What Are the Lesser Known Sections of the Louvre Worth Visiting?
The Louvre Museum in Paris is an architectural and cultural marvel, known for housing some of the most famous artworks in history, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. While these masterpieces draw millions of visitors annually, there are several lesser-known sections of the museum that often go unnoticed by the general public. These hidden gems provide a deeper understanding of art, history, and civilization, making them well worth a visit for those willing to explore beyond the beaten path.
The Medieval Louvre: A Glimpse into the Museum’s Origins
Most visitors to the Louvre are unaware that the museum was originally a medieval fortress. The Medieval Louvre section, located in the Sully Wing, provides a fascinating look into the origins of this historic structure. Here, you can find the remnants of the original medieval walls and moat, offering a stark contrast to the grandeur of the rest of the museum. The foundations of the fortress date back to the 12th century when King Philip Augustus built it to protect Paris. Walking through this section, visitors can experience an eerie yet captivating journey through time, appreciating the evolution of the Louvre from a defensive stronghold to a world-renowned art museum.
The Mesopotamian Antiquities: A Forgotten Civilization
While the Egyptian section of the Louvre often garners significant attention, the Mesopotamian Antiquities section, located in the Richelieu Wing, remains a hidden treasure. This collection features artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia, including the civilizations of Sumer, Akkad, Assyria, and Babylon. One of the most striking pieces in this section is the Code of Hammurabi, a nearly 4,000-year-old basalt stele that contains one of the earliest known legal codes. Other highlights include Assyrian winged bulls from the palace of Sargon II and intricately carved reliefs depicting the grandeur of ancient Mesopotamian rulers. The artistry and ingenuity displayed in these relics offer profound insight into the cradle of civilization.
The Islamic Art Department: A Hidden Elegance
Tucked away in the Cour Visconti, the Islamic Art Department is one of the Louvre’s more recent additions. This section is often overshadowed by the museum’s more famous exhibits, yet it houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts spanning from Spain to India. The department showcases a variety of objects, including Persian carpets, delicate glasswork, intricate ceramics, and beautiful calligraphy. One of the most breathtaking pieces is the Baptistère de Saint Louis, an intricately engraved brass basin from the 13th century, believed to have been used in royal baptisms. The fusion of artistic influences from different cultures in this collection demonstrates the richness and sophistication of Islamic art throughout history.
The Decorative Arts Collection: A Feast for the Eyes
Nestled in the Richelieu Wing, the Decorative Arts Collection presents a dazzling array of objects that illustrate the evolution of European craftsmanship. This section includes an extensive collection of furniture, tapestries, porcelain, and intricate goldsmithing from the Renaissance to the 19th century. One particularly mesmerizing highlight is the Apartments of Napoleon III, a series of rooms that transport visitors into the opulence of the Second Empire. Adorned with lavish chandeliers, gold-gilded walls, and sumptuous furniture, these rooms offer a rare glimpse into the grandeur of 19th-century French aristocracy.
The Dutch and Flemish Masters: Hidden Paintings of the North
While the Louvre is known for its extensive collection of Italian and French paintings, its Dutch and Flemish Masterpieces, located in the Richelieu Wing, are often overlooked. This section boasts works from artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens. A particularly stunning piece is Rembrandt’s Bathsheba at Her Bath, which showcases the artist’s remarkable ability to capture light and emotion. Another noteworthy work is Vermeer’s The Lacemaker, a delicate and intimate portrayal of a young woman at work. This collection provides an excellent opportunity to explore the dramatic contrasts, rich textures, and intricate details that define Northern European art.
The Etruscan and Roman Antiquities: A Forgotten Legacy
The Louvre’s Etruscan and Roman Antiquities section, located in the Denon and Sully Wings, is another underappreciated treasure trove. This section features stunning artifacts from the ancient Etruscans, a civilization that predated Rome and significantly influenced its culture. The collection includes exquisite pottery, intricate bronze mirrors, and beautifully sculpted sarcophagi. One particularly striking piece is the Sarcophagus of the Spouses, a terracotta funerary monument that depicts a reclining couple in an embrace, reflecting the Etruscans’ unique approach to life and death. Visitors can also find remarkable Roman sculptures, including busts of emperors and reliefs that illustrate daily life in the ancient world.
The French Crown Jewels: A Glimpse into Royal Splendor
For those with an interest in luxury and history, the French Crown Jewels, housed in the Apollo Gallery, are an absolute must-see. This dazzling collection includes pieces once owned by French monarchs, from the opulent necklaces of Marie Antoinette to Napoleon’s ceremonial sword adorned with diamonds. The crown jewels are displayed in an ornate setting that complements their brilliance, offering visitors a taste of the grandeur of the French court. The highlight of this collection is the Regent Diamond, one of the most famous diamonds in the world, which has a storied past intertwined with the history of France.
The Lesser-Known Sculptures: Hidden Masterpieces in the Cour Puget
While the Louvre’s sculpture collection is often associated with the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Michelangelo’s Slaves, the Cour Puget in the Richelieu Wing is home to a remarkable selection of lesser-known sculptures. This airy courtyard, bathed in natural light, features beautiful 17th- and 18th-century French sculptures, many of which were originally commissioned for royal gardens and palaces. The open layout of the Cour Puget allows visitors to appreciate these sculptures from multiple angles, creating a more immersive experience than the crowded halls of the museum’s more famous sections.
The Delacroix Room: A Tribute to Romanticism
Eugène Delacroix, one of France’s greatest Romantic painters, has a dedicated gallery within the Louvre that often goes unnoticed. This room, located in the Denon Wing, features some of Delacroix’s lesser-known yet equally stunning works, including The Death of Sardanapalus and Medea About to Kill Her Children. The vibrancy of his colors and the dynamic composition of his paintings offer a striking contrast to the classical works found elsewhere in the museum. This section is a must-visit for art lovers who appreciate the intensity and passion of Romanticism.
Discovering the Louvre’s Hidden Wonders
The Louvre is far more than just its famous highlights. For those willing to venture beyond the crowded halls housing the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the museum offers a treasure trove of lesser-known yet equally fascinating collections. From the medieval origins of the Louvre to the forgotten civilizations of Mesopotamia, the grandeur of Napoleon III’s apartments, and the delicate elegance of Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, these hidden sections provide a richer, more immersive museum experience. Next time you visit the Louvre, take a detour from the usual path, you may just discover an entirely new appreciation for this extraordinary institution.
