Paris has some of the most impressive galleries and museums in the world, and I had an absolutely wonderful time visiting some of them.
Musee de L'Orangerie
This museum may not be as well known as some of Paris' other museums, but it really was worth the visit and I am so glad I went. The main attraction at this gallery are eight of Claude Monet's Water Lily canvases. All eight are displayed in two stark white oval shaped rooms and this makes them even more stunning. Claude Monet donated The Water Lilies to France right after the First World War. These paintings were inspired by the "water garden" at the artist's property in Giverny.
In addition to Claude Monet's works, this gallery also features the Jean Walter and Walter-Guillaume Collection, which covers works by Renoir, Picasso, Cezanne, Rousseau, Matisse, Derain and Modigliani.
Musee d'Orsay
Although we visited the Musee d'Orsay when we were in Paris in 2006, I was really looking forward to going back to this gallery that is housed in a beautiful old railway station. However on the day that I went, the staff of the gallery were on strike and they remained on strike during the rest of our visit. Needless to say, I was very disappointed.
Although we visited the Musee d'Orsay when we were in Paris in 2006, I was really looking forward to going back to this gallery that is housed in a beautiful old railway station. However on the day that I went, the staff of the gallery were on strike and they remained on strike during the rest of our visit. Needless to say, I was very disappointed.
Musee du Louvre
It is no surprise that the Musee du Louvre is one of the world's most impressive museums. Originally built as a fortress and then used as a palace by the kings of France, it was Napoleon who eventually renovated the Louvre as a museum. The Louvre has over 35,000 priceless pieces of art and artefacts on display, and there is something for everyone.
The Louvre is divided into eight sections and the pieces are housed on four floors and in three wings: Denon, Sully and Richelieu. The main entrance is beneath the famous glass pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei and it too is impressive standing at 69 feet high.
During our last visit to Paris we only spent about four hours at the Louvre and we touched the surface. This time around, I spent the whole day at the Louvre and it was fantastic as I got to see so much more.
It is no surprise that the Musee du Louvre is one of the world's most impressive museums. Originally built as a fortress and then used as a palace by the kings of France, it was Napoleon who eventually renovated the Louvre as a museum. The Louvre has over 35,000 priceless pieces of art and artefacts on display, and there is something for everyone.
The Louvre is divided into eight sections and the pieces are housed on four floors and in three wings: Denon, Sully and Richelieu. The main entrance is beneath the famous glass pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei and it too is impressive standing at 69 feet high.
During our last visit to Paris we only spent about four hours at the Louvre and we touched the surface. This time around, I spent the whole day at the Louvre and it was fantastic as I got to see so much more.
Some of the famous pieces at the Louvre
The gorgeous lower level of the Richelieu Wing featuring French sculptures and the Horses of Manly, G. Coustou
Mona Lisa, L. de Vinci
Aphrodite, also know as the "Venus de Milo"
The Winged Victory of Samothrace
Psyche and Cupid, A. Canova
The Turkish Bath, J.A.D. Ingres
The Virgin of Chancellor, Rolin, J. van Eyck
Code of Hammurabi
Captive (The Dying Slave), Michelangelo
Sculpture from Chupicuaro (Mexico)
Colossal Statue of Ramesses II
The Card-Sharper, G. de La Tour
Self-Portrait, A. Durer
Seated Scribe
St. Mary Magdalene, G. Erhart
Gabrielle d'Estrees and Her Sister
The Wedding Feast at Cana, Veronese
The consecration of the Emperor Napoleon 1, J. L. David
Napoleon III Apartments
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