I feel immensely lucky to have experienced The Louvre, the largest museum of art in the world. This was probably the place I was most excited to see since I love art in ways I could never explain and remains a personal hobby I enjoy. The Louvre is nine miles long and impossible to even walk through in a day, it is hard to even rational that much art being in a museum. The building has a large amount of its own history too, it used to be a fortress for one of the Kings of France in 1190, then once the 16th century came out it transitioned to be a palace. It looked straight out of your classic fairytale. Many generationals of royalty added bits and pieces of construction to this palace over the years. Once Louis the XIV became King he moved his residence to the Palace of Versailles. After this time, The Louvre started its transition to becoming a foundation for art. It didn’t fully evolve to this until Napoleon Bonaparte.
The amount of intentional architecture that exists in all of the buildings in Paris is enough to boggle the mind and leave you to marvel how all of this was created so long ago. The beginning of the museum starts with walking through a moat from the original fortress that existed here. We had a tour guide that walked us through ancient greek and roman art which included famous statues art like Venus de Milo. We also got to see pre Italian renaissance art, this was by far the most impactful to me. At many points it had me tearing up and feeling like my soul was transcending. I felt so safe and at home in ways that I could logically express. I remember thinking how I understood these paintings only in a part of me that cannot be explained. I know this is the purpose of art and any type of creative expression, to make sense of the unseen. When it happens to you, it can often take a second to settle in. The way this era of art played with colors made me feel really inspired to experiment with new artistic pursuits when I got home. It leaves so much to focus on and stand in awe about. The colors draw you into certain aspects and emphasize important details. Art that pulls you in and leaves you to stare and forget about the world around you has a special place in this world. It makes a part of me feel at home, where the home isn’t physical but is timeless.
Some of my favorite pieces below 🙂
I never once felt unsafe in the city of Paris and also every single Parisian person we talked to was kind and genuine. When we first arrived at our airbnb and were waiting in the lobby to grab the keys, a few people said “Bonjuer” as they walked past. We all looked around in excitement at this and replied “Bonjuer” back probably with too much theatrics attached. In America people do not say hello to each other enough. Often they divert eye contact or maybe offer a slight smile. I could see direct correlations to a more connected society in Paris than I do at home. I firmly believe part of this is the impact that art and creative living has on culture here in Europe or Paris specifically.
We were lucky enough to experience the Moulin Rouge, a cabaret show born out of the creation of the can-can dance. It was probably the best musical theater I’ve ever seen. Each number had us all gripped and screaming in amazement. There were acts that left your stomach churning with anxiety and others your mouth wide open in bewilderment. We went to the 11pm show to which I was scared I was going to fall asleep, but there was no chance with the levels of excitement happening in the film. If you have the opportunity to see the Moulin Rouge, go.
Overall, Paris is still a daydream I cannot believe I got to be a part of for a few, long days of adventure. I feel full of endless gratitude to have been able to see all the art and experience all the culture around me. I already found bits and pieces of their styles I wish to emulate. I would love to go back and visit the city of Paris again in time. I hope I get to go with someone who has never been and see the amazement of that city gleam over them like it did for me. I am ever changed by getting to be embedded in that culture, I feel freer and more inspired to dance in the wind and create art whenever I feel like it.
2 responses to “final days in Paris”
I call being the person you go there with again
I call being the person you go there with again