Louvre Museum, Paris

20 must-see masterpiece artworks in the Louvre

Any summary will underestimate the value of the Louvre. But if to mention only a fraction of what the visitors can see at the Museum, then here is a recommended list of the 20 must-sees while in the Louvre.

Mona Liza, painted by Leonardo da Vinci
The ancient Greek sculpture of Venus de Milo
The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Hellenistic sculpture of the goddess of victory, Nike
The Great Sphinx of Tanis
Sleeping Hermaphroditus sculpture
Sarcophagus of the Spouses
The Raft of the Medusa, painted by Théodore Géricault
The Wedding at Cana, painted by Veronese
Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, sculpture by Antonio Canova
Dying Slave, sculpture by Michelangelo
Virgin of the Rocks, painted by Leonardo da Vinci
The Lacemaker, painted by Johannes Vermeer
Woman with a Mirror, painted by Titian
Liberty Leading the People, painted by Eugène Delacroix
The Coronation of Napoleon, painted by Jacques-Louis David
Louis XIV, painted by Hyacinthe Rigaud
The Card Sharp with the Ace of Diamonds, painted by Georges de La Tour
Ship of Fools, painted by Hieronymus Bosch
Death of the Virgin, painted by Caravaggio
The French Crown Jewels

The Louver Palace

The Louver Museum resides in the Louver Palace, which is a masterpiece of majestic architecture meeting art. Built near King Philippe-Auguste's (Philippe II) medieval fortress from the year 1200, the Palace had a modest beginning. It was established in 1546 when King Francis I, asked to build a better royal palace residence in a renaissance style, at this location. The connection of the Louver to the arts was right from the start since Francis I was an avid patron of art and had a passion to collect it. Actually, it was Francis I who invited Leonardo da Vinci to France, where he spent his last three years. Francis I was also the one who originally purchase the Mona Lisa and this is the reason why the brilliant painting is in France and not Italy.

Years went by and the Louver Palace expanded and refurbished with each monarch adding another personal layer of splendor to the grandiose Palace complex. Louis XIII and Louis XIV who ruled in the 17th century had contributed greatly to the Palace's expansion and its art collections. The Museum opens to the public during the French Revelation and during the Napoleon regime, only part of the Palace was for his personal use.

The Palace is artwork for itself and an example of extraordinary architecture. It is recommended not to miss the following:
Galerie d’Apollon, a sumptuous golden gallery that was created by Louis XIV, to strengthen his image as the Sun King.
The lavish Napoleon III Apartments.
The Mobilier des résidences royales, 18th-century royal furniture collation.
The Salle Mollien, the red rooms contain beautiful and large paintings such as The Coronation of Napoleon.

It is most recommended to plan your visit in advance to make sure you'll be able to view the most must-see artworks. Also, make sure you buy your tickets online in advance to save precious time.