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.

was a pretty enjoyable read, but not quite what I expected. I loved the idea of exploring the museum through stories and personal experiences, but sometimes it felt more like a history lesson than an adventure. There were definitely some charming and insightful moments, but I wish it had a bit more warmth and flow. Still, if you’re a fan of art and museums, it’s worth a look!

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.

this was such a good book— i was really entertained! the prose was humorous and informative at the same time. i couldn’t put it down!

Adventures in the Louvre is an absolute delight and I had the best time reading it with my computer handy so I could look up all the artists and works mentioned. Having been lost in the Louvre myself, I loved the approachable manner with with author Elaine Sciolino steers the reader to rethink how to interact and experience the museum. With kids? No problem, have them search for animals in the works. Show up on a Tuesday? No problem, Sciolino offers tips on viewing artwork on the grounds, in a nearby metro station and a recommendation of a diversion to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. This book makes me want to plan a trip to Paris (and Lens) to find all of the secrets unlocked within the pages.