Travel with Rick Steves 814 Tuesdays at the Louvre; Stone
Dec 6, 2025
Elaine Sciolino, a Paris-based journalist and author, reveals fascinating behind-the-scenes operations at the Louvre, including its Tuesday closures for maintenance and private tours. Richard Rhodes, the last apprentice of the Sienese Freemasons, shares ancient masonry secrets that transform stone into stunning artwork. He discusses the importance of grain orientation, aesthetic corrections in architecture, and the meditative process of chiseling stone. Their insights blend art, culture, and craftsmanship, offering a unique view into the worlds of museums and stonework.
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Researching The Louvre Felt Secretive
- Elaine Sciolino recounts being assigned a minder and restricted while researching her Louvre book, which felt like a secret affair when she made unofficial contacts.
- She also learned the museum rents on Tuesdays (e.g., for filming) and described occasional celebrity rentals like Beyoncé's.
If Louvre Is Closed, Pivot Nearby
- If you find the Louvre closed on Tuesday, redirect to nearby museums like the Bibliothèque Nationale Richelieu for equally rich, less-crowded collections.
- Use the Palais-Royal/Palais du Louvre metro displays and the nearby cafe to salvage the day and still see free exhibits.
Use Closed Days For Maintenance Or Private Access
- Museums schedule behind-the-scenes maintenance on closed days; expect roof patching, painting swaps, tapestry moth-trapping, and cleaning then.
- If you're filming or need private access, negotiate paid Tuesday rentals and accept escort controls.
