The Louvre Museum, located in Paris (France) is a massive and sprawling complex and one of the largest museums in the world both in terms of its physical size and the depth of its priceless collections, making it one of the most important and influential structures in the world.
It covers an area of approximately 210,000 square meters, making it one of the largest museums in the world. It comprises several wings and buildings, each housing different collections and exhibits.
The Louvre is the most popularly visited place not only in Paris but in the world as well. This is because it has one of the most comprehensive and exquisite collections spanning 9000 years of history, from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. There are no less than 35,000 works of art and artifacts in it. There are paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, manuscripts, and much more that are completely beguiling to the human curious mind.
Louvre is home to some of the world’s most iconic and famous works of art, including the ‘Mona Lisa’ by Leonardo Da Vinci, the ‘Venus de Milo’, and the ‘Liberty Leading the People’, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts. The stunning glass pyramid which serves as the main entrance to the museum in the central courtyard, adds to Louvre’s charm and is another piece of attraction. Louvre’s location in the world’s most romantic city, Paris, adds to its popularity and attracts millions of visitors to its ground.
The Louvre was originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century during the reign of King Philip II. This fortress protected the royal palace which was located a short distance away from foreign invaders. But later in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Louvre also began to serve as a royal palace to the then-French monarchs. The place was renovated and expanded to include grand apartments for the king and queen.
In 1793, during the French Revolution, the Louvre was declared a public museum and was opened to the public for the first time.
5 Facts About the Louvre Museum
1) The Louvre is the Largest Museum in the World: With a total area of approximately 210,000 square meters, or 2.26 million square feet, the Louvre is the largest museum in the world located in the most romantic city of Paris. It showcases over 35,000 works of art and artifacts from all over the world.
2) It was Once a Royal Palace: The Louvre was originally built to serve as a fortress in the 12th century to protect royalty from foreign invasions. Later it was renovated and expanded and converted into a palace for the French monarchs.
3) The Glass Pyramid is a Modern Addition: The iconic glass pyramid in the central courtyard of the Louvre is a modern addition, installed in 1989. It serves as the main entrance to the museum and was designed by the Chinese American architect, I. M. Pei.
4) It Houses Many Iconic Works of Art: Louvre is home to some of the world’s most iconic and famous works of art, including the ‘Mona Lisa’ by Leonardo Da Vinci, the ‘Venus de Milo’, and the ‘Liberty Leading the People’ by Eugene Delacroix.
5) One of the Most Visited Places in the World: With its vast collection, rich history, and iconic architecture, the Louvre is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in the world, not only in Paris.
5 Myths Surrounding the Louvre Museum
1) The Louvre was Built by Napoleon: Though Napoleon Bonaparte played a significant role in the history of the Louvre museum in Paris, he did not build it. It was already in existence since the 12th century, long before Napoleon’s reign. After Bonaparte came to power in France in 1799, he undertook several renovation projects, including the Louvre. His major contribution to the Louvre was the establishment of the museum in its current form. The new museum was intended to rival the great museums of Europe and to showcase the cultural and artistic achievements of France and its empire. He also personally acquired many works of art for the museum.
2) The ‘Mona Lisa’ was Painted by Da Vinci in France: One of the most famous collections at the Louvre is the ‘Mona Lisa’ painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. However, he did not paint it in France. The work was commissioned by a wealthy Florentine merchant in Italy who wanted Da Vinci to do a portrait of his wife, Lisa Gherardini. The painting was completed in da Vinci’s studio in Italy and was later brought to France by one of his students or assistants.
3) The Louvre is Only for Art Lovers: The Louvre is certainly a paradise on earth for art lovers, but its extensive collection includes a range of artifacts and objects from all around the world that may be of interest to a wider audience.
4) The Louvre Only Contains French Art: The Louvre’s collection spans over 9000 years of history and includes works of art from all over the world, not just from France. The collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to European paintings and sculptures.
5) The Louvre is Open Only During the Day: The Louvre is open during the evening/night hours on certain days of the week and on certain occasions when it hosts events for visitors. The museum’s regular hours are from 9 am to 6 pm, but on Wednesdays and Fridays, it stays open until 9:45 pm. This opportunity allows visitors to explore the collections in a unique way after dark. In addition, the Louvre also hosts special events and exhibitions in the evenings.
