An Artist's Guide to the Museums of Paris, Paris, France (B)

The museum scene in Paris can be overwhelming, making some reluctant to venture off the beaten path and explore less popular sites. This is unfortunate because there is so much more to see if you know where to go.

On a recent trip to Paris, I met up with my beautiful friend and professional artist Drea Cofield to celebrate her birthday. Although I had visited Paris several times, I admittedly had spent little time exploring the museums. On this trip, I had a personal guide who was not only knowledgeable about the museums, but also passionate about many of the works they contained. I was given the inside scoop on what to see and what to skip, which made for a more enjoyable experience. Below is an artist’s guide to the museums of Paris that you won’t find in the average guidebook.

The Louvre may be one of the most recognizable museums in the world. The modern glass pyramid emerging from the stone floor is an unmistakable landmark. More familiar still is the famous painting it contains, the Mona Lisa. Some visit the Louvre just to get a glimpse of the renowned painting. So, it may come as a surprise that my friend says skip it! Instead, head over to the Rubens’ wing and experience the Marie de Medici cycle. The collection features a 24 painting series, which chronicles the life of Marie de Medici, the 2nd wife of King Henry the IV.  ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).