Paris! The city of love, fashion, and food so fancy you sometimes don’t know what you are eating. But if there is one place in Paris that should be on every Nigerian tourist’s must-visit list, it is the Louvre Museum—the most famous and most visited museum in the world.
Now, before you start thinking, “Me, museum? I didn’t come to Paris to look at paintings oh!”, let me stop you right there. The Louvre is not just any museum – it is an experience. It is where you will find some of the greatest artworks in history, including the one and only Mona Lisa. And if you don’t take a selfie with Mona Lisa, did you even go to Paris?
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First Impressions: That Pyramid Entrance
The Louvre Museum is massive. And I mean MASSIVE. It is so big that if you were to look at every single piece of art inside, you’d need 100 days – without sleeping! So my advice? Know what you want to see before you enter.
The first thing that grabs your attention is the glass pyramid at the entrance. It is like someone took a modern building and placed it right in the middle of an ancient palace. But somehow, it works. You will see tourists everywhere, taking pictures, striking dramatic poses, and doing that classic “holding the tip of the pyramid” illusion photo. Yes, I did it too. Don’t judge.
Inside the Louvre Museum: Where Do You Even Start?
Once you step inside, you quickly realize that this is no regular museum. It is a palace. In fact, before becoming a museum, the Louvre was a real royal palace, home to French kings. No wonder everything inside looks so grand – huge ceilings, gold decorations, and corridors that feel longer than Third Mainland Bridge.
Now, with over 35,000 artworks, where do you start? Let me help you:
1. Mona Lisa: The Queen of the Louvre Museum
You can’t go to the Louvre Museum and not see the Mona Lisa. It is like going to Lagos and not eating jollof rice – it is just wrong. But here is the truth nobody tells you: Mona Lisa is small!
After all the hype, I was expecting a huge painting, but it is barely bigger than an A2-sized paper. And the crowd? Omo! The way people squeeze and struggle just to take a blurry photo, you’d think she was Beyoncé. Security is tight, so don’t even think of touching it (not that you can, unless you are planning to jump over a barricade and fight off guards).
But why is the Mona Lisa so famous? Well, apart from being painted by Leonardo da Vinci, she has that mysterious smile that makes you wonder, “Is she smiling or planning something?” Some say her eyes follow you around the room. I tested it – it is true.
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2. The Winged Victory of Samothrace: The “No-Head” Masterpiece
One of the Louvre’s most famous sculptures is a statue of a woman with wings, but no head. Now, normally, if you see a statue with no head, you’d think something went wrong. But this one? It is stunning. The details, the way it looks like it is moving even though it is made of stone. It is simply breathtaking.
3. The Venus de Milo: The Lady with No Arms
Yes, another famous statue—this time, a woman with no arms. But again, it is not a mistake. This is Venus de Milo, a sculpture of the Greek goddess of love. Even without arms, she’s still one of the most beautiful statues in the world. If she can be this famous with no arms, what’s our excuse?
4. The Egyptian Section: Mummies and More
If you love history, the Egyptian section of the Louvre is a must-see. They have real mummies, ancient tombs, and statues of Egyptian gods that make you feel like you are on a movie set. You start wondering, “Are these things just statues, or can they wake up at night?”
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Tips for the Nigerian Tourist at the Louvre Museum
- Buy your ticket online – Unless you enjoy standing in long lines, get your ticket in advance.
- Wear comfortable shoes – The Louvre is so big that by the time you finish, your legs will be begging for mercy.
- Go early – If you want a good photo with the Mona Lisa, arrive before the crowd turns the room into Oshodi at rush hour.
- Don’t try to see everything in one day – It is impossible. Pick a few sections and enjoy them.
Other Places to Visit Nearby
Once you are done at the Louvre, don’t rush back to your hotel! Paris has plenty more to offer:
- The Seine River – Right outside the Louvre, this river is perfect for a boat cruise. At night, it’s extra romantic (even if you are traveling solo).
- The Notre Dame Cathedral – This legendary church is a short walk away. Even though it is still being repaired after the 2019 fire, it is worth seeing.
- Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe – The most famous shopping street in Paris! Even if you can’t afford designer clothes, window shopping is free.
Final Thoughts: Is the Louvre Museum Worth It?
100% YES! Even if you don’t know much about art, just walking through the Louvre makes you feel cultured. You will see things that are thousands of years old, learn fun history facts, and most importantly, get bragging rights.
So, don’t just stick to the Eiffel Tower next time you are in Paris. Go to the Louvre, take your time, and when you get back to Nigeria, tell your friends:
“I met the Mona Lisa. She smiled at me. We have a connection now.”
Welcome to my world! 🌟 I’m Clare, the proud founder of lovemeandtour.com website. I’m passionate about connecting people and helping them find love. Join me on this exciting journey and let’s spread love together! 🌟 #LoveMe #Travel #Passionate
