Explore the Louvre: A Must-Visit in Paris

Visiting the Louvre can be an exhausting yet rewarding experience. Even if you travel to Paris solely for the Louvre, it's worth it. The iconic glass pyramid designed by the renowned Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei stands out with its modern look, contrasting with Paris's Renaissance style, creating a rebellious yet harmonious beauty. Besides the main pyramid, there are three smaller pyramids and an inverted pyramid on the -2 level. Staying in the 6th arrondissement meant passing by the Louvre almost every night, marveling at its beauty. 🌟 Purchase tickets on the official website; if you have a museum pass, entry is free. To avoid queues, make sure to reserve in advance, preferably for 9-10 AM when it's less crowded. If the main entrance is busy, try entering through the underground entrance in the nearby mall, where signs are visible. 🌟 The museum is closed on Tuesdays, and on Fridays, it extends its hours until 9:45 PM. Additionally, on the first Friday of each month after 6 PM, entry is free, starting from April 7, 2023. However, some visitors reported that the free night event was canceled during July and August due to peak season. 🌟 Renting a Nintendo audio guide for €5 is highly recommended. It provides explanations for most famous exhibits and includes a map to help you locate what you want to see. This guide is invaluable when you find yourself lost in the Louvre. 🌟 The Louvre metro station features replicas of famous artworks, worth checking out for those traveling by metro. The station seems thoughtfully designed. Must-see treasures include Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. In my opinion, half of the Louvre's essence is in the Denon Wing, with European sculptures, ancient Roman and Greek artifacts, royal jewels in the Apollo Gallery, including the 100-carat Regent Diamond and massive sapphires and emeralds. There are also various famous paintings like The Wedding at Cana, Liberty Leading the People, The Grand Odalisque, and The Coronation of Napoleon. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the religious paintings. Even after seven hours of exploring, it feels like just a glimpse. To truly appreciate the Louvre, a week is ideal. Remember, missing something is okay; you'll always have a reason to return.