Musee du Louvre

Rue de Rivoli. (Open Map)
(75)

Description

Witnessing the grandeur of the Louvre, with its glass pyramid and exquisite façade, is an experience like no other. As one of the world's most visited museums, the Louvre houses an incredible collection of works of art and artisanship from across Europe and far beyond. From Mesopotamian, Egyptian and Greek antiquities, to masterpieces by renowned artists such as da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt, the Louvre has something for everyone. In addition to its impressive array of European art, the Louvre also boasts priceless collections of antiquities.

Originally built as a fortress by Philippe-Auguste in the 12th century and then reconstructed in the mid-16th century as a Royal residence, the Louvre began as a national museum in 1793 and today contains over 2500 paintings and objets d’art. This vast collection was recently expanded as part of the ‘Grand Louvre’ project by the late president, Francois Mitterrand in 1989. In recent years, new and renovated galleries have opened, devoted to objets d’art such as the crown jewels of Louis XV and Islamic art, located in the restored Cour Visconti. The Louvre is the perfect place for those looking to explore the Western art and civilizations that have shaped the world we live in today.