up for sale (which I'm sure it never would) it is conservatively estimated that it would top 300 million pounds (over 600 million dollars)

This is somewhat surprising as the painting was not particularly well known until the mid- nineteenth century. The fact it once hung in Napoleon's bedroom may have something to do with that. Indeed would could speculate that the Mona Lisa's latent sexuality in her smile may have something to do with the immortal phrase "not tonight, Josephine". And I've always had my suspicions about why he is always pictured with his hand inside his jacket.

Anyway, despite these rather dodgy meanderings, it remains one of the "Must see's" of world culture. It now has a new home within the Louvre, protected by sheets of bullet proof glass. Despite all the hype, I must confessed that I have always found it slightly dissappointing as a painting, not helped by the fact that it normally viewed from behind the heads of several dozen Japansese tourists. It is, after all, just a portrait of a rich merchant's wife

A scientific anaylsis suggests that the picture has such an effect on some because it triggers the senses used in perpherial vision, but close up it appears very different. The eyes and smile seem to follow you around the room : until you are right in front of it - then the smile vanishes.

I suppose that's a bit like when you enter a room with a party going on. Your peripheral vision alerts you to the presence of a blonde in a tartan mini-skirt, but when you actually get up close she turns out to be a right old haddock - and probably called Lisa.

One area of the Louvre you should not miss is the royal state rooms and apartments of Napoleon III. This guy didn't do things by half - they will probably be the most extravagent, over-the-top and ornate first floor flat you are ever likely to see. Guilded stucco as far as the eye can see.

Be aware that they periodically are closed to the public - so check opening hours when you arrive.

The great chandelier - a whopping 9ft across - is typical of the grandiose furnishings

(first floor, Richelieu, rooms 83-89).

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The famous architect Ieoh Ming Pei was the architect who came up with the idea of the pyramids. Underground halls were dug after a while to make some extra space. It is huge & if you consider yourself a real art lover, allow yourself at least two days of going through its halls, rooms & galleries...

The famous Da Vinci Code is partially located inside the Museum & if you've read it, you'll see that everything is described truly & accurately to the smallest bit... [Check out the other photo to see what I was sitting on... ;o) ]

The upside-down pyramide is situated on the lower level of the Museum. I didn't go inside due to the lack of time nor have I seen Mona Lisa [I have it in my room though...;) ], but even the outside is fabulous enough.

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The Louvre was originally a royal palace. It became a museum as early as 1793, and today has an outstanding reputation around the world.

You can find here several important works of art, such as the Mona Lisa and Milo's Venus, among many others. Also they have art works from all around the world, such as Oriental, Greek and Roman art and sculptures. The Egyptian collection occupies a large section of the museum, as well as art from French painters from the 14th to 19th centuries, Italian artists and the Flamish school.

A visit to the Louvre just has to be selective - it would take a couple of days, if you really want to see it all!

If you visit the Louvre be sure to look up! The ceilings are beautifully painted. I found this out when I rested and happened to look up and give my attention to the ceiling. I think visitors-myself included-rush through the Louvre and don't realize that there are alot of details. The Louvre, after all, was formerly the royal palace. Therefore, it's no surprise that the ceilings were ornately decorated.

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My favourite part of the Loure is the Messopotamian section. Every time I go there (3 times so far) I never miss the chance to admire the art of some of the first civilizations in the world. There are some similar items in the British Museum.