More Monuments Catch Up-The Louvre

Sorry I've been backlogging the Monuments Class stuff!  I will do my best to get all caught up before Easter break!  A few weeks ago, my class went to the Louvre.  We did not actually go into the museum (for more info on my visit in January, check out this post), but I plan on at least one more visit before I leave Paris on May 26th.  C'est vrai mes amis, my flight from Charles de Gaulle to JFK is booked.  Tellement bittersweet.  But now, back to the architecture of the Louvre....

 The "L"s engraved into the walls are a symbol for Louis XIV.  He lived here before he got sick of city life and moved the court out to Versailles. 

 Another Louis XIV symbol, the Sun King has rays shining out from his head. 

Eglise Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

The royal court used to come here for Mass because the Palais du Louvre did not have a chapel.  It is the only royal residence to not have one in the building.



 The church is a blend of Gothic and other architecture styles. 

 Haussman added this tower when he was redesigning the city of Paris

Inside the church

 And back to the Louvre! This is the older section built by Henri II.  His symbols as well as the symbols of his wife, Catherine de Medici are engraved here.  He also had the initials of his mistress Diane carved into the walls, and statues of the Roman goddess Diana installed to honor her.  Keeping it classy.

 The Louvre is closed on Tuesday, so that is why there are not many people around.  We also discussed the Pyramide du Louvre.  It was added in the 1980's and was commissioned by President Mitterand.  The architect was I.M Pei.  The idea for the pyramids was to give better access to visitors, as well as blend old (the pyramid structure) and new(glass and steel) styles. The transparent glass also allows for a (relatively) unobstructed view to the Tuileries Gardens. 

 Just another beautiful day in Par(a)is(e)...

This was some weird art instillation whose name escapes me at the moment.  It was very controversial and Parisians hated it when it was installed.  Now Parisian kids just play on it.  At least somebody likes it!

And now back to studying.....

Bisous!

Allison