Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum and a central landmark of Paris. Originating as a medieval fortress, it evolved into a royal palace before becoming a public museum after the French Revolution.

Geography

The Louvre extends along the Right Bank of the Seine, between the Pont Royal and the Tuileries Garden. Its vast complex encompasses courtyards, wings, and the modern glass pyramid entrance by I. M. Pei.

History

The original Louvre fortress was built in the late 12th century by King Philippe Auguste. Successive monarchs expanded it into a Renaissance palace. In 1793, during the Revolution, it was repurposed as a national museum. Major 20th-century projects, including the Grand Louvre and pyramid, redefined its identity as both historic monument and modern cultural institution.

Present Day

The Louvre welcomes over eight million visitors annually. Its collections span Egyptian, Greek, Islamic, and European art, with signature works such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The museum functions as both a symbol of national heritage and a global reference in museology.