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Musee du Louvre in Paris |
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The Louvre Museum (Musee du Louvre) in Paris with its famous glass pyramid is one of the most famous museums in the world and for good reason too. Located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, the museum is not only home to the `Mona Lisa`, but a staggering 35,000 different exhibits which are spread throughout the building. Of course if you are a fan of the `Da Vinci Code` then it goes without saying that the Louvre has many secrets waiting to be discovered!
The Louvre was originally a 12th century fortress built by King Philippe Auguste who wanted to strengthen the fortifications which encircled Paris. Built on the banks of the Seine, the original Louvre was later demolished and made into a palace by such monarchs as Francois I and Louis XIV. While architect Pierre Lescot did much to enhance the building during the 16th century, subsequent monarchs and queens made additions and renovations to this already monumental structure. The Louvre was opened as a public museum following the French Revolution, though it fell into a state of neglect before Napoleon took charge and restored it to its former glory.
With so much to see, the Louvre in Paris is a museum which requires time, careful planning and a map! The collection covers a time period ranging from the beginnings of ancient civilizations right up to 1848 and is divided into 8 diverse sections such as `Egyptian Antiquities`, `Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities`, `Paintings`, `Islamic Art` and `Sculptures`. Apart from the `Mona Lisa`, other highlights at this culturally rich Paris museum include the armless `Venus de Milo`, the `Winged Victory`, Da Vinci`s `Virgin and Child with St. Anne`, David`s `Coronation of Napoleon`, Veronese`s `The Wedding at Cana` and Michelangelo`s `Esclaves`.
Getting there / tickets
Apart from the entrance through the pyramid, visitors can also enter the Louvre in Paris directly from the Palais-Royal-Musee du Louvre metro station or from the underground shopping mall located at 99 rue de Rivoli. While the museum is accessible for those with disabilities, tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online.
The Louvre is open free to the public on the first Sunday of every month.
Metro Stop: Palais-Royal-Musee du Louvre
Bus: Numbers 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95 or the `Paris Open Tour` bus
Batobus Stop: Louvre
Opening hours
Apart from Tuesday, the Louvre is open every day of the week from 9 AM to 6 PM except on Wednesday and Friday when closing time is extended to 9.45 PM.
The museum is closed on January 1st, May 1st, August 15th and December 25th
Address
Musee du Louvre
34-36 quai du Louvre, 1e
Tel: 01-40-20-53-17 / 01-40-20-50-50
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