The Louvre Museum, located at 22 Rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. Originally a fortress built in the late 12th century under Philip II, it was transformed into a royal palace in the 16th century by Francis I. The Louvre became a public museum during the French Revolution in 1793.
The museum's collection is divided among eight departments: Near Eastern antiquities, Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities, Islamic art, Sculptures, Decorative arts, Paintings, and Prints and drawings. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is arguably the museum's most famous piece.
One lesser-known fact is that the Louvre has an extensive history of art theft. During World War II, the Nazis looted the museum's collections, and many artworks were hidden to prevent their theft. Post-war, the Monuments Men helped recover much of the stolen art.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace, another significant artifact, dates back to the 2nd century BC. This marble statue depicts the Greek goddess Nike and is one of the few surviving examples of Hellenistic sculpture.
The Louvre Pyramid, a modern architectural marvel designed by I. M. Pei, was inaugurated in 1989. This pyramid serves as the main entrance to the museum and stands in stark contrast to the historical architecture surrounding it. The pyramid is made of glass and metal, comprising 673 glass segments.
The museum also houses the Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world. This ancient Babylonian code of law dates back to around 1754 BC.
Additionally, the Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek statue created sometime between 130 and 100 BC, is a prominent exhibit. Believed to represent Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, the statue is renowned for its missing arms.
The Louvre's collection of Islamic Art is housed in a specially designed wing inaugurated in 2012. This wing aims to foster a greater understanding of Islamic culture and includes items from the 7th to the 19th centuries.
A lesser-known part of the museum is the medieval Louvre, where visitors can view the original moat and remnants of the fortress built by Philip II. This area provides a glimpse into the museum's past as a defensive stronghold.
The Louvre's vast collection and rich history make it a treasure trove of art and culture, drawing millions of visitors each year.