Intro:

Boasting of one of the most impressive art collections in the world, the Louvre's collection does not encompass modern/contemporary art, but has rich offerings in the departments of antiquities and Renaissance masters. Chief amongst it's famous pieces is, of course, Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," but other key pieces not to be missed are "Winged Victory of Samothrace" and the "Venus de Milo."

If you want to visit the Louvre, now has never been a better time. After being housed in a temporary, rather dingy grey gallery off the long hall that houses the 16-17th century Italian paintings, "Mona Lisa" is now back in her rightful home in the newly restored Salle des Etats. Her new surroundings are spacious, and the light colored background and subtle lighting makes it much easier to admire the painting (as well as accomodating the hordes of tourists who come to gaze upon her mysterious smile each day) without feeling claustrophobic or hot. Given that the room actually has light compared to her old home, one can actually appreciate the mastery of Leonardo's techniques in playing with shadows, even if, like me, you think the fuss over this one painting is a bit overrated. You can also kill two birds with one stone and see the Winged Victory as you enter the hall of Italian paintings, for she sits in all her majesty at the top of a set of marble staircases, waiting to surprise you as you come up the stairs.

Napoleon IIIs apartments are also well worth a visit, impressive for their lavish decorations. In particular, his dining table (capable of seating 42 people) and the absolutely MASSIVE crystal chandeliers easily bring to mind scores of luminaries, politicians, and royalty chatting about the affairs of the day while listening to beautiful music in the background. Even the family room, although simpler in comparison to the grandeur of the formal dining room, still wows with its decor. The only complaint is that the apartments are not airconditioned, and in the heat of a Paris summer, can get stifling.

Frustrations:

The card is also good for multiple visits, which is a great thing when you consider the fact that the Louvre has certain galleries shut each day of the week. A list is posted only at the ticket counter and at the entrances to the four wings, which is very annoying, because unless you pause in the maddness to record precisely which galleries are shut (ex: Ancient and Coptic Egyptian art, rooms 12-25), you will find yourself running around the musem trying to get where you want only to find that you can't because the rooms you thought were open are in fact not, and on more than one occassion, we had to retrace our steps back to the beginning. With the Apartments of Napoleon III, we had to start at the end and work our way through to the beginning and then walk right back to the end again to get in and out because the collections that gave access to the beginning of the apartments were shut! It would be greatly appreciated if the staff could post the signs in more locations.

Yes, the museum has its faults. Yes, it can be a pain to get around, can tire you out, and generally make you want to scream with frustration. But the fact of the matter is, it is well worth the money, and houses some of the most fantastic (or at least famous) pieces in the world. I think the next time I go back, I'm going to buy a 3 day pass and break up my visit over a few days, to avoid getting numb, tired, or fed-up. In the end, it is worth it, if just to say you've been to the Louvre.

Tickets are 8.50 euros regular admission, after 6 pm admission is 6 euros. Children under 18 are free, and there is also a special Carte Louvre Jeunes for under 26s. Admission is also free the first Sunday of the month. Advance purchases can be made at Fnac, Carrefour, Auchan, and Virgin Megastores.