The Louvre Museum in Paris

[Updated March 2021]

I went to the Louvre in May 2018, the same month that Beyoncé and Jay-Z, performing together as The Carters, filmed their now-iconic “APESH*T” music video.

The Louvre is definitely on my list to visit again because one visit was not enough! The next time I go, I will start the day at the Louvre. When I went in 2018, I ended my day there and I felt rushed to see everything, especially the must-sees like Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo.

Next time, I’d like to visit the museum with my family, see water in the fountains, see the Mona Lisa with the midnight blue background (the wall was repainted in October 2019), and, of course, see more of the art collections!

It makes me happy to learn that the Louvre has put its whole art collection online to view for free!

On March 26, 2021, the Louvre announced that it has added over 480,000 works of art from its database to its website, including those on public display at the museum, as well as those in storage. It’s part of the museum’s mission to be more accessible.

Check it out: collections.louvre.fr

Originally posted June 2018:

I’m going apesh*t at the thought that I could have caught a glimpse of Beyoncé and Jay-Z in Paris. I was at the Louvre in May 2018, too!

Lately, it seems everyone’s talking about the Louvre, possibly the world’s most famous museum. According to its website, it’s currently the world’s most visited museum, too!

It just so happens that two of its most recent visitors are world famous in their own right. Not only did Beyoncé and Jay-Z stop by the Louvre, they filmed a music video there. At the Louvre! People are quick to say that only a power couple, such as The Carters, could shut down the famous museum. It’s true – their influence is undeniable. But let’s be real – the museum isn’t open 24/7. Isn’t it possible they filmed the video after hours or on a Tuesday (when the museum is closed)?

I didn’t like “APESH*T” at first, but it’s growing on me. I don’t get most of the references on the song (skrrt, skrrt, skrrt), but some of the lyrics speak to me:

“Sipping my favorite alcohol (alcohol), got me so lit, I need Tylenol (Tylenol)”

Oh, that Beyoncé, so relatable!

People want to say they’re trying to make a political statement in the video, or that they’re talking about their marriage in the song. Well, I won’t get into any of that, because who really knows? It’s none of my business.

But like everyone else, I will gush about that video. Beyoncé and Jay-Z did what they did: they created a remarkable work of art!

Another artist who recently evoked Le Musée du Louvre is New Zealand singer-songwriter, Lorde, whose second album, Melodrama, features a song called, “The Louvre.” My favorite lyrics from it are so cheeky, I can’t help but love it:

“We’re the greatest, they’ll hang us in the Louvre, down the back but who cares, still the Louvre”

When I went to the Louvre, it was mid-afternoon. The sun was high and I was sweaty from walking, so I took a little break before I entered the museum.

I enjoyed the shade and light breeze while I admired the Pyramide.

This painting is one of my favorites. It reminded me of my own sweet daughters.

Could I take these home? Emerald is my birthstone, after all!

As I descended the staircase in front of Winged Victory of Samothrace, I stretched out my arms and imagined I was Audrey Hepburn in the movie, Funny Face. I felt like I was flying.

There she is, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, or Venus de Milo.

From March 29, 2018 to July 23, 2018, there is a special exhibition at the Louvre celebrating artist, Eugène Delacroix. He’s the one who painted “July 30, 1830: Liberty Leading the People” (La Liberté guidant le peuple). It’s sometimes called the Marianne painting as she is the symbol of liberty.

Finally, I saw the actual Mona Lisa, behind a velvet rope, in a frame, underneath thick glass, never blinking, looking good at every angle. She’s looking at all of us probably wondering what the fuss is all about.

I was only at the Louvre for a couple of hours and I know that is not enough time to see everything: the walls, the ceilings, the floors, the stairs – they were all works of art. I felt grateful just being there.

“I can’t believe we made it, this is what we’re thankful for…”

Same.

Oh, that Beyoncé, so relatable! 😉

[Originally posted June 2018]

Have you been to the Louvre? Tell me in the comments below!