The Louvre (France)

About

The Louvre Museum, located in Paris, France, is one of the world's most renowned art museums. It is housed in the historic Louvre Palace, which was originally built as a fortress in the 12th century by King Philip II. Over the centuries, the palace was transformed into a royal residence, with significant contributions from monarchs like Francis I and Louis XIV. The Louvre ceased to be a royal residence when Louis XIV moved to Versailles in 1682. During the French Revolution, it was converted into a public museum, opening on August 10, 1793. The Louvre is famous for its vast collection, including iconic works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. It hosts over 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century, spanning 60,600 square meters. The museum attracts millions of visitors annually, making it the most visited museum globally. Its collection is divided into eight departments, showcasing Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Islamic art, among others. The Louvre's architectural design, including the controversial glass pyramid by I.M. Pei, has become a symbol of Parisian culture and history.