A visit to the world’s largest museum that houses one of the most impressive art collections in history inside its magnificent, baroque-style palace along the banks of the Seine River in Paris is magical without any effort. So imagine when the Louvre in Paris partners with the British auction house, Christie’s, to grant the public an up, close and personal viewing of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or several unforgettable, new experiences like exploring the Louvre museum at night or in the company of its president. Christie’s online auction, Bid For The Louvre, is offering bidders a chance to enjoy the iconic place in a never-seen-before way. Bid For the Louvre is running from 1 to 15 December and listed below are some genuinely out-of-the-ordinary, top three experiences:
3. Explore the Louvre museum at night, $13,000-$37,000
If nights are to see dreams, then this experience of strolling through the galleries of the Louvre at night is like dreaming with open eyes. The silence of the night, uninterrupted visuals, and the serenity of the museum allow you to engage privately with artwork like the Winged Victory of Samothrace, frescoes by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci or the Coronation of Napoleon by David or the Grande Odalisque d’Ingres. The event will be led by an art historian and powerful battery-powered torches to ensure you don’t miss the tiniest detail and enjoy the masterpieces.
2. Examination of the Mona Lisa outside her display case, $13,000-$37,000
Mona Lisa was painted around 1503 by Leonardo da Vinci which means not only is it one of the greatest art pieces in the history of art and the world it is also one of the oldest. Preserving such an important piece of history requires it to be unhooked and taken out of her glass window for a brief moment each year. So while the curators check the state of conservation of the most famous painting in the world, you will be able to directly meet the gaze of the Mona Lisa and admire this iconic work up close. The exceptional experience is enhanced with a private visit to the Italian masterpieces present in the Grand Gallery, stalwarts like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, or Veronese.
1. Explore the Louvre with its president, $6,000- $12,500
Visiting the Louvre is one thing and witnessing the world of art with the heritage curator, President, and Director of the Louvre Museum, Jean-Luc Martinez who worked at the Louvre for 23 years, is once-in-a-lifetime. This specialist in Greek statuary will lead from room to room in the Palace providing an evening that’s unforgettable in the truest sense of the term. Touring the great moments in the history of France while enjoying the masterpieces that surround you in the company of a connoisseur is as good as it gets!
