The Louvre

Louvre originally built as a fortress in the late XIIth century by King Philip II is a former seat of French kings and one of the most famous museums in Europe.

The fortress was transformed into a luxurious royal residence by the French king Charles V in the XIV century during the Renaissance period. Much work had to be done, beginning with building in windows to put light on the premises. The walls were raised, new and old ceilings embellished. was an avid art collector and expanded the Louvre’s collection with works by Italian masters such as Leonardo da Vinci. The Mona Lisa, acquired during his reign, became later one of the museum’s most iconic pieces. In the 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIII, the Louvre underwent further expansion.The last king, who used Louvre as a royal residence was Louis XIV.

Louis XIV, the Sun King, also played a significant role in the Louvre’s history. While he shifted the royal residence to Versailles, he continued to use the Louvre for various functions. Under his reign, architect Louis Le Vau expanded the Louvre’s footprint, creating the Cour Carrée (Square Courtyard). Louis XIV’s minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, initiated the establishment of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture within the Louvre in 1648. This marked a pivotal moment in the Louvre’s transformation into a public institution dedicated to the arts. Although the Louvre’s role as a royal residence diminished over time, it continued to evolve as a center of artistic and cultural significance. By the end of Louis XIV’s reign in the late 17th century, the Louvre had laid the foundation for its future as one of the world’s most renowned museums. In 1682 the Louvre was formally envisioned as a place to display the royal collection. The museum as such opened a century later in 1793 during the French Revolution as a consequence of a decree by National Assembly.

The corridors and halls are indeed very spacious. Being accustomed only to the view of the main courtyard with pyramids, one does not comprehend how big this building is. As Louvre is located directly alongside the Seine, to see its true size it is good to take a look at the palace from the other side of the river.

The glass and metal pyramids in the main courtyard (a big one and three smaller ones) were built in 1989. Much controversy arose around them in the beginning, but with time somehow they had grown into the perspective. The big pyramid serves as the main entrance to the museum. It is used mainly by individual visitors. Organized groups are let in through another entrance at the right-wing of the palace (left-hand side if one faces the pyramids from the outside courtyard).

As Louvre is visited by thousands daily, the premises have been placed under additional security precautions. Inside one has to undergo a security check. There are also soldiers heavy-armed guarding the outer premises. (I made the picture below quite accidentally in Summer 2016, but the view is indeed not unusual).

The hall under the pyramids is of a modern look. There are many souvenir shops inside. For a moment you can get a feeling that you are in a very stylish shopping mall.

As the sightseeing starts with exhibition halls that are elegant but of decent design, you do not have a shock of exchanging modernity into the opulent royal design. However, some parts of the palace are kept as they were in royal times. Trespassing the ballroom door is like being transferred to another era. Inside, you will find some fine objects to be admired including the crown jewels with the crown that belonged to Luis XV (all other French royal crowns were lost or destroyed in times of revolution). However, do not forget to look onto walls, ceilings, and doors. There are pieces of art themselves.

Of things you have to be prepared for is that it is very loud in the museum, especially in those exhibition halls that are heavily occupied (>>>). As the palace is indeed very big, you have to be also prepared for walking miles.

Below some photo impressions from the interiors and the collection (in random order).

M U S E E D U L O U V R E

PHOTO IMPRESSIONS (2017)