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ShareMumbai: The huge glass pyramid rising out magically from the under the earth in front of an old Parisian building has become etched in our minds through movies and best-selling novels. But being at Paris' most famous landmark after the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe is really something else.
When you first step inside the Louvre, you are awed, not only by its grand architecture but also its sheer scale of history and collection of works. And as you start exploring, you realise that the Louvre is so huge that it's simply impossible to be able to see every painting, sculpture and artefact in there. So if you have just one day in your hand, it's best to hire the English audio guide (it's quite affordable) and select the masterpieces tour on it. It will take you through the most famous works in the world. But as you guide yourself through those works don't forget to explore the other amazing works on your way-- they are not that famous, yet equally fascinating.
Egyptian antiquities
The Louvre was the first museum in the world to have a collection of Egyptian antiquities. Amongst the paintings of the Goddess of Hathor and the work on the tombs of Egyptian dignitaries are two must-sees -- The Great Sphinx which is a lion with the human head symbolising the majesty of the pharaoh and a "living image" of the king and The Seated Scribe -- a statue found in the cemetery at Saqqara which has become an emblematic work of ancient Egyptian sculptor. Then, of course there is the Mummy and sculptors of Egyptian Gods.
Greek and Roman sculptures
Some of the most fascinating pieces of art in the museum would undoubtedly be the Greek and Roman sculptors. The intriguing ones -- Venus De Milo (statue of Venus inspired by the figures of Aphrodite) and The Winged Victory Of Samothrace (a beautifully mysterious symbol of a Rhodian naval victory) need a mention. Also fascinating are the Greek Borghese Gladiator and the Roman Psyche Revived By A Kiss From Cupid.
Napoleon's Apartments
The over-bearing golds that define Napoleon's Apartments give you insight into rich history of France and one of the most charismatic rulers.
...and the 'smile'
Most people come to the Louvre to catch a glimpse of the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Don't be disappointed when you realise it's one of the smallest painting in the Louvre and a glass wall separates you from it. Yet you can't leave the Louvre without seeing the Mona Lisa.
All this apart, there is a lot more to the Louvre, like the works of other famous painters like Michaelangelo (must see The Death Of The Virgin). One of the most famous images of Louis XIV is by Hyacinthe Rigaud. Another painting you should get a glimpse of is one that spans the entire wall-- Coronation of The Emperor Napoleon I by his loyal painter Jacques-Louis David. Also worth exploring are some of the German and Netherlands paintings and Islamic art which we are not exposed to otherwise.
