A Paris-based journalist lets us in on what happens behind closed doors at the city's grandest museum when it shuts to the public each Tuesday. And the last apprentice to be trained in the medieval techniques of masonry in Tuscany reveals how ancient secrets help to turn stone into masterpieces of art and architecture.

• Journalist Elaine Sciolino, author of "Adventures in the Louvre" (W. W. Norton)
• Stonemason/sculptor Richard Rhodes, author of "Stone" (Princeton Architectural Press)

• Elaine Sciolino writes of her discoveries about French society from her home base in Paris. Her latest book is "Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World’s Greatest Museum."
• Elaine spoke further with Rick about her love for The Louvre on Travel with Rick Steves program #786 in March 2025.
• The Louvre has made its entire collection available to view virtually on its website.
• Elaine recommends visiting the nearby Richelieu location of the National Library of France, which has extended hours on Tuesdays when the Louvre is closed to the public.
• Richard Rhodes includes photographs he's taken over the years to view noteworthy stone works around the world in his book "Stone: Ancient Craft to Modern Mastery."
• Richard's TED talk is "Hammer, Chisel, Stone - Simple Tools for Hard Moments." He includes photos of his work on his website, "RhodesWorksDesign.com".