10 things you didn’t know about the Louvre
First established in the 1700s, the Louvre is one of the grandest exhibitions of art and culture, featuring some of the most important pieces in the world. And while it might just be the world’s most visited museums, it still has some secrets.
Travel and Leisure have put together a list of 10 things most people don’t know about the Louvre. These secrets about the world’s greatest museum will surprise you.
1. It was originally constructed as a palace
Construction of the Louvre began for by François in the mid-1500s, but only part of it was completed, with each subsequent royal adding to the structure.
2. You can still see the original moat
While the 13th-century fortress by King Philippe Augustus was destroyed, archaeologists have excavated part of the original moat which can be seen in the Sully wing.
3. It took 200 years to become a museum
In 1793, in the midst of the French Revolution, Musée Central des Arts opened to the public in the Grande Galerie. But if was first used as a proper museum in 1993.
4. Many of the works were plundered by Napoleon
Many of the museum’s greatest works were actually the spoils of war, looted during Napoleon’s campaigns around the world in Italy, Egypt, and beyond.
5. The glass pyramid was originally controversial
When the famous glass pyramid, designed American architect I.M. Pei, was first revealed in 1989 it was considered “sacrilegious”, but has now been accepted as part of it.
6. The museum’s biggest painting is in the same room as the Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa might be the Louvre’s most famous painting, but the biggest (The Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese) is also featured in the exact same room.
7. There’s a Da Vinci Code-inspired route
The Louvre has revealed several official routes through the enormous museum, including one that’s inspired by the popular Dan Brown thriller, The Da Vinci Code.
8. You can see what the Louvre looked like in Napoleon III’s day
If you want a glimpse of what the Louvre looked like when it was used for state functions, head to the drawing room in the remote corner of the Richelieu wing.
9. There’s a way to skip the line
If you want to beat the crowds you can purchase tickets to the Louvre ahead of time at any FNAC bookstore and make a hassle-free entrance through the Passage Richelieu.
10. The Louvre is still acquiring more works
The Louvre has a collection that is truly incomparable, and it’s only just getting bigger. Despite having work dating to the 19th century, it’s still acquiring works.
Have you ever been to the Louvre? What did you make of the Mona Lisa? Let us know in the comments.
Related links:
Female and male models used for Mona Lisa
Artist makes iconic Louvre Pyramid “disappear”
Paris evacuates Louvre as flood waters threaten artworks