English
English
- Louvre Museum
- Tuileries Gardens
- Eugène-Delacroix
- History
- Inside
- Collections
- Artworks
- Louvre at Night
- Mona Lisa
- Louvre Pyramid
- Disneyland® Paris Tickets
- Eiffel Tower Tickets
- Versailles Tickets
- Arc De Triomphe Tickets
- Opera Garnier Paris Tickets
- Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off Tours
- Paris Catacombs Tour & Tickets
- Sainte Chapelle Tickets
- Orsay Museum Tickets
- Paris Pantheon Tickets
- Les Invalides Tickets
- Musee de l'Orangerie Tickets
- Centre Pompidou Tickets
- Rodin Museum Tickets
- Picasso Museum Paris Tickets
- Conciergerie Paris Tickets
Contents
Louvre history explained
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.