LOUVRE MUSEUM
The Louvre Museum is the foremost French art museum and lies in the heart of Paris between the Rue de Rivoli and the Seine; in fact, it is regarded as the most important museum of art in the world.
`It was constructed during the rule of Philippe II in the end of 12th century and intended for use as a fortress and palace; it protected Paris against Viking raids from the west. It was officially converted into an art museum (Musee Central des Arts), during the height of the French Revolution. In two hundred years, the museum constantly changed in appearance. The last significant visual change was the construction of a large glass pyramid in early 1990's; it serves as both an entrance point and a focal point.
MAIN FEATURES :
As an art museum, the Louvre preserves both the heritage and history of the French culture, while holding famous and invaluable artifacts from many countries. The massive art collection, which includes the historic works of Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Antonio Canova, among many others, is exhibited in a large building complex totaling more than 60,000 square meters in eight curatorial departments Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Islamic Art, Greek Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Decorative Arts, Sculptures, Painting, and; Drawings and Prints.
Besides the famed Mona Lisa, whose enigmatic smile has fascinated visitors for many years, one of the more celebrated exhibits in the museum is the Venus de Milo. The ancient Greek sculpture dates to approximately 130 BC, depicting the ancient Greek goddess of love. Discovered in early 19th century on an island called Melos, it was a gift for Louis XVIII and become an important part of the Louvre art collection. The Hammurabi Code, dating around the eighteenth century B.C. isn't only an important work of art; it is also a symbol of literature and history, and the most comprehensive legal document of ancient times.
The museum also holds the Ship of Fools, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Vermeer's Lace Make, Lady of Auxerre, Wedding Feast at Cana and the Holbein's Portrait of Erasmus. The museum is also an important part in the controversial novel and movie 'The Da Vinci Code', as the result many people visit the Louvre to see places and details that are mentioned in the novel and film.
In 1911, Mona Lisa was stolen and lost for more than 2 years. Vincenzo Peruggia, a Louvre employee, stole the painting and hid it under his coat. In reality, Peruggia was an Italian nationalist who believed that all Da Vinci's works should be returned to Italy. Ultimately, he grew impatient and was arrested during transaction with a director in Florence; Mona Lisa was exhibited all over Italy before returned to the Louvre in 1913. Vicenzo Peruggia was hailed for his bravery and patriotism by many Italians and only served a couple of months in prison for his crime.
Some vital information for visitors::
- Operating hours:
The Louvre museum is open every day of the year, except on Tuesday.
It is opened from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, and Friday.
- Ticket price : €9.5 (free under 25).