About this experience
In 2 hours, you will not only see great works of art, but also learn about the context of their creation and inclusion in the museum's collection. You will touch on the history of the ancient castle, explore the fusion of ancient and 'modern art' in the 17th century, admire royal treasures, and marvel at the ceiling frescoes. In the end, the tour will be both a general and detailed acquaintance with the Louvre - the perfect first date to meet again later.
What to Expect
Roles of the Louvre and Royal Interiors
From an ancient fortress to the world's leading museum, from a medieval castle to a royal palace - you will trace the development history of the Louvre and learn about the museum's creation. We will talk about royal life within these walls, passing through the apartments of Anne of Austria and comparing the throne rooms of two kings - Henry II and Louis XIV. I will draw attention to iconic decor details and tell you about the features of the painted ceilings. Additionally, you will admire the interiors of Napoleon III's apartments (even the upholstery has been preserved!) and authentic treasures of the French monarchy, as well as explore the collections of decorative and applied art of Mazarin and Louis XIV.
Art in the Louvre
The story of the Louvre museum's main masterpieces will start with a huge sphinx. We will touch on the topic of Egypt, and then logically transition to Ancient Greece, where you will hear about the symbolism of the exhibits and their importance for world culture. You will learn about the commissioned art of Napoleon's time and the opposing art of romanticism at the beginning of the 19th century. We will talk about the famous emperor, his love for luxury, and his desire to showcase himself while standing in front of the huge painting 'The Coronation of Napoleon' by David. On this same canvas, you will see the very crown you admired earlier. Of course, I will guide you to the 'Mona Lisa' and explain why the painting gained such fame. You will 'read' Veronese's masterpiece 'The Wedding at Cana in Galilee', and then get acquainted with two sculptures by Michelangelo (the only ones in France) and the airy 'Cupid and Psyche' by Canova.
Organizational Details
- Louvre tickets - 17 € per person - not included in the price. You need to buy them online on the official Louvre museum website after I confirm the reservation.
- Please note: transportation in Paris works poorly, especially taxis and Uber (sometimes you can wait for 15 minutes and then receive a cancellation), so use the metro or walk - the most reliable way to get to the museum without delays! There are lines at the entrance to the Louvre, so you should arrive 40 minutes before the start of the tour. If you are more than 10 minutes late for the tour, the guide will leave and your money will not be refunded.
