About Louvre Museum Paris

Louvre Paris, the largest art gallery in the world, is hard to miss for its splendor and extensive collection, which includes artifacts from France's illustrious past as well as significant pieces from around the globe. Located in the Louvre Palace on the right bank of the Seine, this iconic museum boasts an extensive collection of more than 480,000 objects and displays over 35,000 art pieces at a time.

The Louvre Museum's collection spans art works that date back from ancient civilizations to the middle of the 19th century, including sculptures, paintings, and artifacts. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is the highlight of the Louvre Museum, although there are many more noteworthy treasures, like Venus de Milo, Antonio Canova's Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.The museum displays its collection in eight curatorial sections, including Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints & Drawings. The museum's historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance draws tourists from all over the world, making it one of the most visited attractions in Paris.

Louvre Museum Paris Facts

The Louvre is the Largest Museum in the World
The Louvre is the Largest Museum in the World

The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, with a total space of 652,300 square feet (60,600 square meters) and a collection of 480,000 works of art. It was initially constructed as a massive castle and later converted into a royal palace in the 16th century. Finally, it was transformed into a museum in 1793.

 Seeing all of the Louvre's Art would Take 100 days
Seeing all of the Louvre's Art would Take 100 days

One of the most gripping Louvre Museum Paris facts is that no human being could possibly see it all in a single day. Even a month of exploration would not be sufficient. It would take around 100 consecutive days to view every work of art at the Louvre if you spent 30 seconds per piece on each piece without stopping for meals, sleep, and breaks.


You can also Checkout: Eiffel Tower Tickets Price

The Louvre is the Home to the Mona Lisa Painting
The Louvre is the Home to the Mona Lisa Painting

One of the most fascinating facts about the Louvre Museum Paris is that it is home to the world's most famous painting, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. This internationally acclaimed work of art draws a large number of people to the museum on a daily basis. To keep it secure and protected, it is now exhibited in a large room behind a glass barrier, with barricades prohibiting anyone from getting too close.


Also Book: Skip the Line Palace of Versailles Tickets

 French Artists Made 66% of the Art in the Louvre
French Artists Made 66% of the Art in the Louvre

According to the latest estimates, the Louvre Museum's iconic art collection has around 7,500 paintings by artists from throughout the world. Thus, paintings constitute a significant portion of the works of art kept in the Louvre. Over 66% of these paintings are masterpieces created by French artists, including the world-renowned The Raft of the Medusa, The Coronation of Napoleon, and Liberty Leading the People.

The Louvre was Used by the Nazis During the War
The Louvre was Used by the Nazis During the War

The Louvre's three vacant rooms served as storage for the artworks that the Nazis looted and were safeguarding during World War II. These Nazi-looted artworks are now part of the Louvre's rich collection, and some are on display as well. Although, the museum has been attempting to restore the paintings to their original owners in an effort to right historical wrongs.

 Some Believe the Louvre Museum is Haunted
Some Believe the Louvre Museum is Haunted

The Louvre Museum is said to be haunted by a mummy named Belphegor, and the Tuileries Garden by a red-clad ghost. The structure is about 800 years old, so considering it haunted is one of the most evident facts about the Louvre Museum Paris. Three harmless spirits are said to live in the museum and garden.

Napoleon Renamed the Louvre Museum During his Reign
Napoleon Renamed the Louvre Museum During his Reign

One of the most intriguing Louvre Museum Paris facts is that it was known as the Musée Napoléon from 1803 to 1814, after Napoleon III. He renamed the museum and built a collection of over 5000 paintings. When the leader lost power, these were returned to their original owners. In addition, Napoleon placed the Mona Lisa painting in his personal quarters for the first time.

The Glass Pyramid is 21m high
The Glass Pyramid is 21m high

The iconic 21 m high I. M. Pei Pyramid was constructed in the 1980s, and since then, it has become a notable and recognizable part of the Parisian skyline. The Louvre is actually home to five pyramids; three of them are miniature glass pyramids that were placed in the neighboring courtyard to cast light shafts on the museum's exhibits. The Louvre Pyramide Inversée, located in Carrousel du Louvre, is the fifth pyramid.


Also Read: Versailles Musical Fountain Show

The Louvre’s Galleries Span Over 15 Acres
The Louvre’s Galleries Span Over 15 Acres

The Louvre houses an estimated 480,000 works of art from all across the world, so it makes sense that its galleries cover 15 acres. Although only 35,000 of the museum's collection are really on exhibit for the general public, 15 acres seems like enough room to house lakhs of priceless objects.


Must Read: Coffee Shop Versailles

 Abu Dhabi Opened a Louvre Museum of their Own
Abu Dhabi Opened a Louvre Museum of their Own

Abu Dhabi opened an official second branch of the Louvre Museum in 2016, which is the second-largest art museum on the Arabian peninsula as well. The museum's completion cost Abu Dhabi more than €600 million. Currently, the museum receives roughly one million visitors annually, which is obviously a tiny fraction of the Louvre Paris's annual footfall.


Suggested Read: Hotel in Palace of Versailles

FAQs

What are 5 Facts about the Louvre museum?

    • One of the most compelling facts about Louvre Museum Paris is that it is the most visited museum in the world. It sees around 15,000 visitors every day.

    • The Louvre is also the world's largest museum, with a total space of 652,300 square feet (approx. 15 acres), which is one of the most fascinating Louvre Museum Paris facts.

    • During Napoleon's reign, the Louvre was known as the Musée Napoléon for 11 years, from 1803 to 1814. He increased the museum's art collection to 5000 pieces during this time, all of which were returned to their countries of origin after he lost power.

    • The museum's famous art collection is home to 7,500 paintings by painters from throughout the world, according to the most recent figures. However, 66% of these are impressive works by French artists.

    • The Louvre is said to be haunted due to its age as it is approximately 800 years old. Some believe the museum is home to three peaceful spirits.

Why is the Louver famous?

How many paintings are in the Louvre?

How many years did it take to build the Louvre?

What is the oldest painting in the Louvre?

Was the Louvre a castle?

Who is buried under the Louvre?

What famous statue is in the Louvre?

Who stole the Mona Lisa?

When was the Mona Lisa stolen?

Explore Paris