Timeline of the Louvre Museum

1190s: King Philip II orders the construction of a fortress to protect Paris during his absence from the crusades. The remains of this fortress exist beneath the current Louvre Palace.
1364 - 1380: Charles V commissions the transformation of the fortress into a castle under architect Raymond du Temple, turning it into a royal residence with extensive renovations.
14th century: Monarchs of France prefer other palaces, leading to the demolition of the castle by Francis I.
16th century: King Francis I initiated the rebuilding of the palace in Renaissance style, later continued by his son King Henry II with alterations.
17th century: Louis XIII makes additions to the palace, while Catherine de Medici suggests the construction of the Tuileries Palace and designs a garden.
1610: King Henry IV builds the Grande Galerie connecting the Louvre Palace to the Tuileries Palace.
17th century: The Louvre begins its transformation into a museum, with King Louis XVI ordering the construction of the Cour Carrée and the Louvre Colonnade. The museum officially opened to the public in 1793.
1815: Napoleon I adds a new gallery to the north of the palace.
19th century: Napoleon III adds two new wings, completing the Louvre Palace. In 1871, a fire destroyed the Tuileries Palace, which is subsequently demolished by 1883.
19th century: Construction continues on the Louvre Palace, with the addition of the iconic glass pyramid and expansion of art collections, solidifying its status as one of the world’s largest art museums.

Louvre history explained

Louvre Palace exterior in Paris, France.

The Louvre as a fortress

12th - 13th century

The history of the Louvre begins in the late 12th century when it was built as a fortress by King Philip II Augustus (1165–1223). The original structure was designed to defend Paris from Viking invasions along the Seine River. The remains of the medieval fortress can still be seen in the basement of the museum today.

Transformation into a castle

13th - 14th century

Charles V commissioned the fortress to be turned into a castle between 1364 and 1380. In the following years, the monarchs of France chose to live in other palaces like the Chateaus of the Loire Valley instead of the Louvre. This led to the demolition of the castle by Francis I during the 14th century.

Visitors viewing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Transformation into a Royal Palace

15th - 16th century

By the late 16th century, during the reign of King Francis I (r. 1515–1547), the Louvre was transformed from a fortress into a royal residence. Francis I, an avid art collector and patron, invited artists like Leonardo da Vinci to court, marking the start of the Louvre’s association with art. It was under his rule that the first art collections began to take shape in the Louvre.

Tuileries Garden pathway with sculptures and Louvre Museum in the background, Paris.

Additions to the Palace

17th century

Louis XIII, Henry II's successor, made some additions to the palace, while Catherine de Medici, his widow, suggested the construction of a new palace called the Tuileries Palace. She also designed a garden outside the palace for her personal use. Following this, King Henry IV built a Grande Galerie in 1610 that connected the Louvre Palace to the Tuileries Palace.

Tourists viewing art at the Louvre Museum Paris, France.

The Louvre as a museum

18th century

The turning point in the Louvre’s history came during the French Revolution. After the monarchy was overthrown, the Louvre was transformed into a public museum. In 1793, during the revolution, the Musée du Louvre officially opened to the public under the National Assembly. The museum’s early collections were based on works of art seized from royal collections and aristocratic estates.

Venus de Milo statue at Louvre Museum, Paris, France.

Napoleon's rule

19th century

Under Napoleon Bonaparte (r. 1804–1814), the Louvre's collection expanded greatly, as he looted art from across Europe, particularly after his military campaigns. The museum was renamed the Musée Napoléon in 1803, and many artworks, such as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, were brought to Paris during this period. Napoleon III continued his work and added two new wings, which marked the completion of the magnificent Louvre Palace. Towards the end of the 18th century in 1871, a fire destroyed the Tuileries Palace.

Cour Carrée courtyard at Louvre Museum, Paris, featuring historic architecture and central fountain.

Post-Napoleon and expansion

19th century continued

Untouched by the fire, construction of the Louvre Palace continued. After Napoleon's fall, the Louvre's collection was returned to its rightful owners, but the museum continued to grow. In the early 19th century, King Louis-Philippe (r. 1830–1848) made the Louvre even more accessible to the public and created the Musée de la Monarchie in the former royal apartments. The museum expanded further with the construction of the Cour Carrée and the Grand Louvre.

Visitors exploring art exhibits at the Louvre Museum, Paris.

Modernization and the Glass Pyramid

20th century

The Louvre underwent significant changes in the 20th century, especially after it became part of the public domain in the post-World War II era. The most iconic addition to the Louvre in modern times was the Glass Pyramid, designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei (I. M. Pei). The pyramid was inaugurated in 1989 and serves as the main entrance to the museum. It became a symbol of the Louvre’s modernization, providing a contemporary contrast to classical architecture.

Visit the Louvre to relive the history

Louvre Museum Timed Access Tickets with Optional Audioguide

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Louvre Museum Timed Entry Tickets with Hosted Visit to the Mona Lisa

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

‌

Check availability

Louvre Museum Timed Access Tickets & Seine River Cruise

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour

Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr. 30 min.

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 5%): Louvre Museum + Versailles Palace Tickets

Mobile ticket

Audio guide

‌

Check availability

Louvre Museum Guided Outdoor Walking Tour with Entry Tickets

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

45 min.

‌

Check availability

Louvre Museum today

The Louvre Museum holds immense cultural significance as a symbol of art, history, and national identity. As the world's largest art museum, it houses an unparalleled collection that spans over 9,000 years of human creativity, offering visitors access to the most iconic artworks from different cultures and civilizations. The museum's significance extends beyond its vast collection; it represents a culmination of Western and Eastern art, philosophy, and culture, making it a key institution for understanding the evolution of global art history. It’s home to some of the most revered masterpieces, such as The Mona Lisa, The Venus de Milo, and Liberty Leading the People, each embodying milestones in artistic development and cultural movements.

The Louvre's rich history also adds to its cultural importance. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, it evolved into a royal palace before becoming a public museum during the French Revolution in 1793. Its architecture, including the iconic glass pyramid designed by I. M. Pei, blends the ancient and modern, making the Louvre a testament to France's enduring commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage.

A must-see attraction, the Louvre offers not only a journey through art but also a deep immersion into history, offering visitors the chance to experience some of the most significant works of human expression across centuries. The museum is an essential part of any cultural or historical exploration of Paris, appealing to art lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious travellers alike.

Frequently asked questions about the history of the Louvre Museum

When was the Louvre Palace built?

The original construction of the Louvre Palace began in 1546 under King Francis I and was completed in 1793.

Why was the Louvre Museum built?

The Louvre Museum was originally built as a fortress by King Philippe Auguste in 1190, later transformed into a royal palace. After the French Revolution, it was repurposed in 1793 as a public museum to make art and culture accessible to the people of France.

When did the Louvre Museum open to the public?

The museum inside the Louvre Palace officially opened to the public in 1793

Who designed the Louvre Museum?

Many hands were involved in designing the Louvre Palace and museum, including Hector Lefuel, Pierre Lescot, Louis Le Vau, Claude Perrault.

Are there guided tours of the Louvre Palace?

Yes. You can take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the history of the Louvre Palace. By taking a guided tour, you would cover the highlights and understand the significance of the artworks and the museum.

What do families with young children need to keep in mind while visiting the Louvre?

Plan short visits and cover the most important artworks. Look for family-friendly workshops or interactive exhibits to engage children.

Why was the Louvre turned into a museum?

During the French Revolution, the Louvre was opened to the public in 1793 to share the nation's art treasures with the people. It was seen as a way to democratize art and preserve the cultural heritage of France after the monarchy was abolished.

How did the Louvre’s collection grow?

The Louvre’s collection grew through acquisitions by French monarchs and emperors, including Napoleon’s conquests, which brought thousands of works of art to the museum. Many pieces were seized from other European countries, particularly Italy and the Netherlands.

How has the Louvre influenced other museums?

The Louvre’s model of housing a vast, global collection and making art accessible to the public has greatly influenced museum practices worldwide. It set a standard for the establishment of public art collections in major cities around the world.