Approaching these iconic art museums from a critical viewpoint and examining the mass media’s role in the construction of expectations when visiting such places gave me a different perspective of the Orsay and the Louvre. The Louvre in particular was far from what I had imagined. I knew the crowds would be large as it is the second most visited place in Paris, second to the Eiffel tower. However, I was disappointed to see the Louvre, an institution I perceived as prestigious and dedicated to art fall to capitalism and commoditization. When we entered the Louvre from the group entrance the first thing we encountered was a McDonalds. Then we walked through an assortment of stores resembling a mall, something that could be found in the states.
Another experience I had at both museums was witnessing the devaluing of art. I believe this is rooted in the sheer amount of art displayed at these museums. People would casually walk past great artistic feats to get from one destination to another, and that felt strange to me.