The Mona Lisa's Blessing and Burden

How do you experience the Louvre Museum in a way that actually feels enjoyable, not stressful? And what makes this museum so much more than the Mona Lisa? 

Elaine Sciolino is a veteran journalist and author, former Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, and the writer of several books about France, including The Seine, The Only Street in Paris, and Adventures in the Louvre. She has lived in Paris for over two decades and brings history, culture, and personal insight into every story. 

Elaine joins co-host Paige McClanahan to explore Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World’s Greatest Museum, diving into the history, hidden artworks, and practical strategies for making the most of your visit. 

You’ll hear why the Louvre is more than just a building with the Mona Lisa and how its role in French history makes it extraordinary. Elaine demystifies visiting the museum, from understanding crowds and lines to discovering lesser-known works like Titian’s Man With a Glove and what she calls the “undiscovered Mona Lisa.” She shares crowd-beating strategies, best days and times to visit, and surprising places within and around the Louvre where peace and beauty await. You’ll get insider stories on heists, hidden collections, and how even children can be captivated by Egyptology and Islamic art sections that most tourists miss out on. 

When you visit a major museum like the Louvre, do you tend to focus on the most famous works, or do you prefer to explore what’s less obvious? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Co-host Paige McClanahan is a writer, editor, and former journalist based in Paris, France. As the author of “The New Tourist: Waking up to the Power and Perils of Travel”, Paige is passionate about making sure our travels have a positive impact on the world. Learn more about her work here. 

Tune In To Learn: 

• How the Mona Lisa came to dominate the Louvre’s identity, and why that fame is both a blessing and a burden 

• How the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa helped turn her into a worldwide obsession 

• The surprising historical roots of the Louvre as a royal palace and revolutionary museum 

• Lesser-known treasures, “undiscovered” masterpieces, and quieter sections of the Louvre worth seeking out 

• The unexpected history of France’s crown jewels, including how many were sold off and ended up in the United States 

• The story behind the recent crown jewels heist and what it reveals about museum security 

• How the right membership, 1:1 consultation rooms, and alternative museums can transform your experience of Parisian culture 

• Future plans for the Louvre’s expansion and what that could mean 

• And so much more 

Resources: 

• Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

• Elaine’s website and books 

• Louvre Museum 

Want More? 

• 5 Unexpected Things to Do in Paris and 3 Hidden Gems in France with Paige McClanahan 

• How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson 

• 9 Best United States Museums and Advice for Fostering Your Creativity with Bob Eckstein 

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