Now you have seen the Mona Lisa, what else should you see at the Louvre? Here are some of the most famous, important, and interesting pieces in the Louvre. We recently discussed visiting the Mona Lisa and the five most important works of art to see. Today, we share more great works of art at the Louvre.
A short welcome from the Louvre
The Galerie d’Apollon was the first Royal Gallery in France. As befitting rooms commissioned by the Sun King, it is incredibly ornate. If you want to experience over-the-top Louis XIV rooms, which include crown jewels, head to Room 705, Denon wing, Level 1.
The Rape of the Sabine Women was a popular subject during the Renaissance. This work by French Baroque painter Nicolas Poussin, has a sister piece at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Jaques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii depicts a Roman legend about a seventh-century BC dispute between two warring cities, Rome and Alba Longa, and stresses the importance of patriotism and self-sacrifice for one’s country.
View the original Stele of Hammurabi which dates back almost 3,800 years. The stele is the oldest written code of laws known to mankind. This the first copy of the text found, and still the most complete, is on a 2.25 m (7 ft 4+1⁄2 in) stele. The stele is now displayed on the ground floor of the Louvre, in Room 227 of the Richelieu wing.
See the incredibly ornate apartments built in 1861, for Napoleon III’s Minister of State. The Louvre was a palace before it became a museum. Kings, emperors, ministers and courtiers wandered its maze of hallways long before the first museum visitors arrived.
Practical Matters for a Visit to the Louvre Museum
Lines for buying tickets can be long so we suggest buying your entrance tickets online before you visit. Only tickets purchased online guarantee entrance.
Be sure to review the guidelines for a visit.
If you would like to view much of the collection online, the Louvre Museum has an online collection you can view for free.
The Louvre has created some helpful itineraries to consider for your visit.
If you arriving by Metro, Take Line 1 or 7 to the “Palais-Royal / Musée du Louvre” station for the closest access.
Alternatively, Line 14 to ‘Pyramides’ station also provides nearby access.
Other Incredible Paris Art Museums
Musee d’Orsay has one of the best impressionist collections in the world in a beautifully restored train station.
If you love Monet waterlilly paintings, you can experience being surrounded by them in a single circular room. It is a stunning experience at the nearby Musée de l’Orangerie.
