The Louvre Museum, located in Paris, France, is one of the world's largest art museums and a historic monument. Here is detailed information about this iconic institution:
History
- Origins: The Louvre began as a fortress built in the late 12th century to protect Paris from attacks. Over time, it was converted into a royal palace by King Philip Augustus.
- Royal Residence: It served as the main royal residence for French monarchs until Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles in 1682.
- Museum: The French Revolution led to the transformation of the Louvre into a public museum in 1793, inaugurated with an exhibition of 537 paintings. It was intended to showcase France's artistic treasures to the public, promoting the ideals of the Revolution.
Collections
- The museum's collections span from antiquity to the 21st century, featuring over 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art on display.
- Famous Works: Among its most renowned pieces are the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Venus de Milo, and Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.
- Departments: The museum is organized into eight curatorial departments: Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints and Drawings.
Architecture
- The Louvre's architecture spans several centuries, reflecting various styles from medieval to modern.
- Pyramid: In 1989, the glass pyramid designed by I. M. Pei was added to the courtyard of the Louvre, serving as the main entrance. This modern addition was initially controversial but has since become a symbol of the museum.
Expansion and Renovations
- Over the years, the Louvre has undergone numerous expansions. The Louvre Lens opened in 2012 as an extension in Lens, Pas-de-Calais.
- Grande Louvre Project: A significant renovation project in the late 1980s, which included the construction of the pyramid, aimed to modernize the museum and increase its capacity.
Visitor Experience
- The museum welcomes millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most visited museums globally.
- Accessibility: The Louvre offers various accessibility features including wheelchair access, sign language tours, and Braille guides.
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