The Amazing Louvre Museum: History, Art and Other Curiosities

Opened on August 10, 1793, the Louvre Museum is located in Paris, capital of France. Originally a fortress for the defense of the city, it was built in the 12th century by the King of France Philip II. In the 14th century it was transformed into a royal palace for the abode of Charles V and remained so for a long time housing the kings of France. Nowadays it is one of the most visited tourist spots in the world. It currently receives more than eight million visitors a year.

The building itself is an attraction, the Louvre has a huge collection that is divided into eight main departments: Greek, Roman and Etruscan Antiquities; Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Engravings and Drawings; paintings; Sculptures and Decorative Arts.

It is in this imposing French museum that you can find the famous “Monalisa”, by Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most famous paintings in the world. The painting was purchased by King Francis I in 1506 and remained for years on display in Fontainebleau and Versailles before being transferred to the Louvre.

Among the statues we can appreciate some works that are true symbols of the museum, such as: The “Victory of Samothrace” and the “Venus de Milo” that represents Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. There are still many amazing historical and archaeological works like the “Code of Hammurabi”, a great collection of Egyptian art with its mummies and sarcophagi, a lot of Greco-Roman art, French and European works from the medieval period.

It is still possible to find brilliant works by artists such as Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Goya and many other remarkable works by the greatest artists in history. The museum’s collection is truly very important for eastern and western culture and civilization.

The Louvre Museum deserves a full day to explore. I recommend that you do not take the tour running. The museum is an endless labyrinth of priceless works of art and treasures that should be appreciated calmly, take the time to admire the works that most call your attention.

How to get to the Louvre Museum and other important tips

The best way to get to the Museum is by metro, with lines 1 or 7 and get off at Palais-Royal or Musée du Louvre.

Wear comfortable shoes, you will walk a lot, arrive early to take a good photo with the Mona Lisa, Visit the museum shop, admission is free for children and young people under 18 years old. And for those over 18 and under 26, the museum is free throughout the year as long as they are legal residents of the European Union. Get ready to face crowds.

How to access the Louvre entrance

In 1984, the great glass pyramid was built, where the main entrance to the Museum is located. The construction of the pyramid caused some controversy at the time because it differed from the classical architecture of the museum. However, it solved the problem of the old entrance to the Museum, which did not support the large volume of tourists.

The main entrance is at the Cour Napoléon, it is under the ingenious pyramid with 793 glass panels by I.M. Pei. Visitors head underground and access the museum’s all-gloss marble reception, known as Hall Napoléon.

Here are the entrances to the three wings of the museum: Sully (which surrounds the Cour Carré), Denon (which borders the Seine) and Richelieu (which faces the Rue de Rivoli).

The most famous and sought-after works in the museum

• Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
• Winged Victory of Samotratica
• Michelangelo’s Dying Slave
• Venus de Milo
• Lamassus
• The Freedom of Eugène Delacroixo People
• The Great Sphinx of Tanis
• Botticelli’s Venus with Three Graces
• Hammurabi’s Code of Law
• Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix
• Veronese’s Wedding at Cana

The Louvre is really very big, it would take several days to get to know it fully, to make the most of it and get a better experience in the museum, make a planned itinerary and enjoy the most interesting works for you. It is also possible to book your visit online in advance on the museum’s official website.

Today, the Louvre has a collection of more than 380,000 items, spread over eight departments. There are guides in every possible language. If you have little time to visit the museum, then spend a few minutes planning the best route before starting the walk, look for the works that you are most interested in seeing, but be careful not to get lost in the many labyrinths of the museum.

Ticket prices in Paris

The main museums in Paris are free on the first Sunday of each month. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as these attractions are very popular. These are the prices (they vary by time of year, click on each one to buy)

• Louvre €17
• Eiffel Tower €22.50
• Palace of Versailles €20
• Disney Paris €84
• Opera Garnier €14
• Orsay €14
• Arc de Triomphe €12
• Pantheon €9
• Moulin Rouge Cabaret €64

Free tours in Paris

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Montmartre
• Basilique du Sacre Coeur
• Champs-Élysées
• Arch of Triumph
• Latin Quarter
• Pantheon