
Louvre Museum
Île-de-France
The Louvre Museum, located in the heart of Paris on the Right Bank of the Seine, is a national art museum renowned for its vast and diverse collection of artworks spanning from prehistory to the 21st century. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century under Philip II, it evolved into a royal palace before becoming a public museum during the French Revolution in 1793. The museum's collection includes approximately 500,000 objects, with around 35,000 works on display in eight curatorial departments, including Egyptian Antiquities, Islamic Art, and Paintings. Its iconic pieces include Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The Louvre Palace itself is a masterpiece of architecture, reflecting centuries of French history and artistic patronage. The museum is accessed primarily through the glass Pyramid entrance designed by I. M. Pei, which harmoniously blends modern design with the historic palace. It attracts millions of visitors annually, making it the most visited art museum globally. Beyond art, the Louvre also houses archaeological finds, decorative arts, and prints, offering an unparalleled cultural experience in a historic setting adjacent to the Tuileries Gardens.
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Tip: To avoid long queues, it is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum is open daily except Tuesdays, with extended hours on certain days. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can provide a more peaceful experience. The main entrance is through the underground lobby beneath the glass Pyramid. Visitors can also use the nearby Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre Metro station for direct access. Discounts and free admission are available for certain groups, including EU residents under 26 and on specific days. Audio guides and thematic tours enhance the visit. Check the official website for current COVID-19 regulations and reservation requirements.
Zajímavosti
- •The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world by gallery space, with over 72,000 square meters dedicated to exhibitions.
- •It receives approximately 9 million visitors annually, making it the most visited museum globally.
- •The museum's collection spans over 500,000 objects, but only about 35,000 are on display at any time.
- •The Louvre Pyramid, designed by architect I. M. Pei, was inaugurated in 1989 and serves as the main entrance.
- •Remnants of the original medieval fortress are still visible in the museum's basement.
- •The Mona Lisa, one of the museum's most famous paintings, was stolen in 1911 and recovered two years later.
Historie
The Louvre began as a medieval fortress built by King Philip II in the late 12th century to protect Paris.
In the 16th century, Francis I transformed it into a Renaissance palace.
Over subsequent centuries, it was expanded and modified by monarchs including Louis XIV, who eventually moved his court to Versailles, leaving the Louvre primarily as a royal art repository.
During the French Revolution, it was decreed a public museum, opening in 1793 with artworks confiscated from the monarchy and church.
The Napoleonic era saw the collection grow through acquisitions and looting, though many works were later returned.
The 19th and 20th centuries brought further expansions and modernization, culminating in the addition of the glass Pyramid entrance in 1989, symbolizing the museum's blend of historic grandeur and contemporary innovation.
Průvodce po místě
Napoleon Courtyard and Glass Pyramid1989
The modern glass Pyramid designed by I. M. Pei serves as the main entrance to the Louvre, located in the Napoleon Courtyard, blending contemporary architecture with the historic palace.
Denon Wing
Home to many of the Louvre's most famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese.
Sully Wing12th–13th century
Contains the remains of the original medieval fortress and houses collections of Egyptian antiquities and Near Eastern art.
Richelieu Wing
Features the museum's collection of Islamic art, sculptures, and decorative arts, as well as the apartments of Napoleon III.
Kontakt
Telefon: 01 40 20 53 17