The magnificent Louvre museum is a must see attraction in Paris. The Louvre museum facts are quite interesting where a baroque-style palace was converted into a museum after the French Monarch Louis XIV moved his residence to Palace of Versailles.
The study on Le Louvre facts states that it was originally built in 1190 as a fortress against possible attacks of Vikings from the North, the fortress became a palace and then to a museum during the French revolution.
The Louvre, Le Musée du Louvre in French is the first national French museum, established in 1793, which is in fact, the largest art museum in the world.
Louvre sits beside the banks of the Seine River in Paris, attracting around 9 million visitors a year.
Louvre museum is home to one of the finest art collections anywhere to be seen with over 38,000 public works at a time.
This sprawling museum stretches for almost half a mile (750 meters). It currently covers a total area 60,600 square meters for permanent collections. No matter how you see it, the Louvre undoubtedly is a masterpiece of masterpieces.
The second you set eyes on the louvre you instantly recognise the timeless glass pyramid that has become one of the city’s most distinct symbols.
The museum has 3 wings namely Denon wing, Sully wing and Richelieu wing that spread across 5 levels.
The Louvre has a large collection of artefacts that are divided into eight departments, namely, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings.
There is also a tactile gallery in the Louvre where you are encouraged to touch the sculptures. The original sculptures are replaced by plaster or resin casts and it is located on the lower ground floor in Denon wing.
The Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile is the most famous and infamous masterpiece that the Louvre has to offer. It was first hung by Napoleon I in his private chambers and is now well protected by bulletproof area, located at Denon wing first floor, room 6.
The armless beauty of Venus de Milo (Aphrodite) is placed in room 16, on the ground floor, Denon Wing.
Seated Scribe is a famous antique that can be found in the Sully wing, room 22, 1st floor.
Da Vinci’s tragic sculpture the Code of Hammurabi is in the Mesopotamia area in room 3, ground floor of the Richelieu Wing.
The Raft of the Medusa by Géricault’s is in room 77, 1st floor, Richelieu Wing. Other works in this wing comprise of the French masterpieces.
The first floor of Richelieu Wing room 87 holds the Napoleon III apartments which are kind of interesting and inspirational.
One of the most celebrated Hellenistic sculpture, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Greek goddess of Victory is created around 2nd century BC is just opposite of room 1 in 1st floor in the Denon Wing.
The Denon wing of the Louvre Museum hosts many of the famous art treasures such as The Dying Slave by Michelangelo situated at Michelangelo Gallery, on the ground floor. Along with are some of the works of Raphael such as Botticelli and Titian.
To add to the fine details of art soak up the architectural elegance of interiors of Louvre especially the ornate ceilings that hold those beautiful sculptures and paintings that are simply amazing.
This unmissable museum at the heart of Paris is waiting for you.
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Food & Drinks
There are several cafeterias and takeaways in Louvre. ‘Angelina tea room’, ‘Traditional French Restaurant’ with French cuisine dining experience, Les cafés de la Pyramide, Denon & Richelieu take-away counters and ‘Paul’ French bakery where you can buy a really nice sandwich, pastries and other sweet varieties.