Description
Musée du Louvre (the art collection)
At this moment the Louvre museum is the most visited museum in Paris.
The louvre, was first constructed around 1190 by king Philippe-Auguste as a fortress to protect Paris against Viking raids.
During Francois I it's imposing keep and dungeon were replaced with a Renaissance-style building. During four more centuries of French kings and empires, it was more improved and enlarged.
The most recent addition is the glass pyramid in the main courtyard from where all the galleries can be reached.
The Louvre began its carrier as a museum in 1793.
The sculptures, paintings and artifacts have been assembled by the French governments during the past five centuries.
The Musee du Louvre in figures:
- Constructed in 1190 as a fortress.
- Rebuild in mid 16th century as royal palace.
- Start as a museum in 1793.
- Paintings, sculptures and artifacts collected over the past five centuries.
- In 1984 the beginning of big restoration, renovation and upgrading of more than US$ 1 Billion.
- 21 meter glass pyramid designed by IM Pei, commissioned by Francois Mitterrand, was completed in 1990.
- The Seine facing side is almost 750 meters long.
Opening hours:
Monday and Wednesday 09.00 - 21.45. Thursday to Sunday 09.00 - 18.00.
Exception some holidays.
Metro:
Palais Royal Musee du Louvre line 1 or 7.