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Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum
One of the Economist's Best Books of the Year
One of Smithsonian Magazine's Ten Best Travel Books of 2025
An American Bookseller Association’s Indie Travel Literature Bestseller
One of Library Journal's Best Books of the Year
Author featured in Discovery Channel's documentary Louvre Minute by Minute
A former New York Times Paris bureau chief explores the Louvre, offering an intimate journey of discovery and revelation.
The Louvre is the most famous museum in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year with its masterpieces. In Adventures in the Louvre, Elaine Sciolino immerses herself in this magical space and helps us fall in love with what was once a forbidding fortress.
Exploring galleries, basements, rooftops, and gardens, Sciolino demystifies the Louvre, introducing us to her favorite artworks, both legendary and overlooked, and to the people who are the museum’s the curators, the artisans producing frames and engravings, the builders overseeing restorations, the firefighters protecting the aging structure.
Blending investigative journalism, travelogue, history, and memoir, Sciolino walks her readers through the museum’s front gates and immerses them in its irresistible, engrossing world of beauty and culture. Adventures in the Louvre reveals the secrets of this grand monument of Paris and basks in its timeless, seductive power.
One of Smithsonian Magazine's Ten Best Travel Books of 2025
An American Bookseller Association’s Indie Travel Literature Bestseller
One of Library Journal's Best Books of the Year
Author featured in Discovery Channel's documentary Louvre Minute by Minute
A former New York Times Paris bureau chief explores the Louvre, offering an intimate journey of discovery and revelation.
The Louvre is the most famous museum in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year with its masterpieces. In Adventures in the Louvre, Elaine Sciolino immerses herself in this magical space and helps us fall in love with what was once a forbidding fortress.
Exploring galleries, basements, rooftops, and gardens, Sciolino demystifies the Louvre, introducing us to her favorite artworks, both legendary and overlooked, and to the people who are the museum’s the curators, the artisans producing frames and engravings, the builders overseeing restorations, the firefighters protecting the aging structure.
Blending investigative journalism, travelogue, history, and memoir, Sciolino walks her readers through the museum’s front gates and immerses them in its irresistible, engrossing world of beauty and culture. Adventures in the Louvre reveals the secrets of this grand monument of Paris and basks in its timeless, seductive power.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
318 people are currently reading
7684 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Sciolino
7 books252 followersElaine Sciolino is a writer and former Paris Bureau Chief for The New York Times, based in France since 2002.
Her new book, Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum, will be published by W.W. Norton & Company on April 1, 2025.
Sciolino's previous book, The Seine: The River That Made Paris, will be published by W.W. Norton & Company on November 5, 2019.
Lauren Collins, Paris staff writer for The New Yorker, calls the book “a soulful, transformative voyage along the body of water that defines the City of Light. Elaine Sciolino is the perfect guide to the world's most romantic river.”
Her book, The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs, published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2015, was a New York Times best seller. The Wall Street Journal called the book “a sublime stroll…elegiac;” The New York Times wrote that “she has Paris at her feet;” the Chicago Tribune called her “a storyteller at heart.”
Her second book on life in France, The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs, released in November 2015, is a New York Times bestseller and in its fourth printing. The New York Times wrote that “Sciolino … has Paris at her feet.” The Wall Street Journal praised it as “a sublime stroll…elegiac.” The Washington Post called the book a “love letter with such ingenuous passion it’s hard not to cheer up;” it was also chosen as a Washington Post Book Club selection.
In 2010, she was decorated a chevalier of the Legion of Honor, the highest honor of the French state, for her “special contribution” to the friendship between France and the United States.
In 2019, Sciolino became a member of the Advisory Board of Reporters Without Borders, the Paris-based international advocacy organization promoting freedom of information and freedom
of the press. In 2018, she received an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from the University of London.
Sciolino's book, La Seduction: How the French Play the Game of Life, was published by Henry Holt/Times Books in 2011. The book was named one of the best books of 2011 by The New York Times T Magazine. La séduction, comment les Français jouent au jeu de la vie, the French edition, was published by Presses de la Cité in 2012.
Her book, Persian Mirrors: The Elusive Face of Iran, was first published by The Free Press in 2000 and updated in a new edition in 2005. During the Persian Mirrors project, she was a Senior Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace, a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the winner of a writing fellowship from the Open Society Institute.
Persian Mirrors was awarded the 2001 New York Public Library Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism and the Overseas Press Club Cornelius Ryan Citation for nonfiction. It was also a History Book Club selection and a New York Times Notable Book for 2000. In 2001, Sciolino was honored by Columbia University’s Encyclopedia Iranica project “for presenting the best of Iran to the world” and elected to the Executive Council of the Society for Iranian Studies that year.
Sciolino began her journalism career as a researcher at Newsweek Magazine in New York, later becoming national correspondent in Chicago, foreign correspondent in Paris, bureau chief in Rome and roving international correspondent. Sciolino was the Edward R. Murrow Press Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in 1982-1983, the first woman to receive that honor.
She joined The New York Times in 1984, where she has held a number of posts, including United Nations’ bureau chief, Central Intelligence Agency correspondent, Culture correspondent and chief diplomatic correspondent – the first woman to hold that post – and Paris Bureau Chief. She has also served as The New York Time
Her new book, Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum, will be published by W.W. Norton & Company on April 1, 2025.
Sciolino's previous book, The Seine: The River That Made Paris, will be published by W.W. Norton & Company on November 5, 2019.
Lauren Collins, Paris staff writer for The New Yorker, calls the book “a soulful, transformative voyage along the body of water that defines the City of Light. Elaine Sciolino is the perfect guide to the world's most romantic river.”
Her book, The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs, published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2015, was a New York Times best seller. The Wall Street Journal called the book “a sublime stroll…elegiac;” The New York Times wrote that “she has Paris at her feet;” the Chicago Tribune called her “a storyteller at heart.”
Her second book on life in France, The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs, released in November 2015, is a New York Times bestseller and in its fourth printing. The New York Times wrote that “Sciolino … has Paris at her feet.” The Wall Street Journal praised it as “a sublime stroll…elegiac.” The Washington Post called the book a “love letter with such ingenuous passion it’s hard not to cheer up;” it was also chosen as a Washington Post Book Club selection.
In 2010, she was decorated a chevalier of the Legion of Honor, the highest honor of the French state, for her “special contribution” to the friendship between France and the United States.
In 2019, Sciolino became a member of the Advisory Board of Reporters Without Borders, the Paris-based international advocacy organization promoting freedom of information and freedom
of the press. In 2018, she received an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from the University of London.
Sciolino's book, La Seduction: How the French Play the Game of Life, was published by Henry Holt/Times Books in 2011. The book was named one of the best books of 2011 by The New York Times T Magazine. La séduction, comment les Français jouent au jeu de la vie, the French edition, was published by Presses de la Cité in 2012.
Her book, Persian Mirrors: The Elusive Face of Iran, was first published by The Free Press in 2000 and updated in a new edition in 2005. During the Persian Mirrors project, she was a Senior Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace, a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the winner of a writing fellowship from the Open Society Institute.
Persian Mirrors was awarded the 2001 New York Public Library Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism and the Overseas Press Club Cornelius Ryan Citation for nonfiction. It was also a History Book Club selection and a New York Times Notable Book for 2000. In 2001, Sciolino was honored by Columbia University’s Encyclopedia Iranica project “for presenting the best of Iran to the world” and elected to the Executive Council of the Society for Iranian Studies that year.
Sciolino began her journalism career as a researcher at Newsweek Magazine in New York, later becoming national correspondent in Chicago, foreign correspondent in Paris, bureau chief in Rome and roving international correspondent. Sciolino was the Edward R. Murrow Press Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in 1982-1983, the first woman to receive that honor.
She joined The New York Times in 1984, where she has held a number of posts, including United Nations’ bureau chief, Central Intelligence Agency correspondent, Culture correspondent and chief diplomatic correspondent – the first woman to hold that post – and Paris Bureau Chief. She has also served as The New York Time
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
December 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this. If you want to visit the Louvre and even if you cannot or don’t want to, but love museums, this is truly one to read. Almost like the prequel to the visit. It can also open your eyes to get a strategy in place for when you go so you can see the most you possibly can. A good armchair travel through an art museum if there ever was one!🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 10, 2025
Have you ever wondered about the history of the Louvre? The operational policies of the Louvre? The architecture of the Louvre? The landscaping around the Louvre? The Louvre’s glass pyramids? And how to clean them? And how the Louvre is cleaned overall, generally? Like given the dust and bugs and such? And the storage of the Louvre? Hidden parts of the Louvre? If the Louvre has ghosts?? Have you wondered about the vastness of the Louvre’s collections? They must have, like, a billion frames stashed away somewhere for everything, right? What all kinds of animals are in the artwork of the Louvre, I wonder? Yes, including dogs, of course! How many different types of, say, shoes, that one may see across the various artworks of the Louvre? What a survey of the Louvre’s artworks tells us about what people have eaten across the years and around the world? What about weightier topics, such as depictions of enslavement and people of color in artworks across the Louvre? How about depictions of beauty? Of femininity? Nudity?? Have you wondered about what the Louvre’s artworks reveal about historic conceptions of gender and sexual identity? What they reveal about the famed artists who created them? And of course, have you wondered about the Winged Nike of Samothrace? The Venus de Milo?? The Mona Lisa??? And what about the gift shop? If so, this book may be for you. You may still have some museum fatigue by the end, but you’ll have been way less jostled by crowds. And, zero pickpockets!
March 6, 2025
I've never been to the Louvre or even France before, and sometimes have wondered if it's worth the hype and romanticism. So I was interested in this book, which attempted an impressive survey look at one of the most overwhelming and massive museum collections in the world with lots of storied, complicated history.
This was a very journalistic style of nonfiction, not the narrative style I am used to so it took me some time to get through and stay involved. It felt more straightforward Rick Steves than sexy Anthony Bourdain, sometimes getting bogged down in lists of facts and statistics. But I admire this very detailed and impressive feat of reportage. It must have taken a year at least to document everything in this immersive reporting style.
What I liked best about this book was how many people the author interviewed, from window washers and taxi drivers to museum directors. She went beyond the publicity team of the Louvre, which I had feared, to show the many faces of the famous museum. This is a book meant for art history and museum geeks. Since it was more of a survey and a travel guide, it didn't overly criticize the museum for some of its more complicated past like cultural thefts, but nor did it flinch away from those issues, either. It was very well rounded and like the Louvre itself perhaps tried to cover too much.
But how does one even start with a museum as vast as the Louvre.
However, I felt myself conversing with the art and cultural history of the Lourve in a way that was both informative and left me with a feeling of awe. I have no idea if I'll ever be in a position to visit the Louvre in my lifetime, but this book made me feel like I had VIP privileges. One day I want to go there. This book made me feel less intimidated about trying to see the whole thing and made me feel like I could enjoy it for what I could see. It made me put this on my must-see list if I'm ever in France.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a very journalistic style of nonfiction, not the narrative style I am used to so it took me some time to get through and stay involved. It felt more straightforward Rick Steves than sexy Anthony Bourdain, sometimes getting bogged down in lists of facts and statistics. But I admire this very detailed and impressive feat of reportage. It must have taken a year at least to document everything in this immersive reporting style.
What I liked best about this book was how many people the author interviewed, from window washers and taxi drivers to museum directors. She went beyond the publicity team of the Louvre, which I had feared, to show the many faces of the famous museum. This is a book meant for art history and museum geeks. Since it was more of a survey and a travel guide, it didn't overly criticize the museum for some of its more complicated past like cultural thefts, but nor did it flinch away from those issues, either. It was very well rounded and like the Louvre itself perhaps tried to cover too much.
But how does one even start with a museum as vast as the Louvre.
However, I felt myself conversing with the art and cultural history of the Lourve in a way that was both informative and left me with a feeling of awe. I have no idea if I'll ever be in a position to visit the Louvre in my lifetime, but this book made me feel like I had VIP privileges. One day I want to go there. This book made me feel less intimidated about trying to see the whole thing and made me feel like I could enjoy it for what I could see. It made me put this on my must-see list if I'm ever in France.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2025
4.5⭐️ I knew nothing about the Louvre, but I do now! I thought this book was fascinating and well written. The author’s writing style was easy to read. Took a while to get through because I wanted to look up more on the artwork. Recommend if you’re interested in art, museums, the Louvre, or Paris. ♥️ Also, isn’t the cover gorgeous?!
March 5, 2025
**Disclaimer** I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I wasn't required to write this review, it just seemed polite to do so after getting a free book.
The fact that Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum makes me want to revisit The Louvre tells me that it succeeds as far as the title is concerned!
Elaine Sciolino's book is a delight to read and I devoured it rapidly, constantly looking up images of the art she was highlighting from the museums massive collection. The book has the almost required chapters on the BIG TREASURES like Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus De Milo and so on, but it also pointed out lesser know pieces or collections. A sampling of the many people who work there, high and low, were celebrated as a part of the whole experience of the museum which was nice.
Only two things knocked of a star for me.
Firstly and most importantly (but probably more the publishing industry than the author): I wanted more photographs and I wanted at least some of them to be in color. The photos that are there aren't always the clearest in black and white unfortunately. Yes, I could and did look up the art myself but even a section of images all grouped together in the middle would of been much more convenient and greatly improved my reading.
Secondly, I think some of the later chapters that focus on the less famous art/collections in the museum were noticeably thinner. It wasn't always literally the page count but I was sad to see fewer interviews or focus on singular pieces.
Overall I would recommend a read of Adventures in the Louvre for a fun introduction to one of the most famous museums in the world. It won't make you an expert in the massive collection or stunning building but it will be a educational visit without the cost of a trip to Paris!
Now I'm off to find a virtual tour because I don't have the budget for an in person visit and I want more!
The fact that Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum makes me want to revisit The Louvre tells me that it succeeds as far as the title is concerned!
Elaine Sciolino's book is a delight to read and I devoured it rapidly, constantly looking up images of the art she was highlighting from the museums massive collection. The book has the almost required chapters on the BIG TREASURES like Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus De Milo and so on, but it also pointed out lesser know pieces or collections. A sampling of the many people who work there, high and low, were celebrated as a part of the whole experience of the museum which was nice.
Only two things knocked of a star for me.
Firstly and most importantly (but probably more the publishing industry than the author): I wanted more photographs and I wanted at least some of them to be in color. The photos that are there aren't always the clearest in black and white unfortunately. Yes, I could and did look up the art myself but even a section of images all grouped together in the middle would of been much more convenient and greatly improved my reading.
Secondly, I think some of the later chapters that focus on the less famous art/collections in the museum were noticeably thinner. It wasn't always literally the page count but I was sad to see fewer interviews or focus on singular pieces.
Overall I would recommend a read of Adventures in the Louvre for a fun introduction to one of the most famous museums in the world. It won't make you an expert in the massive collection or stunning building but it will be a educational visit without the cost of a trip to Paris!
Now I'm off to find a virtual tour because I don't have the budget for an in person visit and I want more!
October 29, 2025
Wonderful review of my second favorite museum in the world (The Met #1) and all the ways to love it. Anyone who wants to know anything about the Louvre, this book is a great place to start! And if you already love it, you'll learn a lot from this book.
December 23, 2025
Fun, breezy read. Sciolino’s superpower seems to be her access, as a former NYT Paris bureau chief and apparent bonne vivante. The best parts, accordingly, are when Sciolino takes us to areas that are otherwise off-limits: the particle accelerator in the basement, the balconies and rooftops, the casting & engraving studio, the consultation room (which is technically open by appointment but feels intimidating, at least to me). She also shares interesting takes on the Louvre from a wide variety of administrators, curators, and artists. The historical tidbits, as well as the analysis of the collection, are competent enough to keep it all humming along nicely. Made me more excited for my upcoming visit, which is presumably the point! 3.5 stars, rounded up.
May 2, 2025
The beginning and end of this book are 5 stars; the middle is ... 3.5. The beginning and end are fun and original and lively. The middle part of the book is exactly what Sciolino accuses the Louvre of being: an obligation. Every chapter is dedicated to an ethnic group or gender choice that feels unheard; everyone should have a voice, I'm not objecting to that. But as she points out herself, this is a museum dedicated to Western culture and its origins up to 1848, and it's tedious to have her dedicate chapter after chapter to proving that there is artwork at the museum celebrating trans love, and gay love, and women as leaders and not sexual objects. Even she seems bored with herself in these chapters, which feel like lists. But when this book is good, it's REALLY good. And of course it's important to show the place of underappreciated and underrepresented peoples but ... if you're going to do so, maybe do it in a fashion that is as lively as the rest of this book.
May 29, 2025
A deep dive into the history and the machinations of one of the worlds best known museums.
Each chapter starts with a quote to do with the Louvre. Each chapter deals with a specific part of the Louvre in Paris (the different wings, different works of art, even the boutiques) or a different Louvres in other places (one in a town an hour north of Paris the other in United Arab Emerits). I loved learning about all the different pieces of art (there’s a whole chapter on Beyoncé and her 2018 music video).
Very interesting. Really fun on audiobook. Great narrator.
My only complaint is that the middle dragged a little, and the appendix (only 1 on the audiobook the 2nd can be found in the physical copy or ebook) should’ve been its own chapter earlier in the book. It was about how to properly tackle the museum.
Each chapter starts with a quote to do with the Louvre. Each chapter deals with a specific part of the Louvre in Paris (the different wings, different works of art, even the boutiques) or a different Louvres in other places (one in a town an hour north of Paris the other in United Arab Emerits). I loved learning about all the different pieces of art (there’s a whole chapter on Beyoncé and her 2018 music video).
Very interesting. Really fun on audiobook. Great narrator.
My only complaint is that the middle dragged a little, and the appendix (only 1 on the audiobook the 2nd can be found in the physical copy or ebook) should’ve been its own chapter earlier in the book. It was about how to properly tackle the museum.
April 27, 2025
"Adventures in the Louvre" serves as an excellent introduction to the famous Paris museum, and not just as an overview. Sciolino takes you through the history of the various buildings and architectures, and covers the museum's many collections from many different angles: how women are depicted, the different ways nudity is shown, focuses on Islamic, ancient and Asian art, gay art, and others. She finishes with practical advice for those planning to visit the museum. Makes me want to go soon!
June 11, 2025
Superb! This author has the greatest Sense of Place in all her books. I would love to be listening to this and holding the book as I’m walking through the Louvre
October 1, 2025
A delightful and charming read.
July 27, 2025
Interesting journey through the Louvre, told from a variety of different angles. Impressive job of humanizing an intimidatingly massive collection. If you're a fan of art and/or francophone culture, would recommend.
July 4, 2025
I purchased this book in the shop at the Louvre after visiting on a very crowded Saturday. We came to see the Couture Show. It was my first visit back in over 40 years and I brought my daughter. We only had time to see the Couture show which was excellent against the backdrop of the European Objects collection and a very quick pass by the Mona Lisa. On a separate day, we dined at Lou Lou in the Tuileries. Now, after devouring this wonderful book, I wish I could book a month back in Paris and take in the Louvre much more thoughtfully. I also now would love to visit Abu Dhabi again and see the Louvre Lens. This is a fantastic book and Ms Sciolino makes you feel you are spending a year with her discovering all that is the Louvre. My only recommendation is to read this before you go, because reading it after left me with a great longing to see the beloved museum more.
May 27, 2025
Another wonderful look at Paris from Elaine Sciolino, this time taking readers to the Louvre. You get an intimate look at some of the works gracing its many halls, and a tantalizing look at the behind-the-scenes and politics of the museum. I could read an entire book about the firefighters tasked with protecting the museum. All but a few of the short chapters fully held my attention. The main distraction while reading is I had to keep stopping to look up images of places and works she described, so you'll actually want to keep your phone handy. Sciolino excels at giving just enough detail about history, art, or people to hook you, but not leave you feeling bogged down. A great read with short chapters so you can easily pick it up for just a little bit at a time.
Probably my second favorite of her books, behind The Only Street in Paris but superior to The Seine.
Probably my second favorite of her books, behind The Only Street in Paris but superior to The Seine.
June 13, 2025
I absolutely loved the first half of this book but I think that ultimately it is too long. In the second half of the book there's too much history that is not directly about art that makes it drag. If you love history and you love art, this may not bother you.
As a francophile and francophone, there are so many exciting tidbits about the Louvre and the art it contains that I am still glad I read it and would still recommend it. I just didn't love all of it, but the excitement I felt at all of the behind-the-scenes and insider tips makes it worth it.
I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As a francophile and francophone, there are so many exciting tidbits about the Louvre and the art it contains that I am still glad I read it and would still recommend it. I just didn't love all of it, but the excitement I felt at all of the behind-the-scenes and insider tips makes it worth it.
I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2025
an absolutely delightful book about the Louvre! yes, the museum is overwhelming as how it has been pointed out. as a tourist, you will need several days to absolutely enjoy it. but to fully grasp each and every artwork, some would even take years and years.
there’s just too many to unfold here! as someone who only knows the most popular artworks (like Leonardo’s Mona Lisa or Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People), i have learned not just other noteworthy artworks but also the history and the culture from the diverse holdings of the museum.
from topics on the architecture of the building, the landscaping, secret libraries or little-known rooms in the Louvre, different types of artworks, the types of museumgoers, the culture of the people who maintain and uphold the Louvre’s mission, and among others, there are a lot to learn and discover. even after i finished reading this, i am not really done in learning and analyzing the information given here.
right now, i am savoring this book by writing down notes and going back to my highlights and annotations to the pieces of information that piqued me. so if one day i’ll get a chance to visit the Louvre, i’ll know what to do and where to go.
note: i recommend you have your browser open so you can quickly view and analyze the artworks that are being mentioned as well as research on the history that is being discussed.
there’s just too many to unfold here! as someone who only knows the most popular artworks (like Leonardo’s Mona Lisa or Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People), i have learned not just other noteworthy artworks but also the history and the culture from the diverse holdings of the museum.
from topics on the architecture of the building, the landscaping, secret libraries or little-known rooms in the Louvre, different types of artworks, the types of museumgoers, the culture of the people who maintain and uphold the Louvre’s mission, and among others, there are a lot to learn and discover. even after i finished reading this, i am not really done in learning and analyzing the information given here.
right now, i am savoring this book by writing down notes and going back to my highlights and annotations to the pieces of information that piqued me. so if one day i’ll get a chance to visit the Louvre, i’ll know what to do and where to go.
note: i recommend you have your browser open so you can quickly view and analyze the artworks that are being mentioned as well as research on the history that is being discussed.
September 8, 2025
Now I want to visit Louvre for at least 10 days straight; also an inspiration to visit my local art museums more often with attentive eyes and a calmer mindset to appreciate arts piece by piece, to really see them.
December 28, 2025
Heard the author speak in Paris. Wish I had read it before we went to the Louvre. Interesting stories and facts. Written during Covid.
August 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, which I read while on a trip to Paris. The author writes chapters on things you might expect such as the Mona Lisa and more unexpected topics such as the Louvre’s fire department. I’d love to know what else she would include if she added another chapter. I have to admit, I was not as interested in the chapter on the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
June 22, 2025
This was an interesting read, part history and part art history and appreciation. I learned a lot, although I think I will get more out of reading the more hardcore history books she cited.
April 30, 2025
Fantastic book. Well researched and engaging. Perfect to read before my upcoming trip to Paris. Highly recommend it to lovers of art and travel.
June 8, 2025
Adventures of the Louvre is a good read for the interested and uninitiated but is unlikely to do much for those with much beyond the most basic familiarity with the museum. As part of the former group, I enjoyed the book though found it to be fairly unremarkable.
Sciolino attempts to take a unique angle on the Louvre by centering it around her experience of falling in love with the museum. However, it is surprisingly short on Sciolino’s personal experiences with the Louvre and discussion of what the Louvre means to her. Instead, the book functions more like a collection of essays the quality of which vary considerably. Sciolino uses some theme as a jumping point for each chapter and discusses works of art in the Louvre in relation to the theme. In some chapters this works quite well, in others, like a chapter on animals depicted in the museum’s art, it feels like she’s just filling space.
In some chapters Sciolino touches on weighty social issues (race, gender, colonialism) and how they relate to the Louvre. This is an understandable choice and Sciolino may have felt it would be negligent to ignore such issues, but there’s hardly any point in going there if you’re not going to have a serious discussion of these issues or if you’re not willing to take a stance. Chapters on race and artworks obtained through questionable means or outright conquest contain little critical engagement instead defaulting to a few expert quotes and equivocation. I thought the chapter of gender was somewhat better, but Sciolino still declines to take a position on how works of art like The Bolt should be seen in contemporary society. Fair enough, but why even go there if you’re not going to say anything challenging or critical? It feels like Sciolino is just checking boxes here rather than writing anything meaningful or thoughtful.
Though flawed, the book is still mostly fun and interesting. I’d imagine the book is less engaging for those who have been to the Louvre or have read about it more than I have, but it’s worth a read if you’re interested and unsure if you’ll ever get a chance to see the museum firsthand.
Sciolino attempts to take a unique angle on the Louvre by centering it around her experience of falling in love with the museum. However, it is surprisingly short on Sciolino’s personal experiences with the Louvre and discussion of what the Louvre means to her. Instead, the book functions more like a collection of essays the quality of which vary considerably. Sciolino uses some theme as a jumping point for each chapter and discusses works of art in the Louvre in relation to the theme. In some chapters this works quite well, in others, like a chapter on animals depicted in the museum’s art, it feels like she’s just filling space.
In some chapters Sciolino touches on weighty social issues (race, gender, colonialism) and how they relate to the Louvre. This is an understandable choice and Sciolino may have felt it would be negligent to ignore such issues, but there’s hardly any point in going there if you’re not going to have a serious discussion of these issues or if you’re not willing to take a stance. Chapters on race and artworks obtained through questionable means or outright conquest contain little critical engagement instead defaulting to a few expert quotes and equivocation. I thought the chapter of gender was somewhat better, but Sciolino still declines to take a position on how works of art like The Bolt should be seen in contemporary society. Fair enough, but why even go there if you’re not going to say anything challenging or critical? It feels like Sciolino is just checking boxes here rather than writing anything meaningful or thoughtful.
Though flawed, the book is still mostly fun and interesting. I’d imagine the book is less engaging for those who have been to the Louvre or have read about it more than I have, but it’s worth a read if you’re interested and unsure if you’ll ever get a chance to see the museum firsthand.
February 5, 2025
Whether you've visited the Louvre or, like me, haven't, you're sure to find something to interest you here. It's full of fascinating back stories, detailed photos, history, and the author's own observations from her own countless times there. I read this one in bits and pieces over the course of some days, allowing myself time to take it all in. While not even remotely knowledgeable of the artwork's vital components, I found the history of the pieces intriguing. Needless to say, loved the idea of pulling in museum touring children with the idea of spying the various animals or whatever scattered about in the pieces. Seriously, lots to take in here, from Napoleon Bonaparte being so entranced with the Mona Lisa that he kept her (and everyone seems to refer to that painting almost as if it is a living being, a "her") in his bedroom for some four years, to the collection of royal jewels and sadness that surrounds the collection of artwork protected and cared for by the museum but not truly belonging to it as it is largely made up of artwork stolen from its Jewish owners by various high ranking officers and personnel of the Germans during World War II. You'll get to know the various artists and sculptors involved, too.
In other words, there is a huge amount of information to take in here. I applaud the author for making it all seem so effortless to read and comprehend, even for someone like me who honestly wasn't familiar with all the names. Touring the Louvre itself sounds like an adventure and it is easy to get lost. While the Mona Lisa is the star attraction, there are other galleries and amazing pieces of artwork to see. Astonishing to think it began as a fortress in 1190, Even more amazing to realize that with all the marvels to see, much still remains behind closed doors, even in draws. I certainly won't detail everything for you but will assure you that if you have any interest in art, history, or simply how human tastes have both remained consistent and changed over the years, not to mention simply love looking at detailed photos of pieces of art, you'll find something here to like.
By serendipity, ran across a news article just a few days ago about the growing possibility that the museum's star attraction, the Mona Lisa, may finally be getting its own room/gallery. Looking back in my notes, yep, I noted the author's comment about that topic being discussed. The painting may be only 30" x 30" but weighs in at some 500 pounds with all its security apparatus in place. That's discussed, btw, so no need to elaborate. I mean, 80% of first-time visitors cite seeing the Mona Lisa as their reason for being there and it has been attacked and even damaged slightly in the past, so its obviously needed. A move would certainly cut down on the bottle-neck of sorts that is created as groups pass, pause, take selfies, and such in a constant stream. I mean, it isn't even the only piece of work in the gallery room but lead many to overlook the rest. In any case, I'll be paying far more attention now to see what comes of this still in process plan to give "her" her own room, so to speak. I now understand the story behind the idea, so to speak.
Serious, I can't even begin to share all I've learned. The author writes in an easy-to-read fashion and you can almost hear her own awe, humor, and curiosity coming through as you read. Far from the dry text I feared, I enjoyed every moment of my virtual tour and thank #WWNorton&Company for allowing me this early virtual visit. I've been talking, well, messaging with some friends who have visited and expect to badger, er, ask them for more input now that I've finished. Consider this your warning, friends. Grin.
In other words, there is a huge amount of information to take in here. I applaud the author for making it all seem so effortless to read and comprehend, even for someone like me who honestly wasn't familiar with all the names. Touring the Louvre itself sounds like an adventure and it is easy to get lost. While the Mona Lisa is the star attraction, there are other galleries and amazing pieces of artwork to see. Astonishing to think it began as a fortress in 1190, Even more amazing to realize that with all the marvels to see, much still remains behind closed doors, even in draws. I certainly won't detail everything for you but will assure you that if you have any interest in art, history, or simply how human tastes have both remained consistent and changed over the years, not to mention simply love looking at detailed photos of pieces of art, you'll find something here to like.
By serendipity, ran across a news article just a few days ago about the growing possibility that the museum's star attraction, the Mona Lisa, may finally be getting its own room/gallery. Looking back in my notes, yep, I noted the author's comment about that topic being discussed. The painting may be only 30" x 30" but weighs in at some 500 pounds with all its security apparatus in place. That's discussed, btw, so no need to elaborate. I mean, 80% of first-time visitors cite seeing the Mona Lisa as their reason for being there and it has been attacked and even damaged slightly in the past, so its obviously needed. A move would certainly cut down on the bottle-neck of sorts that is created as groups pass, pause, take selfies, and such in a constant stream. I mean, it isn't even the only piece of work in the gallery room but lead many to overlook the rest. In any case, I'll be paying far more attention now to see what comes of this still in process plan to give "her" her own room, so to speak. I now understand the story behind the idea, so to speak.
Serious, I can't even begin to share all I've learned. The author writes in an easy-to-read fashion and you can almost hear her own awe, humor, and curiosity coming through as you read. Far from the dry text I feared, I enjoyed every moment of my virtual tour and thank #WWNorton&Company for allowing me this early virtual visit. I've been talking, well, messaging with some friends who have visited and expect to badger, er, ask them for more input now that I've finished. Consider this your warning, friends. Grin.
June 23, 2025
Journalist Elaine Sciolino brings a refreshing approach in this latest book about the largest and most famous museum in the world, the Louvre. She covers the history of the museum from its origins as a Medieval fortress, through monarchical residences, to its modern day use as a museum of the people.
Of course, Sciolino discusses famous pieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, but her focus is on the hidden Louvre. Interviews with curators direct our attentions to their favorites and provide insight into how they organize their sections and why. We meet the people who preserve and protect the Louvre’s priceless art by hearing from security, firefighters, restorers, and a host of others. Sciolino doesn’t shy from controversial moments such as when former President Chirac expanded the Louvre’s collection to include non-European art and the negative response to the glass and metal pyramid, now the Louvre’s main entrance. Some offsite visits include Louvre’s satellite museum in northern France and Louvre Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
Of all the wonderful things in this book, one section has my favorite scene. Sciolino titles it THE SPRINTER, “the museum equivalent of the one-night stand.” One journalist argued that museum goers rush through to see the a few famous works, then they are off to shopping and sight seeing. The Swedish Cannonball had already set the record at seven minutes thirty seconds and others followed. My favorite attempt is from a 2017 documentary wherein the petite eighty-seven-year-old Agnès Varda races through the museum in a wheelchair pushed by her young photographer JR. Sciolino describes Varda and JR racing through the Grande Galerie. As she passes certain works, Varda tosses raised arms in the direction of certain paintings, calling out, “‘Bellini! Del Sarto! Ah, c’est beau! Lorenzo Costa! Ghirlandaio! Botticelli!’”
This is a book for art lovers and history buffs, certainly, but it will have wide appeal. Dan Brown fans can attest to that. What’s more, superstar Beyoncé and husband J-Z create a music video “that was an extravaganza of singing, dancing, and staging against the visual splendor that only the Louvre and its marquee artworks could provide. Suddenly, the Louvre shed its reputation as the world’s largest repository of fusty old art and became cool.”
Many thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for providing this e-galley.
June 26, 2025
Despite my fear of having my Paris card revoked, I will, when giving Paris travel advice, lean over and drop my voice sotto voce and say, "You know, you don't HAVE to go to the Louvre...". I have also been known to ditch my friends and family there, so I can go explore my favorite part of the museum: the outside. So many lines! So many people! I can't get away fast enough. So, when I picked up Elaine Sciolino's "Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum", I read it in the true spirit of a how-to guide. As she did in her previous books, "The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs" and "The Seine: The River That Made Paris", Sciolino brings her love, appreciation, and keen eye for detail to humanize this behemoth of art. She interviews directors, archivists, restorers, artists, guards, guests, all to bring forth different perspectives on its art, limitations, and challenges to stay relevant in the modern world. The stipulations of the museum is to only show artwork from before 1848 and that of Western Civilization, which includes the Middle East and Europe but leaves out the rest of the world. In our age of inclusivity and diversity, the museum's curators have to get creative to meet the moment. It's also a challenge for the regular museum-goer, for whom that trip to Paris might be the only trip to Paris, to know where to go beyond the Big Three: the Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and the Mona Lisa. This is why I think Sciolino's book is so important, she opens the doors to other departments of the museum (the less crowded ones), such as Egyptian, Persian, and Islamic art. In addition to history, she provides different mindsets to adopt when visiting, like look for everyday things in the art that interest you, like shoes, flowers, dogs, cats, whatever. Sciolino reminds us that we can make this experience our own. I really enjoyed this book; I learned a lot more about Paris and have a greater appreciation for the museum. However, I doubt the problem with lines and people will be fixed anytime soon, so my favorite chapter was "Tuesdays at the Louvre", about how to "visit" the Louvre without stepping a foot inside. I took notes.
If you are planning a visit or just love art, museums, or Paris, I highly recommend! Your visit will be transformed.
If you are planning a visit or just love art, museums, or Paris, I highly recommend! Your visit will be transformed.
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August 29, 2025It might be cliche, but the Louvre is one of my favorite places to spend time in Paris. Not only is it filled with some of the most recognizable and important works of art in the Western canon, but the architecture and design of the former fortress-turned-palace-turned art museum is absolutely breathtaking.
Adventures in the Louvre is an exploration of the world's most famous art museum written by Elaine Sciolino, the former Paris bureau chief for the New York Times. Give Sciolino's station, she's given unprecedented access to the inner-workings and secrets of Louvre that not only lets Adventure in the Louvre work as an enthusiastic tour guide but also a primer on how modern museums work and operate.
Through Adventures in the Louvre, we hear from security guards, curators, gift shop workers, artists, politicians, archivists, and more and learn what it's like to work and maintain the most visited art museum in the world. There are, of course, breakdowns of the Louvre's most famous pieces (Mona Lisa, The Wedding Feast at Cana, Winged Victory of Samothrace, etc), but also (literal) hidden gems and overlooked masterpieces. Sciolino also interested afraid of diving into some pretty thorny topics — questions like: What do we do with artifacts that were stolen? What about the male gaze and all of that female nudity? What about the art that was obtained by the Nazis?
Most interesting to me was how the Louvre (a museum whose collection ends at 1848) deals — and chooses not to deal — with issues related to intersectionality and changing societal norms.
If you haven't visited the Louvre (or aren't planning a trip in the near future), Adventures in the Louvre may not hold a lot of value for you. But for those familiar with the museum, this is probably the most accessible overview of the history, present, and future of the Louvre.
My complaint is that I wish it had more photos and illustrations. There are images included in the book, but not nearly enough to accommodate all of the artwork and statutes mentioned at length. I found myself repeatedly using my phone to get a look and frame of reference for all of the art Sciolino was describing.
Adventures in the Louvre is an exploration of the world's most famous art museum written by Elaine Sciolino, the former Paris bureau chief for the New York Times. Give Sciolino's station, she's given unprecedented access to the inner-workings and secrets of Louvre that not only lets Adventure in the Louvre work as an enthusiastic tour guide but also a primer on how modern museums work and operate.
Through Adventures in the Louvre, we hear from security guards, curators, gift shop workers, artists, politicians, archivists, and more and learn what it's like to work and maintain the most visited art museum in the world. There are, of course, breakdowns of the Louvre's most famous pieces (Mona Lisa, The Wedding Feast at Cana, Winged Victory of Samothrace, etc), but also (literal) hidden gems and overlooked masterpieces. Sciolino also interested afraid of diving into some pretty thorny topics — questions like: What do we do with artifacts that were stolen? What about the male gaze and all of that female nudity? What about the art that was obtained by the Nazis?
Most interesting to me was how the Louvre (a museum whose collection ends at 1848) deals — and chooses not to deal — with issues related to intersectionality and changing societal norms.
If you haven't visited the Louvre (or aren't planning a trip in the near future), Adventures in the Louvre may not hold a lot of value for you. But for those familiar with the museum, this is probably the most accessible overview of the history, present, and future of the Louvre.
My complaint is that I wish it had more photos and illustrations. There are images included in the book, but not nearly enough to accommodate all of the artwork and statutes mentioned at length. I found myself repeatedly using my phone to get a look and frame of reference for all of the art Sciolino was describing.
September 4, 2025
The last time I saw Paris was 1974, I was in summer break from college and backpacking with some friends through Europe. I actually don't remember too much about the Louvre, back then I was dazzled by the Vatican Museum, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Prado in Madrid. I happened to be traveling with a fledging artist and we both were really into Spanish Art and so we loved the Prado.
I think I actually got lost in the Louvre, I remember that I couldn't really remember what I saw other than I was very far away from the Mona Lisa. This year, 2025 I finally went back to France and Paris and I was determined to spend a day in the Louvre and make the most of my visit. To prepare myself, I ordered a couple of books about the museum, the one I ended up really enjoying and reading was Elaine Sciolino's book.
I knew I wanted to see the superstars of the Museum, but wanted to make sure I tried to see as much as possible but really taking my time to appreciate the art. Sciolino, doesn't disappoint. This is a wonderful introduction to one of the most famous museums in the world, and also the largest. The book covers the famous art such as the Mona Lisa, Nike, Venus de Milo etc. but also delves into the history of the museum, it's earliest beginnings, it's architecture and the staff. We also get to learn about the window washer, taxi drivers, museum directors and other visitors.
One of the best ways to visit the Louvre is with Adventures in the Louvre at your side' an enchanting companion reminding you that this venerable institution can also be a lot of fun.
Of course, you'll need more than one day to truly enjoy and see everything that must be seen. I've made the decision that I must go back and at least spend two more days through these lovely galleries.
I think I actually got lost in the Louvre, I remember that I couldn't really remember what I saw other than I was very far away from the Mona Lisa. This year, 2025 I finally went back to France and Paris and I was determined to spend a day in the Louvre and make the most of my visit. To prepare myself, I ordered a couple of books about the museum, the one I ended up really enjoying and reading was Elaine Sciolino's book.
I knew I wanted to see the superstars of the Museum, but wanted to make sure I tried to see as much as possible but really taking my time to appreciate the art. Sciolino, doesn't disappoint. This is a wonderful introduction to one of the most famous museums in the world, and also the largest. The book covers the famous art such as the Mona Lisa, Nike, Venus de Milo etc. but also delves into the history of the museum, it's earliest beginnings, it's architecture and the staff. We also get to learn about the window washer, taxi drivers, museum directors and other visitors.
One of the best ways to visit the Louvre is with Adventures in the Louvre at your side' an enchanting companion reminding you that this venerable institution can also be a lot of fun.
Of course, you'll need more than one day to truly enjoy and see everything that must be seen. I've made the decision that I must go back and at least spend two more days through these lovely galleries.
September 15, 2025
I absolutely love this book as much as I love the Louvre. The book is essentially a friendly and warm tour guide through the museum written as a travelogue. All of the relevant information is here, including how to navigate and what to avoid. (For instance, the full experience of all the departments is not something to be accomplished within one visit, but Sciolino gives some great tips about how to accomplish a "highlights" tour without getting enmeshed in tourism hell.) Major artworks are profiled with, as you would expect, explanations about what makes them considered great. There aren't any controversial viewpoints here or snobbish put downs of "overrated" pieces, only practices and touristy behaviors to avoid. Artist biographies are limited to what is relevant to the piece being discussed, but the pieces themselves are explained as to what makes them great and what specifically to look for. It truly is like having a personal guide telling you how to look at the works and what not to miss. It serves the uninitiated as a primer (and with Google images you can at least see the pieces in photography), a reminder of what you saw when ypu visited, and a great souvenir of your experience. I have only been once in 2006, for three hours in extended museum opening hours, and breezed to Mona Lisa with no issues. I saw major pieces nearly alone and had a grand time. I thirst to return!
Bottom line: this book is a value in that it isn't a deluxe reproduction coffee table set up (it's typical hardcover price), and serves as the next best thing to visiting the Louvre itself. Breezy, informative, accessible, and personable, with depth for those interested in art history (with dashes of Parisian history), it's well worth your time. Bon appetit!
Bottom line: this book is a value in that it isn't a deluxe reproduction coffee table set up (it's typical hardcover price), and serves as the next best thing to visiting the Louvre itself. Breezy, informative, accessible, and personable, with depth for those interested in art history (with dashes of Parisian history), it's well worth your time. Bon appetit!
January 9, 2026
3.5.
I love museums, but I often feel overwhelmed and in need of a bit more direction than the guided app and/or museum guide can provide. In preparing for a trip to Paris that will include a private tour of the Louvre, I picked up this book hoping to gain a better understanding of a daunting museum (especially since the last time I was in Paris was 20 years ago and my priorities were very much different then than they are today).
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is planning on going to the Louvre (with or without a guide or tour). The author devotes the first section or so to providing background into the most famous treasures - the Venus de Milo, Nike, the Mona Lisa, etc. - but the balance of the book delves into lesser-known artworks or aspects of the museum. For instance, the author spends a few chapters devoted to less commonly represented groups - i.e., LGBTQ art works. The author also discusses the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Louvre-Lens (the two off-shoots of the Louvre). One of the other chapters discusses unique souvenirs (you can buy small-scale replicas of statues and prints) as well as a room where you can go to view etchings and drawings by famous artists that hardly anyone knows about. This is a really well-rounded survey and overview about a variety of things Louvre-related. And, if you truly have no idea where to start, the author shares the tour she gives to visitors so if all else fails you can just copy that!
I love museums, but I often feel overwhelmed and in need of a bit more direction than the guided app and/or museum guide can provide. In preparing for a trip to Paris that will include a private tour of the Louvre, I picked up this book hoping to gain a better understanding of a daunting museum (especially since the last time I was in Paris was 20 years ago and my priorities were very much different then than they are today).
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is planning on going to the Louvre (with or without a guide or tour). The author devotes the first section or so to providing background into the most famous treasures - the Venus de Milo, Nike, the Mona Lisa, etc. - but the balance of the book delves into lesser-known artworks or aspects of the museum. For instance, the author spends a few chapters devoted to less commonly represented groups - i.e., LGBTQ art works. The author also discusses the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Louvre-Lens (the two off-shoots of the Louvre). One of the other chapters discusses unique souvenirs (you can buy small-scale replicas of statues and prints) as well as a room where you can go to view etchings and drawings by famous artists that hardly anyone knows about. This is a really well-rounded survey and overview about a variety of things Louvre-related. And, if you truly have no idea where to start, the author shares the tour she gives to visitors so if all else fails you can just copy that!
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