This is the entrance to the courtyard of this stately palace. It began in the 12th century as a fortress that was transformed into a modernized dwelling for François I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
It was quite different from when I visited it about 40 years ago. Twenty-two years ago the once-controversial, ultra-modern pyramid entrance with its surrounding fountains was added to the complex. Today it is an accepted part of the courtyard. Although there were droves of visitors, the line moved smoothly and quickly. Lloyd, Ann Marie and Richard in front of the pyramid.
An escalator or spiral stairway takes one down to a central area where the entrance tickets are sold and one gains access to one of three wings of the museum, each featuring different collections. We chose the Denon wing, which houses the Mona Lisa, 18th-19th century French art, and the collection of ancient art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Lloyd took this picture from inside the pyramid.
One of the great joys of this museum is the ability to appreciate the size of some of the paintings that we know only through books and prints.
Two paintings of the fight between David and Goliath were displayed back-to-back, a most interesting presentation.
With patience, we moved closer. The painting is protected with several layers of glass, but even knowing it wouldn't be of good quality, I had to take a picture anyway.
The aboriginal art is beautifully displayed. These were some of the more outstanding pieces.
We left the Louvre by way of the Lion Gate, alongside the Seine.
Our destination: Notre Dame.
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