Inside the Louvre Museum: Must-See Paintings & Sculptures
Inside the Louvre Museum: Must-See Paintings & Sculptures
The Louvre Museum is the largest art museum in the world and houses an extensive collection of over 350,000 works of art, of which over 35,000 are on permanent display, divided in eight curatorial departments. The works range from ancient civilizations to the 19th century.
Uncover the artistic treasures inside the Louvre as we guide you through the paintings and sculptures you shouldn’t miss. Delve into the masterpieces of the world’s greatest artists, transforming the Louvre into a renowned art exhibition destination.
At the end of this page, you’ll find tailored recommendations for families visiting the Louvre with children, answers to common questions, as well as recommended tickets for your visit.
What is inside the Louvre Museum?
The Musée du Louvre is housed in a magnificent 17th-century French Renaissance-style building that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting over 9 million visitors every year.
Wander through its halls and witness the evolution of human creativity. The extensive collection of Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities, Islamic art, sculptures, paintings, decorative arts, as well as prints and drawings includes renowned masterpieces by famous artists from around the world.
Here is a selection of the best artworks inside the Louvre that you shouldn’t miss:
5 Must-See Paintings inside the Louvre
The Louvre is home to numerous famous paintings, but among the most renowned are:
1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci:
Perhaps the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile has captivated audiences for centuries.
2. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix:
Depicting the July Revolution of 1830, this iconic painting is a symbol of liberty and revolution.
3. The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David:
A grand depiction of Napoleon’s coronation as Emperor of the French, showcasing both historical and artistic significance.
4. The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault:
A dramatic and powerful portrayal of a shipwreck, capturing the human struggle for survival and resilience.
5. The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese:
A large-scale masterpiece depicting the biblical miracle of turning water into wine, showcasing Veronese’s skill in composition and detail.
5 Must-See Sculptures inside the Louvre
The Louvre also houses several renowned sculptures. Here are five of the most famous:
1. Venus de Milo:
An ancient Greek statue believed to represent Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, known for its graceful depiction and missing arms.
2. Winged Victory of Samothrace:
A Hellenistic sculpture depicting Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, with dynamic movement and impressive wings, symbolizing triumph.
3. Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss by Antonio Canova:
A neoclassical masterpiece depicting the revival of the mythical figure Psyche by the kiss of Cupid, showcasing Canova’s mastery of sculptural grace.
4. The Slaves (The Dying Slave and The Rebellious Slave) by Michelangelo:
Two unfinished sculptures that exemplify Michelangelo’s ability to convey raw emotion and physicality in stone.
5. The Seated Scribe:
An ancient Egyptian sculpture known for its realism and attention to detail, portraying a scribe in a seated position, capturing a moment of stillness and concentration.
Best Way to See the Louvre Museum with Kids
Here are 8 suggestions for making the most of your visit to the Louvre with kids:
Make your visit interactive
Engage your kids by asking questions about the artworks and encouraging them to observe details and make connections. Use art materials like sketchpads and crayons to draw their own interpretations of the artworks.
Seek out kid-friendly activities
The Louvre occasionally hosts special activities and events for kids, such as workshops, scavenger hunts, and storytelling sessions. Check the museum’s calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Start with the highlights
Begin your Louvre adventure by visiting some of the museum’s most iconic artworks, such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. These masterpieces will capture their imagination and set the tone for their museum exploration.
Make it a family affair
Engage the entire family in your Louvre experience by playing art-inspired games or activities throughout your visit. Encourage your kids to observe the artworks closely, identify the colors and shapes, and share their observations with you.
Choose a theme
To make your kid’s Louvre adventure more focused and engaging, choose a specific theme, such as Egyptian art (kids will love the mummies), Greek mythology, or Impressionism. This will help narrow down your itinerary and make your visit more meaningful for your kids. Let your imagination run wild as you try to explain paintings and sculptures.
Visit the museum shops
In the museum shops, you’ll discover not only a wide selection of guides, books, and art-related items but also toys such as puzzles. Be assured that your child will certainly find something appealing!
Visit the Louvre’s “Atelier des Enfants”
Louvre’s “Atelier des Enfants” is specifically designed to engage children ages 6-12 with hands-on activities and workshops that explore art, history, and culture. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities, such as:
Drawing and painting: Create your own masterpieces inspired by the Louvre’s vast collection of artworks.
Sculpture and modeling: Bring your artistic creations to life in three dimensions.
Games and puzzles: Challenge your mind and problem-solving skills with interactive games and puzzles related to art.
Treasure hunts: Embark on an adventure to find hidden clues and unravel mysteries related to the Louvre’s history and collections.
Storytelling and role-playing: Immerse yourself in the stories and characters depicted in the Louvre’s artworks through creative storytelling and role-playing activities.
The “Atelier des Enfants” also offers a variety of themed workshops throughout the year, such as:
Egyptian Mysteries: Delve into the ancient world of Egypt through art, storytelling, and activities.
Impressionism and Modern Art: Explore the vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes of Impressionism and Modern art.
Venus de Milo and Greek Mythology: Discover the fascinating stories and symbols of Greek mythology through the iconic statue of Venus de Milo.
Storytelling with Masterpieces: Reimagine famous artworks through creative storytelling and art making.
Get the “Louvre Passport”
Louvre offers a special passport for children, known as the “Louvre Passport,” which can make their visit to the museum even more engaging and rewarding. The passport is a booklet filled with activities, puzzles, and challenges that correspond to specific artworks or galleries in the museum. As children complete these activities, they earn stamps and stickers, making their journey through the Louvre a fun and interactive quest.
Here are some of the benefits of using the Louvre Passport:
Engages children’s curiosity and imagination: The passport provides a stimulating way for children to learn about art, history, and culture while exploring the Louvre.
Provides a sense of accomplishment: Earning stamps and stickers motivates children to complete the activities, making them feel proud of their accomplishments.
Helps children connect with artworks: The passport encourages children to engage with artworks more deeply by asking questions, making observations, and forming their own interpretations.
Makes the visit more personal: The passport personalizes the Louvre experience for children, allowing them to create a unique souvenir of their visit.
Promotes family bonding: The passport can be a fun activity for the whole family to participate in, fostering shared experiences and memories.
Musée du Louvre Tickets & Tours
Delve into a carefully chosen selection of tickets and guided tours crafted to enhance your Musée du Louvre experience.
Paris: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket
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From €22
GetYourGuide
“A wonderful experience to definitely have when you are in Paris…”
Paris: Timed Louvre Ticket with Host Direct to Mona Lisa
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“This was an absolutely brilliant service that was offered by GetYourGuide...”
Paris: Louvre Museum Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access
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From €55
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“Your guide Maxim is very knowledgeable and very detailed in his descriptions of the various paintings and sculptures which he showed us…”
Combo (Save 5%): Louvre Museum + Versailles Palace Tickets
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From €54.06
Headout
“Ease, because everything is in the palm of your hand…”
Combo: Eiffel Tower Escorted Entry + Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets
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“The guide for the Eiffel Tower Raphael, was great very informative…”
Paris: Louvre Museum Entry Ticket and Seine River Cruise
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“This was incredibly helpful to obtain a specific time that we wanted…”
