Adventures in the Louvre: How To Fall in Love with the World’s Greatest Museum

Most readers who want a book about a museum will pick the one with the most pictures. This often recreates the closest feeling to being there in person and makes a great souvenir. However, former New York Times Paris bureau chief Sciolino (The Seine: The River That Made Paris) uses mostly text and minimal pictures to create a book that feels like a personal, one-on-one tour through the Louvre. Tales from current and former staff of the museum, as well as Sciolino’s own tips, add to the allure for those who have already visited and will inspire others to do so. Current social themes, such as depictions of women and LGBTQIA+ representation, are covered in individual chapters, with Sciolino offering meaningful discussions rather than fully criticizing one side or the other. No previous knowledge of the Louvre is necessary for this read, and the history of the museum is thoroughly and enjoyably discussed. Chapters can be read as stand-alones for readers researching a specific subject.