Tag Archives: Leonardo Da Vinci

Louvre-Lens: A New Wing of the Louvre Opened December 2012

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An Exciting Addition to the Louvre

Louvre, a symbol of French culture and art, entered a new phase in its development with a brand new establishment in Lens. With its complete richness and diversity, Louvre-Lens museum officially opened its doors to its first visitors on December 12th, 2012. With the opening of the new Louvre-Lens, formerly a disused coalfield, not only do the most prestigious artworks in the collection will get a new lease on life, but the place where it stands also gets the attention of the public.

This brand new Louvre-Lens made with glass and light in a green setting looks stunning. Designed by the architects from the Japanese firm Sanaa, the transparency and reflection are the integral features of its design. It makes for a perfect setting for the exceptional works which constitute the Louvre’s permanent collection.

Three New Louvre Galleries

The Louvre-Lens hosts three main galleries: the Galerie du Temps, le Pavillon de Verre and La Galerie d’Exposition Temporaire. The Galeries du Temps is 120-meters long and is the master wing of the museum which exhibits masterpieces from the Paris Louvre over a five-year period, showcasing works in chronological and geographic order, initially focusing on the periods of the Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Modern art.

In the beginning, 205 works will be exhibited in this Louvre gallery over the next five years: 70 works for Antiquity, 45 works for the Middle Ages and 90 pieces for Modern Art. Le Pavillon de Verre (Glass Pavilion) is a continuation of the Galerie du Temps, where visitors can view artworks from neighboring museums in the region.

Finally, La Galerie d’Exposition Temporaire houses the museum’s two temporary exhibits per year. Until March 11, 2013, The Renaissance: Revolutions in the arts in Europe 1400-1530 is on display, featuring over 250 artworks that showcase the most innovative themes during this influential period. Among them, the incomplete work by Leonardo da Vinci, The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and the monumental wood carving by Albrecht Dürer, The Triumphal Arch of Maximilian, would be a part of the Louvre-Lens exhibition.

So get aboard our Seine River Cruise and make a visit to the marvelous Louvre museum!

Louvre Museum

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A destination in France that should not be missed

The Louvre, the world’s most famous museum, was originally a royal palace. The greatness and popularity of this museum can be easily understood from the fact that it is the most visited museum in the world. So, no doubt, it is a must see destination for anyone who visits Paris and particularly for those interested in art and history. A visit to the Louvre after a French barge cruise is a great way to see famous artist’s renderings of some of the sites you have seen on your while on your cruise.   So, get on board a Paris river cruise and discover the wonders of artistic expression both inside and out.

Though the Louvre Museum is house to countless number of works, the most celebrated ones include the Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo. One of the finest art galleries in the world, the Louvre takes pride in a collection of over one million classic and modern masterpieces. However, about 35 000 are on display, spread out over three wings of the former palace. The works include Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings. This is a jewel in the crown of French culture and a grand celebration of European history and civilization.

Some of the greatest works of art in the museum are the Venus of Milo, the Nike of Samothrake, the Dying Slave by Michelangelo and of course Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

The Louvre Museum put up its first exhibition of works in the 16th century as the private collection of King Francis I. He purchased some of the works of art, one of which was the now famous Mona Lisa painting.

You enter the museum through the Louvre Pyramid or via the Carrousel du Louvre, thereon you have access to three large wings: Sully, Richelieu and Denon. As you walk through the museum, you feel as if you are walking through the history of France and into the minds of kings and revolutionaries. The major contribution towards making this museum what it is today is attributed to the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. During their reigns, there was major expansion and a linking of the palaces and halls.

The iconic pyramid building of the Louvre Museum is surrounded by Carrousel gardens. These gardens are enchanting and are a fascinating area in France to relevant to discuss Paris art and reflect on the wonders of the great Louvre Museum!