France - Paris day 05 - Louvre introduction

The Louvre is big. By big I mean really big. By really big I mean humongous.  Get the idea? In the above picture, see the building on the left and the smaller looking structure extending into the park. That's not only not small and not only part of the Louvre but there is another extension just like it on the right side. Just over 60, 000 square meters.

Originally built as a fortress in the 1200's, and as a palace until 1682 when the king left for Versailles and a French Academy moved in to look after the art and sculpture. The museum then opened to the public on and off until today when it is one of the largest and most popular museums in the world.

Because it was a palace, look around the objects presented once in a while and you will be rewarded. There are fantastic views outside and the rooms and ceilings are worthy of the house of kings and emperors.

If you feel museum fatigue, just go to another section to refresh yourself.  If you have a Paris museum pass, you can come and go as you like. For a secret was in with the pass, when in the courtyard with the pyramid,  face North and take the right pedestrian walkway. There is a security checkpoint for staff, groups and pass holders.

For the purpose of this blog, I will be posting on each section separately. Do not do the museum in one day unless you are only doing two sections. The museum is split into the following sections: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Paintings; Prints and Drawings. There are sub sections in the Louvre for some of these sections that take up a lot of room; sculpure, decorative art, and paintings for instance. Take your time and see it over two or more days. Photos are permitted but flashes are not. They damage the art and sculpture.