Louvre

The Challenge

Most students challenge themselves to see the entire Louvre while they are studying in Paris (I’ve been told that this takes approximately two weeks). And while the Louvre is very impressive, I just don’t like the periods of art that it has. Maybe it’s my new knowledge of Modern Art but the entire building just seems a bit stuffy. However, I work a block away from the Louvre, it’s always free with my student card, and it stays open on Wednesday and Friday nights until 10pm, so I promised myself that I would go a few times. I liked to meet up with friends there too so most of the time it was social instead of analytical art time, but ce n’est pas grave!

Things to Love in the Louvre
-The courtyards of statues: The most wonderful place to sit and relax because you feel like you are outside
-Brides: Every time that I went to the Louvre there were brides outside taking pictures in front of the pyramid. One time- we saw a bride photo shoot in the Louvre.
-People in Orange vests: They are art students and can tell you tons of stuff about the paintings. But I’ve only seen them on Friday nights and it is all in French.
-The Pyramid: It’s a French eyesore but a tourists’ fascination.
-Celloist: If you walk through Napolean’s courtyard to enter the Louvre courtyard, there is a man that plays the cello every night and the echoing music is absolutely amazing.

Things to Leave in the Louvre
-Your map: It’s useless. If you can find your way in- just accept that you’ll never find your way out.
-Random wing/exhibit/room closures: Each time it’s a different visit because so many wings close/open at will.
-Mona Lisa: She’s just not that spectacular, plus she is always surrounded by people and glass and red tape. I can understand why Marcel Duchamp made a mockery painting of her. Sorry, Mona.

Things I learned in the Louvre
-French artists love light! It’s easy to spot a French artist because his picture will have a glow to it.
-Eugene Delacroix: Sadly I had no idea who this was before the Louvre but now I can spot a Delacroix from the Tuileries.
-You don’t need a ticket if you have a student card and if you go up to the ticket booth with your student card, they will laugh at you.
-Avoid Lines: Since I already have a ticket/student card, I just waltz right in through the metro entrance. Sorry line-waiters, I’m in.

Strangely enough, my favorite part of the Louvre looking out of the windows at picturesque Paris!