So, you’re heading to Paris, France for a couple of days and everyone is telling you that you have a to pay a visit to the Lourve. But why is the Louvre famous and is it actually worth your time to pay it a visit?
Today, the Louvre is an immensely famous museum that people from all of the world flock to visit. But it has a past that stretches far beyond its modern role and prestige. The Louvre is known for its extensive collection of art and artifacts from ancient Egypt and Greece to modern day France.
But how did this iconic museum come to be? Let’s take a look at the history of the Louvre.
History of the Louvre
At first, the Louvre was simply a fortress and royal residence built on the banks of the Seine River in Paris. It was constructed by King Philip II in the late 12th century, and over the years it was expanded and renovated several times to become one of the largest palaces in medieval Europe.
But as France grew into a modern nation, the Louvre fell out of favor with the royal family. In 1692, King Louis XIV decided to move his court to Versailles and use the Louvre as a place of storage for art and other valuables.
Then, in 1793, during the French Revolution, revolutionaries seized control of the Louvre from Louis XVI and turned it into a public museum dedicated to the arts and sciences. Over the next few decades, they added more and more artwork to the collections, including pieces from all across Europe.
Why is the Louvre so Famous?
Today, of course, the Louvre is known as one of the premier museums in the world. It contains thousands of artifacts and works of art from almost every era in human history, including Greek and Roman sculptures, medieval tapestries, Renaissance paintings, and much more.
The Mona Lisa
Arguably, the answer to the questions as to why the Louvre is so famous is none other than the painting The Mona Lisa.
The Mona Lisa, also known as La Gioconda, is one of the most famous paintings in the world. It was created by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1519 and is now housed at the Louvre museum in Paris.
Many people find the painting to be a masterpiece not just for its technical skill, but also for its beauty and mystery. The Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile is thought to have inspired numerous works of art throughout the centuries, as well as films and popular songs. There are many theories about what the painting might represent, but no one knows for sure.
Today, the Mona Lisa is considered to be a symbol of beauty, grace, and timelessness. It reminds us of the importance of art, as well as the need to question what we see and believe in order to understand the world around us.
There is no single explanation for why the Mona Lisa has become such an iconic painting. Perhaps it is because its subject seems so real and alive. Thousands flock every day to see the Mona Lisa and this is probably the chief reason why the Louvre is so famous.
Famous Artworks at the Louvre
There are many other great works to see as well, and they range from large sculptures to smaller drawings and paintings.
One of the most well-known works at the Louvre is the Winged Victory of Samothrace, a giant sculpture that was created sometime around 190 BC. This statue depicts Nike, the goddess of victory in Greek mythology, and it stands over twelve feet tall.
Another famous work at the Louvre is a painting called Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix. This painting was created to commemorate France’s July Revolution of 1830. The painting is incredibly detailed, and it has become one of the most famous depictions of French history in art.
There are many other great works to see at the Louvre as well, including paintings by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, sculptures by Rodin and Michelangelo, and even ancient Egyptian mummies.
Visiting the Louvre
As you wander through the halls of the Louvre, you can also admire the stunning building and even visit its medieval fortress roots.
The Louvre continues to evolve as a museum and is worth a visit. So if you’re visiting Paris, be sure to check out this iconic museum and see for yourself what makes it one of the best in the world.
Visit the Louvre website.
