The Louvre is not just a building; it’s a site with a long, complex history. While most visitors come to see the Mona Lisa, the museum itself is full of fascinating stories. Here are 10 Louvre Museum facts that show the Louvre’s incredible past and highlight some of the best things to see in the Louvre.

1.Louvre Museum Facts: A Medieval Fortress

The Louvre’s story begins in 1190 when it was built as a fortress by King Philip II to defend Paris. You can still see the remains of its original moats and foundations in the Sully Wing, a must-see for history buffs.

2. Inside the Louvre: Fascinating Facts about the Louvre Museum Collection

The Louvre’s collection is immense. It holds more than 380,000 objects and displays over 35,000 works of art spanning more than 6,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to the magnificent Winged Victory of Samothrace.

3. The World’s Largest Art Museum

At over 72,000 square meters (775,000 square feet), the Louvre is the world’s largest art museum. To see every piece for just 30 seconds, it would take you 100 days!

4.Louvre Museum Facts: From Palace to Public

The Louvre became a museum in 1793, during the French Revolution. Before that, it was a royal palace and home to French kings from the 14th to the 17th century.

5. The Controversial Pyramids

When the famous glass pyramids were unveiled in 1989, they were very controversial. Many felt the modern structure didn’t fit, but they have since become a famous symbol of the museum.

6. Government Offices

In addition, the Richelieu Wing once housed government offices… The Richelieu Wing used to be government offices, housing the French Ministry of Finance for over a century. Today, this space holds some of the museum’s most stunning masterpieces.

7. Napoleon’s Influence: Key Louvre Museum Facts from His Era

After his conquests, Napoleon renamed the museum the “Musée Napoléon” and filled it with art taken from across Europe.

8. The King’s Home

From the 14th century, the Louvre was the official residence of French kings. In 1682, King Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles, leaving the Louvre to hold the royal art collection.

9. A UNESCO World Heritage Gallery

The Galerie d’Apollon, a very ornate gallery, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its design is said to have inspired the famous Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

10. Napoleon III’s Apartments

In the Richelieu Wing, you can visit the lavishly decorated apartments of Napoleon III. These rooms, with their gold and rich fabrics, offer a glimpse into royal life.

See the Louvre with an Expert: Private Tours

With so much to see, navigating the Louvre can be overwhelming. To make the most of your visit, consider a private tour of the Louvre. An expert guide will help you see the top highlights, like the Mona Lisa, and share hidden details you might otherwise miss.

Why choose a private Louvre tour?

  • Pre-reserved tickets: Get direct entry and save precious time.
  • See the highlights: Focus on the best things to see in the Louvre without getting lost.
  • Expert insights: Get the stories behind the art from a passionate historian.

Ready to learn even more about the 10 facts about the louvre Museum on a private tour? Book a private tour with Astra Via Tours to explore even more about the Louvre Museum and hidden details with an expert guide

Book your private tour today!