Louvre Museum A Virtual Tour and Must-See Artworks. Welcome to the world-renowned Louvre Museum, where art and history intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. With its vast collection of masterpieces and iconic architecture, the Louvre has captured the hearts of millions of visitors from around the globe. In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the Louvre, provide tips on securing tickets, highlight must-see artworks, and explore the captivating Abu Dhabi branch.
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Louvre Museum Overview
The Louvre Museum, or Musée du Louvre in French, is located in the heart of Paris, France. It is one of the world’s largest and most visited museums, with over 38,000 objects on display spanning from prehistoric times to the 21st century. The museum covers an area of 782,910 square feet. Divided into eight curatorial departments. Including Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, and Paintings.
History of the Louvre Museum
The Louvre’s origins can be traced back to the 12th century. When it was built as a fortress to protect the city of Paris. It was later transformed into a royal palace by King Charles V in the 14th century. However, it wasn’t until the French Revolution in 1789 that the Louvre became a public museum. The museum officially opened its doors to the public in 1793, with a collection of just 537 paintings. Over the years, the Louvre underwent several expansions and renovations, adding new wings and galleries to accommodate its growing collection.
How to Get Louvre Museum Tickets
With over 10 million visitors annually. The Louvre Museum can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Avoid long lines and secure your entry, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. The Louvre offers various ticket options, including timed-entry tickets that guarantee entry at a specific time.
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price (in Euros) |
|---|---|
| Standard Ticket | 17 |
| Reduced Ticket* | 10 |
| Free Entry** | 0 |
*Reduced tickets are available for visitors aged 18-25 who are residents of the European Economic Area. **Free entry is available for visitors under 18 years old, EU citizens aged 18-25, and people with disabilities and their accompanying person.
Tips for Purchasing Tickets
- Purchase tickets online through the official Louvre website to avoid third-party fees.
- Choose a timed-entry ticket to skip the long lines and ensure entry at a specific time.
- Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass, which includes entry to the Louvre and other popular museums in Paris.
- Plan your visit during off-peak hours or days to avoid crowds.
Louvre Museum Virtual Tour
Can’t make it to Paris? No problem! The Louvre offers a virtual tour of its galleries, allowing you to explore the museum from the comfort of your own home. The virtual tour features high-resolution images of the museum’s most famous artworks, as well as interactive maps and audio guides. You can also take a 360-degree tour of the iconic Louvre Pyramid and its surrounding gardens.
How to Access the Virtual Tour
To access the virtual tour, simply visit the Louvre’s official website and click on the “Virtual Tours” tab. From there, you can choose from different virtual tours, including a general tour of the museum, a tour of the Egyptian Antiquities department, and a tour of the Galerie d’Apollon.
Must-See Artworks on the Virtual Tour
- Mona Lisa – No visit to the Louvre is complete without seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic masterpiece. The virtual tour allows you to zoom in and explore the painting in great detail.
- Venus de Milo – This iconic ancient Greek statue is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. Admire its beauty and intricate details on the virtual tour.
- Winged Victory of Samothrace – Also known as Nike of Samothrace, this Hellenistic sculpture depicts the goddess Nike. Onsidered a masterpiece of ancient Greek art.
- Liberty Leading the People – Painted by Eugène Delacroix, this iconic artwork symbolizes the French Revolution and has become an enduring symbol of liberty and democracy.
Louvre Museum: Abu Dhabi Branch
In 2017, the Louvre Museum opened its first international branch in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a collaboration between the governments of France and the UAE and features a unique collection of artworks from different civilizations and cultures.
Highlights of the Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Rain of Light – The museum’s stunning architecture features a dome made up of 7,850 stars that filter sunlight into the galleries, creating a “rain of light” effect.
- The Great Vestibule -Adorned with a tapestry artist Cy Twombly. Leads to the galleries showcasing artworks from different civilizations.
- Salvator Mundi – The Louvre Abu Dhabi is home to one of the world’s most expensive paintings, Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, which sold for a record-breaking $450 million.
- Galleries – Divided into twelve chapters, each representing a different theme, such as “Universal Religions” and “The World in Perspective.”
Must-See Artworks at the Louvre Museum
With over 38,000 objects on display, it can be overwhelming to decide which artworks to see at the Louvre.
Paintings
- Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci – This portrait of a woman with an enigmatic smile is arguably the most famous painting in the world.
- The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese – This massive painting depicts the biblical miracle. Where Jesus turns water into wine. Considered one of the largest paintings in the Louvre.
- Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix – This iconic painting symbolizes the French Revolution and has become an enduring symbol of liberty and democracy.
Sculptures
- Code of Hammurabi law code is one of the oldest deciphered. Writings in the world and provides insight into the laws and customs of ancient Mesopotamia.
- Rosetta Stone – This ancient Egyptian artifact played a crucial role in deciphering hieroglyphics and unlocking the secrets of ancient Egyptian civilization.
- Venus de Milo – This ancient Greek statue of the goddess Aphrodite is one of the most famous sculptures in the world.
Conclusion
The Louvre Museum is a treasure trove of artistic and cultural heritage that continues to captivate visitors from all corners of the world. From its rich history to its iconic artworks, the Louvre offers an unforgettable experience for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you visit in person or take a virtual tour, the Louvre Museum is a must-see destination for anyone seeking to explore the beauty and diversity of human creativity.