The Louvre Museum: A History of Art, Amazing Facts and Things to Do
The Louvre Museum, located in Paris, France, is one of the world’s most famous and visited museums. It is the home of some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The Louvre has been a museum since 1793, and is the most visited museum in the world with over 8 million visitors every year. It is one of the largest museums in the world, covering over 652,000 square feet (60,600 square meters).
History of the Louvre
The Louvre began its life as a fortress in the late 12th century. It was built by King Philippe Auguste to protect Paris from Viking raids. In the 16th century, King Francois I turned the fortress into a palace, and it was used as a royal residence until the French Revolution in 1789. During the Revolution, the Louvre was opened as a public museum, and it has remained a museum ever since.
The Louvre has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, and today it houses over 35,000 works of art. It is divided into eight departments, each dedicated to a different period of art history. These departments include Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculpture, Paintings, Decorative Arts, and Prints and Drawings.
Amazing Facts About the Louvre
The Louvre is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, and it is also home to some amazing facts and stories. Here are some of the most interesting facts about the Louvre:
• The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum, with over 8 million visitors every year.
• The Louvre is home to over 35,000 works of art, making it one of the largest museums in the world.
• The Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the Louvre, and it is also the most visited.
• The Louvre has been a museum since 1793, and it is the world’s oldest museum.
• The Louvre is home to the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities, with over 50,000 pieces.
• The Louvre is home to the world’s largest collection of Islamic art, with over 5,000 pieces.
Things to Do at the Louvre
The Louvre is a must-see for any visitor to Paris, and there are plenty of things to do and see. Here are some of the best things to do at the Louvre:
• Visit the Mona Lisa – The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world, and a visit to the Louvre is not complete without seeing it.
• Explore the Egyptian Antiquities – The Louvre is home to the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities, and it is definitely worth exploring.
• Take a Guided Tour – The Louvre offers guided tours in several languages, and these tours are a great way to learn more about the museum and its art.
• Attend a Concert – The Louvre hosts regular concerts in its courtyard, and these are a great way to experience the museum in a different way.
• Visit the Louvre at Night – The Louvre is open late on Friday and Saturday nights, and it is definitely worth visiting at night to experience the museum in a different light.
Visiting the Louvre is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. With its amazing art, fascinating history, and plenty of things to do, the Louvre is a must-see for any visitor to Paris.