The Louvre is the world's largest museum and one of the
world's greatest art collections in the world. The palace stretches for
about half mile between the Seine and rue de Rivoli. It was originally a
fortress built by Philippe-Auguste in the 13th century. 300 years later
Francois I replaced it with a Renaissance style building. Many French kings
continued to add to the construction and improve it. Some of the kings used
it as their residence before the court moved to Versaille. Louvre was first
opened to the public in 1793 and has been used as a museum ever since. The
latest addition to the building is the glass pyramid (also a museum
entrance) that sits in the courtyard which was designed by I. M. Pei.
The pyramid was unveiled in 1989.
The Louvre's collection is overwhelming in size and it includes paitings,
drawings, sculptures, antiquities, furniture, coins etc It is impossible
to see everything in one day, in fact I believe it is impossible to see
everything even if you spend a few years here. Most people run to see the
two ladies, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the statue of Venus de Milo.
They are always surrounded by a crowd of people. But try to see more than
that; walls are practically lined with masterpieces.
There are many entrances to the museum, not only the one through Pyramid
which is always the most crowded. The museums pass card works here and
helps in skipping the lines. After 3PM and on Sundays the ticket is half
price.
