The Louvre Museum’s history dates back to the 12th century when it was built as a fortress under the leadership of King Philip II.
The history of the museum is truly a tale of enormous transformation as its evolution from a fortress to a royal residence to its current status unfolded.
The Louvre was initially built for defense, but eventually, it became a royal residence during the reign of Francis I in the 16th century.
Francis I’s reign saw one of the initial art collections. A lover of art, he started collecting famous artwork, including the Mona Lisa.
Let’s learn more about the history of the Louvre Museum before planning a trip to the Musee du Louvre, so you have an informative and insightful trip there.
The Louvre Museum History: Initial Years and Purpose
The origin of the Louvre Museum dates back to the 12th century when King Philip II built it as a fortress to protect the city of Paris from invasions.
The Louvre Museum’s medieval building featured a central tower and thick walls; their remnants remain in the museum’s basement.
After serving as a fortress, the Louvre Museum became a royal residence under Charles V in the 14th century.
This landmark move marked the evolution of the Louvre Museum’s history into a palace.
The Louvre Museum History: Musee du Louvre’s Opening
The opening of the Louvre Museum on 10 August 1793, during the French Revolution, marked a major turning point in its history.
The Louvre Museum initially showcased just 537 artworks, including royal and confiscated church property.
This shift from private collection to public exhibition was a turning point in the Louvre Museum’s building’s history as it marked its shows of societal change.
The opening of the Louvre Museum made art, which was formerly restricted to the elites, accessible to all.
Napolean’s Era and Influence on the Louvre
Yet another major turning point in the Louvre Museum’s history came under the rule of Napoleon.
During the Napoleonic era, the museum was renamed Musee Napolean, and the museum’s collection saw a significant increase.
This tremendous increase in the museum’s collection resulted from Napolean’s massive acquisitions from numerous conquered territories.
Napoleon envisioned the Louvre Museum as a central and significant cultural institution in France with a celebrated status and influence.
Fun Fact: Napoleon’s coronation is depicted in a painting called “The Coronation of Napolean,” one of the major highlights of the present-day Louvre Museum.
Louvre Museum From 1815 to 1852
After Napoleon’s fall, the Louvre Museum’s history saw some major changes, too.
The restoration of monarchy led to further additions to the museum’s collection, including some major and significant Louvre collections from various periods.
By the 19th century, the Louvre Museum had established itself as a major and premium art museum, attracting millions of visitors annually.
The Louvre Museum In The Second Empire
During the Second French Empire, Napoleon III”s imperialist Bonapartist regime from 14 January 1852 to 27 October 1870 saw more positive changes in the Louvre Museum’s history.
The museum’s connection continued to grow, and some extensive renovations and expansions were also made.
The addition of new wings and enhancement of architectural grandeur marked a crucial event in the history of the Louvre Museum building.
Such enhancements doubled the Louvre Museum’s exhibition space, solidifying its reputation as a cultural center.
The Louvre Museum From 1870 to 1981
The late 19th and 20th centuries brought some significant triumphs and challenges in the history of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
During these two centuries, the Louvre Museum survived the Paris Commune in 1871, when the famous Tuileries Palace was burnt down.
However, regaining its fantasy, the history of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, saw an upward turn as it acquired new works.
By 1980, the Louvre Museum became a symbol of artistic heritage and one of the most visited museums in the world.
The Grand Louvre Project
Yet another significant event of the Louvre Museum’s history, the Grand Louvre project, initiated by President Francois Mitterrand in the late 20th century, turned out to be a transformative movement.
This was also the beginning of the history of the Louvre Museum’s pyramid, which was completed in 1989.
The iconic glass pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei, was completed and installed in Louver, paving the way for its modernization while preserving its medieval ambience.
This project is considered a landmark event in the history of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, as it doubled the museum’s exhibition space and enhanced the visitor experience.
While offering a modernized look to the Louvre Museum, it also respected its historical significance.
Present Day Louvre Museum
Following centuries of evolution and enhancements, the 21st century saw some major changes that hold prominence in the Louvre Museum’s history.
Some relatively recent initiatives include establishing Islamic art departments and integrating contemporary works into the Louvre Museum exhibits.
Through constant work, enhancements, planning and execution, the Louvre Museum remains a dynamic and vibrant space for art preservation and cultural exchange.
Adapting to new times and technology, the Louvre Museum has over 3,00,000 artworks in its collection, 35,000 of which are permanently on display.
Today, the Louvre Museum is divided into eight departments to enhance visitor experience.
What started off as a fortress in the 12th century has evolved in time, space and purpose.
The Louvre Museum today is one of the largest art museums in the world, measuring 6,52,000 square feet (60,600 square meters).
Contents
FAQs about the Louvre Museum History
What is the history of the Louvre Museum?
The history of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, has seen it being built as a fortress, then turning into a royal palace, and eventually a museum.
What is the story behind the Louvre Museum?
The Louvre Museum was once a fortress built to protect Paris from invaders, and it was also a Royal Palace at one point.
Today, the Louvre is a museum open to the public and houses one of the largest art collections in the world.
What are the five facts about the Louvre?
Five facts about the Louvre Museum are: It was built as a fortress, it has served as a royal palace, it has a glass pyramid in between in its exteriors, it houses one of the biggest Sphinx statues outside Egypt, and there is another Louvre in Abu Dhabi.
Why is the Louvre Museum so crucial to the French culture?
The Louvre Museum is of utmost importance to French culture because it is a testament to French culture and history.
It was built as a fortress to save Paris from invasions, housed prominent French Kings and has major artworks reflecting French culture and history,
Why did Philip II build the Louvre?
King Philip II built the Louvre Museum to protect the city of Paris from foreign invasions.
Why is the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum?
The Mona Lisa has been in the Louvre since King Francois I, one of the admirers of the famous painting, invited Leonardo da Vinci to France and eventually bought it from him in 1518.
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