The Hidden Secrets of the Louvre
Why is the Louvre Famous?
Why is the Louvre Famous?
Visting the Louvre has always been on my bucket list, but why? Is it the fame that accompanies the name? Is it just the prime location in Paris? Whatever drew me to Louvre, it wasn’t even a taste of all the history I would experience.
Tourists flock to the Louvre each year in search of the Mona Lisa, Leonardo DaVinci’s most infamous work. However, many people are underwhelmed by the size of the painting and crowded nature of catching a glance. Other groups search for the Venus De Milo, a Greek sculpture to honor the goddess of love and beauty, Venus. Or my case, entranced by ancient history, the Egyptian Sphinx may guide your path. Most art museums across the globe showcase the work of famous artists from centuries before us, what makes the Louvre different?
As I arrived in the grand courtyard, I already knew the answer. The Louvre is breathtaking. Even before entering I was greeted by the iconic glass pyramid; though controversial at first, the 1984 addition has become the Louvre’s grand entrance. Opposing the architectural wonder, is the Jardin des Tuileries, gardens covering 28 hectares/69 acres, filled with winding pathways of more sculptures and flower beds. All before entering the museum I had found hours worth of exploring. If only I had more time to explore before entering and seeing the Louvre from an inside view.
Pro Posing Tip- Cheesy Pic
Want a cute cheesy photo in front of the Louvre? Head to the back of the courtyard and pose like you’re holding the pyramid tip, placing the pyramid in your hand, or leaning against the glass. Have the photographer get low for the best shot!
“Picturing myself in a rococo dress, prancing the halls, accompanied by the exact furniture I saw before me – why that’s a vision fit for a palace!”
Paris, france
The Napoléon Apartments
Known as the palace of Paris, Versailles is well worth the visit for the grandeur nature of the building and gardens. However, to my disappointment, much of the furniture seen in the rooms isn’t original; replaced since the French revolution in the late 1700’s. Within the walls of Louvre (once a palace itself) are the Napoleon apartments, a true time machine into the 17th century, untouched for over 100 years.
I was able to admire the Richelieu Wing which used to serve as a home to the Prime Minister of France. Each room within the wing is decked out in lavish gold accompanied by paintings canvased up walls and the ceiling. Entranced by the chandelier, it felt as though I was back in Versailles. Walking the red carpet through each room, the furniture style constantly amazed me by its unique design! A certain 3 seated circular armchair in the theater continually piqued my interest.
As a history lover, I may have enjoyed discovering the Napoleon apartments more the Versailles itself! Picturing myself in a rococo dress, prancing the halls, accompanied by the exact furniture I saw before me – why that’s a vision fit for a palace! I always thought of the Louvre as a sea of paintings and sculptures, all beautiful, yes… but all stationary. The Napoleon apartments are alive, they breath the history held in each diamond, they transport each guest to a world well before our time.
The Secret History
As I had learned on my trip to the 17th century, the Louvre used to be a palace, residence to the Paris elite. As I dove deeper into the history (and down some more sets of stairs) I discovered its life before the royal residence. In 1190 Paris held the title of Europe’s largest city, though it still feels like one of the biggest to me. How to protect this Monarchy? A fortress.
Underneath the layers of paintings it’s known for today, the original fortress walls of the Louvre sit. The Louvre name has stayed with the building since its creation in the 12th century – meaning and origin of the name are still disputed by many historians. I personally believe in the theory that it stemmed from the French word “la tour” meaning tower. This name would correlate to the building’s first use as a defense tower. Later on, in my European adventure I would learn the difference between a fortress and palace. One of the main things that sets a fortress apart is its purpose; to protect, not to live.
Among the many underground tunnels that guided me around the granite stones, lies the oldest room in the museum. I was able to circle this room via an elevated walkway. Beneath me I could almost hear the roar of water; maybe it was just the echo of a large room. Water may have been dried up, but centuries earlier I would have been walking a drawbridge across a moat. The centerpiece of the moat, the defense tower, still intact. The contrasting time periods and styles of the Napolean apartments and underground fortress only make me crave the idea of spending more time in this captivating palace.
I’ve always been intrigued by uncovering history and culture around the globe. I had no idea how much of the Louvre is a time capsule of the 8 centuries the building has stood. From a fortress to a palace, to a storage unit for precious works, the Louvre is ever evolving and changing. Even if I was able to accomplish the impossible feat of seeing each piece it holds, I will never be able to uncover the many secrets it hides in its walls. Will I ever know what truly happened here before the public opening in 1793? Perhaps a taste is enough to keep the secret alive.
Traveler Tip- Visit the Museum without entering?
Don’t have time to wander the museum but still want to see the pyramid from underneath, visit a souvenir shop, and see a few statues? Not only can you enter the Jardin des Tuileries but there’s a whole mall under the Louvre, accessible from 2 underground entrances near the Arch de Triomphe du Carrousel.
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