Visiting the Louvre is an experience unlike any other. That is how my Monday morning began. I have always wanted to go, and back in Massachusetts, I frequently visited museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Exploring art and appreciating it has always been a priority for me, but the Louvre was on an entirely different scale.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the sheer size and historical significance of the museum. The architecture itself was captivating, particularly the massive inverted pyramid at the entrance, which added to the grandeur of the experience. Every corner of the museum felt like it held centuries of history and artistic excellence.
The Beginning
The first piece I encountered was Winged Victory of Samothrace, an awe-inspiring introduction to the museum. This sculpture represents Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The level of detail in the carving is remarkable; the way the fabric clings to her form creates the illusion of movement with sheer fabric, as if she has just landed. Seeing such fluidity captured in marble was astonishing. The missing head and arms did not detract from its impact. In fact, they seemed to add to its mystique, allowing viewers to focus on the energy and movement in the piece.
The Mona Lisa and More!
Seeing the Mona Lisa in person was a surreal experience. Our group only had a few minutes up close, but it was enough time to grasp the significance of the painting. While it is widely recognized and frequently reproduced, the subtle details such as her delicate expression are much more apparent in person. There’s just far more nuance in person. It’s unsurprising how this painting came to be one of the most famous paintings in history.
Directly across from the Mona Lisa was The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese, the largest painting in the Louvre. This masterpiece depicts the biblical story of Jesus turning water into wine and is filled with dynamic interactions. The scale alone is impressive, but what stood out most was the level of movement within the composition. Every figure in the painting reacts differently to the unfolding moment, creating a scene that feels lively and immersive. It felt so incredibly dynamic!
Lunch at Galeries Lafayette
After a morning of exploring the museum, we headed to Galeries Lafayette, the largest department store in Europe, and had lunch at a café called DS. I ordered a salmon dish with mushrooms and green beans, and it was exceptional. The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were bright, with hints of lemon and turmeric adding depth to the dish. It was the perfect way to recharge after spending hours in the Louvre!
Our waitress, Lisa, was incredibly welcoming and helped us all practice ordering in French. However, the most surprising part of the conversation was learning that she had been raised in Vietnam. As a Vietnamese person, I found this an unexpected connection. We even spoke a little Vietnamese to each other, discovering that we were from the same city in Vietnam—a connection that made the moment even more meaningful. It was a beautiful reminder of how art, language, and shared backgrounds can bridge cultures, making the world feel smaller and more interconnected, even in a city as vast and historic as Paris.
Paris From Above
After lunch, we visited the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette for a panoramic view of Paris. Observing the city from above was striking. Unlike American cities dominated by modern glass skyscrapers, Paris maintains a cohesive historical aesthetic. The rooftops and winding streets stretched into the distance, creating a view that felt timeless and distinct. The Eiffel Tower stood tall in the distance, blending into the skyline. The view was truly beautiful.
Final Thoughts
My time at the Louvre and Galeries Lafayette exceeded all expectations. Beyond the sheer volume of artwork, what stood out most was the artists’ ability to capture movement and emotion so effectively. Their work did not feel static as some artworks can sometimes feel. The level of craftsmanship and historical significance in every piece was astonishing, making it impossible to absorb everything in just one visit.
Despite spending several hours in the museum, I barely scratched the surface of what it has to offer. I would love the opportunity to return and explore even more in the future, ideally with more time to fully appreciate the details and history behind each work of art!