The Louvre: Palace History, Tips, and Treasures

Louvre Palace History with Tips and Pics

When I approach the Louvre my heart races. Before I set eyes on one painting or sculpture, I feast on the biggest work of all—the building itself. The renowned Paris Louvre has a palatial history far pre-dating its current iteration as an art museum. The building has experienced many architectural transformations from its earliest days in 1190 when Philippe Auguste ordered construction of a fortress on the banks of the Seine.

As the city grew, the Louvre no longer stood prominently in a defensive position. Under Charles V then, the Louvre became a royal residence and his architect, Raymond du Temple, constructed grand staircases and elaborate windows (1364-1369). In 1527, François I inaugurated a new phase of building (remnants of the medieval structure can be seen today). The creation of the Tuileries (Catherine de Medici) once again caused a rethinking of the Louvre and the two palaces were eventually connected.

Throughout the years, famed artists such as Bernini had their hands in its design and the Louvre continued to grow in size and elegance. Under the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the Louvre saw magnificent embellishments including the Galerie d’Apollon (reminds me of Versailles). By the 18^th century, the Louvre became less of a royal palace and more of a place exalting the arts and sciences. When Louis XVI was king, the Louvre started exhibiting royal paintings to the public.

During the French Revolution, it became a formal museum and opened its doors on August 10, 1793. Its collections grew as the new republic seized the estates of French nobles. The campaigns, especially Egyptian, of Napoleon I further enhanced the museum’s holdings.

Today, the frescoed ceilings, paneled walls, gilded moldings, and marbled interiors of this 403-room (according to pocket guide, I didn’t count) palace are a perfect place to contemplate the treasures within. I encourage you to travel there yourself and embrace the Louvre’s palace history, as well as its fabulous holdings.

Louvre Tips and  Tricks:

• There are long lines at this famed Paris art gallery, but Paris Museum Pass holders can avoid those lines for Louvre tickets and still enter through the famed pyramid. Alternatively, the entrance at the Porte des Lions has less traffic, but is not always open so check before you go. Also, I avoid days when admission is waived, since the museum has larger crowds.
• Taking a tour, like one offered by The Tour Guy, saves time wasted standing in line and gives you a specialized guide to show you the highlights of the museum
• Pick a few pieces that you must see and view those. The Louvre can be overwhelming and you might hit a point of diminishing return where the more you see, the less you are able to appreciate it. Make a plan to come back. I follow this little piece of advice with every art museum—I’m able to have my fill without feeling like I overindulged.

Lion stands guard outside Porte des Lions entrance along the Seine side.

Statue of Louis XIV, French king and patron of the arts

The famed glass pyramid by I.M. Pei inaugurated (along with Napoleon’s Hall) on March 30, 1989. A magnificent entrance to the collections.

Venus de Milo, Hellenistic period, Greece, c. 100 BC. Statue found on island of Melos (Milo in Greek). Contrapposto style with one leg carrying most of the weight gives a more relaxed appearance.

Funerary lion statue, Greece, 230 BC

Venus and the Graces Offering Gifts to a Young Woman, Sandro di Mariano Filipepi (Botticelli), 1480-1483. Fresco from the Villa Lemmi near Florence that shows humanist style.

A long hall of the Denon wing (other wings are Sully and Richelieu)

La Giaconda Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci, 1503-1506. This famed painting portrays a woman of contested identiyy whose enigmatic smile has intrigued visitors for years.

The Wedding Feast at Cana, Paolo Caliari (Veronese), 1562-1563. Commissioned by the Benedictines of San Giorgio Maggiore, the painting shows Biblical story of transformation of water into wine.

Consecration of Napoleon I and Coronation of Empress Josephine on December 2, 1804, Jacques Louis David, 1806-1807. This painting shows historical depiction of Napoleon (not the pope!) crowning his wife. A favorite of mine although getting a flush photo was impossible due to crowds.

The Raft of Medusa, Theodore Gericault, 1819. Romantic school of art shows history of a French frigate that sunk off the coast of Senegal in 1816. Another photo askew due to crowds.

Liberty Leading the People, Eugene Delacroix, 1830. Combines romanticism and realism to portray the revolutionary days of 1830. View is awry due to many who wanted to see this great work.

An example of the gorgeous ceilings found within the Louvre.

Elaborate staircases are a hallmark of the former palace.

Statue of woman, 2nd century AD, Roman, porphyry. In the background one can see the beauty surroundings of the Salle du Manege.

Albani lion with sphere, 1st century AD, Roman, Denon wing.

La Pyramide Inversee, Pei, Cobb, Freed, & Partners, 1993. This glass pyramid provides a skylight to the Carrousel du Louvre (shopping area).

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