The Louvre Museum is the largest and one of the popular museums in the earth. Aside from its size, and shining reputation, the Louvre Pyramid has some of the most impressive art collections in history.
In today’s understanding, Louvre means a door or window with a sloping flat and narrow piece of glass or wood across its frame. Louvre Pyramid actually stands over a new entrance in the main court. However, Henri Sauval, a French historian, argued that Louvre had its origin from “Leouar,” which means castle.
Louvre is situated along the banks of the Seine river in Paris and is Paris’ largest tourist attractions. The Louvre Museum is worth visiting in Paris. However, here are a few things you need to know before visiting the magnificent Louvre Museum.
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What was the Louvre before it was an art museum?
The alluring Musée du Louvre wasn’t originally built as a museum. This architectural monument was mainly built as a castle in 1190 by King Philip II to protect Paris. However, it soon lost its defensive function due to urban expansion.
Sergii Molchenko/Shutterstock.comIn the 14th century, during the times of Charles V, the Louvre was a royal residence. Francis I later converted the Louvre to the primary residence of the French Kings. As a result, the Louvre was reconstructed several times to serve as a royal palace. During this time, the Louvre Palace also witnessed tremendous growth.
Louis XIV abandoned the Louvre In 1682, for the Palace of Versailles and redecorated Louvre to display royal collections and sculptures. In 1692, the Louvre was occupied by the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres and the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture for about 100 years.
The Louvre turned into a museum to showcase the country’s masterpieces at the time of the French Revolution and it was opened on 10th August 1793 with about 537 exhibitions. However, the Louvre museum was closed in 1796 until 1801 due to structural deficiencies.
After a series of renovations by several monarchs, today’s glass Louvre Pyramid was inaugurated in 1988 and completed in 1989 on a total land area of 652,300 sq. ft. However, the Inverted Pyramid was completed in 1993.
yari2000/Shutterstock.comWhat are the best things to see at the Louvre?
Louvre Pyramid contains lots of collections, which include Egyptian Antiquities; Near-Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Roman, Etruscan and Greek Antiquities; Sculptures; Paintings; Decorative Arts; and Drawing and Prints.
The probably most popular work to see is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. It was stolen in 1911 but recovered in 1913.
Other famous works include Venus de Milo, The Dying Slave, Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, etc.
Who built the Louvre?
Architect I. M. Pei built the Louvre. Pei was awarded the project to renovate the Grand Louvre building plan. Pei was the one who proposed a glass pyramid.
Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock.comHow to get into the Louvre?
Admission is free into the Louvre Pyramid from 6 pm to 9:45 pm for all visitors under the age of 26. Some visitors are also eligible for free admission. Such visitors do not need to get the Louvre Museum tickets. However, visitors who are not eligible for free admission must purchase the Louvre Museum tickets to enter into the Museum during the off-free time.
Aertman/Shutterstock.comThe Louvre, the most awe-inspiring museum in the world. Exotic antiques from the West and East will call for your attention. Walk around aimlessly through the maze of galleries and you may end up in a royal ballroom as a hall containing a sphinx. The place will surely awe you and take you back in historical times. Book your trip today!
