Paris is an iconic capital city known the world over for its winding cobblestone streets, sumptuous cuisine, and impressive cultural attractions. None is more renowned than the Louvre Museum, the largest and oldest museum in the world, and one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city. Dating back to the 12th century, the Louvre has grown to become one of the most visited museums in the world, with millions of visitors coming to experience the expansive collections of some of the greatest works of art and artifact in the world. From enormous pieces of ancient Egyptian art to the most famous painting ever created, the Mona Lisa, the Louvre Museum is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Paris. The following guide will offer interesting facts and information about the Louvre, as well as useful tips for traveling to this remarkable attraction.
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1. The Louvre started out as a fortress in 1190. The King Philip Augustus decided to build a fortress to protect Paris from Viking invasions and it was eventually converted into a museum in 1793.
2. The name “Louvre” comes from the term “louveteau,” which means “little wolf” in French.
3. A total of 775,000 people a day visit the Louvre, making it the most visited art museum in the world.
4. There are 675 galleries in the Louvre, with thirty three thousand works of art displayed.
5. The Louvre has its own pyramid, built in 1989 above the entrance of the museum.
6. The Mona Lisa is the most famous art piece in the Louvre and has become one of the most studied pieces of art in the world.
7. The Louvre houses the largest collection of ancient Middle-Eastern art in the world.
8. The Louvre not only has artwork, it also houses a large collection of coins, sculptures, and even ancient weapons and armour.
The Louvre or the Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. It is situated on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city’s 1st arrondissement (district). Nearly 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century are exhibited over an area of 72,735 square meters (782,910 square feet). The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum, receiving more than 9.26 million visitors in 2019.
The Louvre is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. It has a complex and diverse history spanning eight centuries, from the medieval fortress of Philippe Auguste up to the modern museum it is today.
The museum first opened to the public on August 10, 1793, during the French Revolution. It was initially opened as a way to display the national treasures on the revolutionary themes of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. Over the centuries, the collection was expanded to include many other works from around the world that now occupy more than 60,000 square meters of galleries.
Notable works in the Louvre include Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, which is the most visited piece in the collection; the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Great Sphinx of Tanis.
The Louvre is also home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. The museum also has a wonderful collection of decorative arts, and a host of other artifacts that tell the long history of France.
1) Getting to Louvre Museum:
The Louvre Museum is located in the heart of Paris. It can easily be reached by public transportation. The closest metro stations are Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre on line 1, Concorde on lines 1, 8, and 12 and Tuileries on line 1. The museum is also located a short walk away from several bus stops around the city.
2) Opening Times:
The Louvre Museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and from 9 am to 9:45 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. It is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays.
3) Admission Prices:
Admission to the Louvre Museum for adults aged 18+ is €17. Free admission is available to those under the age of 18, those over the age of 65, EU/EEA citizens aged 18-25 and a few other groups. There are also reduced-fee tickets available for residents of non-EU countries under the age of 25.
4) What to Expect:
The Louvre Museum is home to some of the world’s most famous artwork, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and many more. With over 3 million works of art and antiquities from around the world, visitors are sure to find something to marvel at in their visit. Other features of the Louvre include the newly renovated courtyard and the Carousel du Louvre, which offers a great view of Paris from outside.
5) Other Tourist Attractions:
In addition to the Louvre Museum, there is plenty to explore in Paris. Other attractions near theLouvre include the Jardin du Tuileries, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Additionally, there is plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife around the city.
Q: What are the opening hours of Louvre Museum?
A: The Louvre Museum is open daily except Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and until 9:45 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Q: How much does it cost to visit the Louvre Museum?
A: The admission fee for the Louvre Museum is 15€ for adults, and free for people under 18 and under 26 in the EU.
Q: Is the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum?
A: Yes, the Mona Lisa is one of the most popular and iconic pieces of artwork in the Louvre Museum.
Q: What is the closest Metro station to Louvre Museum?
A: The closest Metro station to Louvre Museum is Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7).
Q: Is photography allowed in the Louvre Museum?
A: Yes, photography is allowed in the Louvre Museum, but without the use of a flash or a tripod.
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