Louvre Love

How does the Minneapolis Institute of Arts stack up against the greatest museum in the world?

Left (Top to bottom) Hervé Lewandowski (2), Thierry Le Mage (2), J. G. Berizzi
Right (top to bottom) CourtesY of the minneapolis institute of arts

This month, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts opens two exhibitions: “The Louvre and the Masterpiece,” featuring great works from the French museum, and “In Pursuit of a Masterpiece,” showcasing great works from the MIA’s own collection. On the surface, it seems like comparing apples and, well, Cezanne’s apples. The Louvre is the world’s most-visited museum, best known for the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The MIA is Minnesota’s most-visited museum, best known for its Asian period rooms. Nevertheless, a side-by-side sampling of the shows may surprise you, depending on your own personal taste.