Why look beyond the Mona Lisa at the Louvre?

The Louvre Museum is famous for housing the Mona Lisa, but its treasures extend far beyond Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated portrait. With more than 35,000 works on display, the museum is a vast universe of masterpieces spanning ancient civilizations, classical antiquity, the Renaissance, and the modern age.

For refined travelers, exploring the Louvre beyond the crowds surrounding the Mona Lisa offers a deeper, richer, and more serene artistic experience. Some of the museum’s most breathtaking works are hidden in its quieter wings, where beauty can be admired without rush.

What masterpiece greets visitors at the top of the Daru staircase?

The Winged Victory of Samothrace

This ancient Greek sculpture is one of the most dramatic artworks in the Louvre. Dating from the 2nd century BC, the Winged Victory of Samothrace depicts the goddess Nike standing on the prow of a ship. The way the drapery clings to her body, as if shaped by the sea wind, showcases the extraordinary skill of Hellenistic sculptors.

Its secrets include:

• It originally stood in a sanctuary on the island of Samothrace.
• The sense of movement is so strong that the statue still seems alive without its head or arms.
• Its placement at the top of the staircase creates one of the most majestic entrances in any museum.

This masterpiece alone is worth the visit.

Which iconic sculpture rivals the beauty of ancient Greece?

The Venus de Milo

Another star of the Louvre, the Venus de Milo, represents idealized feminine beauty. Discovered in 1820, she has fascinated scholars and visitors for centuries.

Behind her serenity lies a mystery:

• Her missing arms have led to endless speculation about her original pose.
• She likely represents Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty.
• The sculpture blends classical elegance with subtle sensuality.

Her timeless grace makes her one of the most celebrated artworks in the world.

Which Romantic masterpiece tells a powerful story?

The Raft of the Medusa – Théodore Géricault

Few paintings impact visitors as intensely as The Raft of the Medusa. Monumental in size and emotion, this masterpiece depicts the survivors of a tragic shipwreck in 1816.

Its hidden stories include:

• Géricault met actual survivors and studied morgue corpses to paint the figures realistically.
• The painting was a scandal when unveiled, revealing political incompetence.
• It remains one of the great works of the Romantic era.

The painting’s dramatic, human expression makes it unforgettable.

Which revolutionary painting symbolizes French identity?

Liberty Leading the People – Eugène Delacroix

This vibrant masterpiece celebrates the July 1830 uprising in Paris. In Liberty Leading the People, Delacroix blends allegory and realism, capturing the spirit of revolution.

Its symbolic elements include:

• Liberty personified as a woman leading the people forward.
• The tricolor flag at the heart of the composition.
• Influences that inspired Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables.

It is one of the most powerful symbols of French culture.

What hidden Renaissance treasure is often overlooked?

The Wedding Feast at Cana – Paolo Veronese

Facing the Mona Lisa in the same room, Veronese’s Wedding Feast at Cana is often missed despite being the largest painting in the Louvre.

Why it is remarkable:

• Its scale (nearly 70 square meters) immerses visitors in a Venetian banquet.
• The painting blends religious narrative with lively daily scenes.

• The luminous colors and theatrical composition are pure Renaissance magnificence.

It deserves far more attention than it receives.

Which ancient masterpiece guards the entrance to the antiquities wing?

The Great Sphinx of Tanis

This magnificent pink granite sphinx from the 26th century BC stands as a guardian to the Egyptian collection.

Its presence is captivating:

• Its facial features combine human intelligence with the strength of a lion.
• It represents royal power from ancient Egypt.
• Few visitors expect such a monumental piece hidden in the museum’s lower levels.

A perfect stop for lovers of ancient civilizations.

Where can you find a golden jewel of French decorative arts?

The Galerie d’Apollon

A masterpiece of French decorative art, the Galerie d’Apollon is a dazzling hall that inspired the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

Highlights include:

• A magnificent ceiling celebrating the sun god Apollo.
• Precious royal jewels and the French Crown Diamonds.
• A breathtaking example of baroque splendor inside the Louvre.

This gallery is a visual feast often missed by rushed visitors.

Why is Hôtel du Quai Voltaire ideal for discovering these masterpieces?

Just across the Seine, the Hôtel du Quai Voltaire offers refined travelers unmatched proximity to the Louvre. You can simply cross the river and find yourself at the museum entrance within minutes — perfect for visiting in shorter, more enjoyable sessions.

Beyond convenience, the hotel embodies Parisian elegance. Its literary and artistic heritage — welcoming guests such as Charles Baudelaire, Richard Wagner, Rilke, and Oscar Wilde — resonates beautifully with the cultural richness of the Louvre. After exploring iconic artworks, returning to the calm and charm of Quai Voltaire feels like an extension of the museum experience.

Conclusion

The Louvre Museum is far more than the Mona Lisa. It is home to extraordinary sculptures, monumental paintings, and hidden gems that reveal centuries of artistic achievement. By seeking out these masterpieces, travelers discover the full depth and beauty of the Louvre’s collections.

Staying at Hôtel du Quai Voltaire makes this journey effortless and elegant — the perfect base for exploring the treasures that lie just across the Seine.