The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, is also one of the world’s largest, housing over 35,000 objects over an area greater than 1/2 million square feet.
We visited in the middle of May this year and barely scratched the surface in terms of seeing the available exhibits. The Louvre is definitely worth repeated visits!
We both took lots of photos; below are a variety of exterior shots as well as some of our favorite scenes and paintings from inside the museum, including some cool antiquities and a number of ceiling shots.
Larger versions of the 20 shots below are visible in my Paris 2009: Louvre Favs flickr set. In addition, an expanded set of 75 images is visible in my Paris 2009: Louvre flickr set.
The entrance to the Louvre is via a lobby beneath the larger of the two glass pyramids. It was inaugurated in 1988 and designed by American architect I. M. Pei.
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First of many dramatic ceiling shots.
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Looking across to the other side of the Louvre. Simply put, the Louvre is HUGE!
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Striking sculpture; they’re everywhere in Paris!
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I first became aware of this painting a number of years back; it serves as the cover illustration for Zelenka’s Orchestral Works CD. It was cool to see the original painting!
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What an imposing frame!
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Two views of a lovely display, highlighted by the detailed blue background.
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Two more views of ceiling art.
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No words required.
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Some striking examples of antiquities.
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Marble lined walls as far as the eye can see. There’s no doubt the words opulent and extravagant come to mind when visiting the Louvre!
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Walk like an Egyptian.
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Final two shots of some more wonderful ceiling displays. Just look at how the gold braid is draped from sculpture to sculpture.
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Two great shots from outside the Louvre.
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