Visit Louvre Atlanta

If you're like me, the thought of visiting the Louvre in France is in a far remote location in my mind. However, with some of the most precious exhibits visiting here in Atlanta at the High Museum over the next 3 years how can one resist a stroll through some of the finest examples of ancient art known to man?

The Musée du Louvre began as a fortress in 1190 ad. Later it was transformed into a luxurious palace by Louis XIV. In 1882 the palace, no longer occupied by the royals, was destroyed, and the remaining buildings on the site became the present day location of the Louvre, the most famous art museum in the world.

Until recently to view the magnificent pieces of art at the Louvre one must actually visit the Louvre in Paris. Today and through September 2009 some of the most prestigious pieces are on loan to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta in rotating exhibitions that will last for 2 years.

As an artist myself I could hardly resist a visit to the High Museum last weekend before the second exhibit was to leave. I loved the experience! When you are admitted you are given a pair of headphones and a MP3 player. By many of the pieces there are numbers posted on the wall. By simply punching in the numbers on the MP3 player you are able to hear about the piece, the artist and how the piece was acquired. I was delighted! I think this is a marvelous addition to the amazing exhibition. This is much better than a guided tour which would limit the amount of time you could spend pondering over a particular piece if the urge struck you. I went over the weekend and it was a little packed but still bearable. If you have a couple of hours to spare and want to do something memorable then visit Louvre Atlanta. If you're really daring you can visit all 9 exhibitions as they arrive. You won't regret it!

Below are the highlights of the exhibition taken from the Atlanta High Museum of Art website.

Year One

Kings as Collectors

(October 14, 2006 - September 2, 2007)

This exhibition highlights some of the magnificent paintings and sculptures acquired by Louis XIV (the Sun King) and Louis XVI (the last King of France). The French royal collections are the heart of the Louvre's present day holdings.

The King's Drawings
(October 14, 2006 - January 28, 2007)
This exhibition presents masterworks from the royal collection of drawings assembled during the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. It is one of the most important exhibitions of old master drawings ever mounted in the Southeastern United States.

The Decorative Art of the Kings
(March 3, 2007 - September 2, 2007)
The second focus of this exhibition features decorative arts commissioned by Louis XIV, XV, and XVI and centers on the luxury goods manufactured for the King's palaces and the royal court.

Year Two
The Louvre and the Ancient World
(October 2007 - September 2008)
Year Two will feature masterpieces from the Louvre's Egyptian, Near Eastern and Greco-Roman antiquities departments. Focus exhibitions will present sculptures of Jean-Antoine Houdon and a collection of Greco-Roman and Egyptian antiquities owned by Empress Josephine.
Specifics concerning this exhibition will be released in 2007

Year Three
The Louvre of Today and Tomorrow
(October 2008 - September 2009)
In Year Three, Louvre Atlanta will explore the Louvre of today and tomorrow. Exhibitions under development for this year will highlight the development of the present-day Louvre and its new relations with society and the world.