20 Surprising Facts About the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the world. Home to thousands of priceless artworks, including the legendary Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. But beyond its famous paintings and sculptures, the museum is filled with fascinating stories and secrets. Here are 20 surprising facts about the Louvre that will deepen your appreciation for this world-renowned institution.
1. The Louvre Was Originally a Fortress
Before it became a museum, the Louvre was built as a fortress in 1190 by King Philip II to protect Paris from invasion. You can still see remnants of the medieval structure in the museum’s basement.
2. It Became a Royal Palace Before a Museum
In the 16th century, King Francis I transformed the Louvre from a fortress into a grand royal residence. It remained a palace until Louis XIV moved the royal court to Versailles in 1682.
3. The Louvre Officially Became a Museum in 1793
After the French Revolution, the Louvre was converted into a public museum, opening its doors in 1793 with just over 500 artworks.
4. It Is the World’s Largest Art Museum
Covering approximately 652,300 square feet, the Louvre is the largest art museum on the planet. It would take you over 100 days to see every piece if you spent just 30 seconds on each one!
5. It Houses Over 380,000 Artworks
While only about 35,000 pieces are on display, the museum’s vast collection includes over 380,000 objects, ranging from paintings and sculptures to artifacts and manuscripts.
6. The Mona Lisa Is Surprisingly Small
One of the Louvre’s most famous attractions, Mona Lisa, is much smaller than many expect. Measuring just 30 x 21 inches, the painting is protected behind bulletproof glass.
7. Napoleon Renamed the Louvre
During his reign, Napoleon Bonaparte renamed the museum the Musée Napoléon and expanded its collection by seizing artworks from across Europe. Many of these pieces were later returned.
8. It Has Been a Home for the Homeless
During the 19th century, the Louvre provided shelter to those displaced by the Haussmannian reconstruction of Paris.
9. The Glass Pyramid Was Highly Controversial
Designed by architect I. M. Pei and completed in 1989, the Louvre Pyramid faced significant backlash from traditionalists. Today, it is an iconic symbol of the museum.
10. A Secret Entrance Exists
To avoid the long lines at the Pyramid entrance, savvy visitors use the lesser-known Porte des Lions entrance for a quicker way into the museum.
11. It Was Used to Hide Art During WWII
Before the Nazi occupation of France, museum staff secretly evacuated thousands of artworks, including the Mona Lisa, to protect them from theft and destruction.
12. The Louvre Was Once a Prison
During the French Revolution, parts of the Louvre were used to detain prisoners before they were sent to the guillotine.
13. It Is Home to a Mysterious Underground City
The Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping mall beneath the museum, houses a hidden archaeological crypt showcasing medieval ruins.
14. It Hosts a Ghostly Legend
Legend has it that the Louvre is haunted by a ghost named Belphegor, an entity said to roam its corridors at night.
15. The Louvre Has a Staggering Visitor Count
With over 7 million visitors annually, the Louvre is the most visited museum in the world.
16. It Features the Oldest Known Artwork
The Ain Ghazal Statue, dating back to around 7000 BCE, is one of the oldest artifacts in the museum’s collection.
17. There’s a Full Egyptian Temple Inside
The museum houses the Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian temple donated to France in recognition of its role in preserving Egypt’s historical sites.
18. Leonardo da Vinci Only Painted a Handful of Works
Despite being one of the most renowned artists in history, Leonardo da Vinci completed fewer than 20 paintings. Five of them, including the Mona Lisa, are housed in the Louvre.
19. It Has a Special Department for Islamic Art
In 2012, the Louvre opened a department dedicated to Islamic Art, showcasing over 3,000 artifacts from the Islamic world.
20. A Stolen Masterpiece Was Found in a Hotel Room
In 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen by an Italian handyman named Vincenzo Peruggia. He hid it in a hotel room for over two years before being caught while trying to sell it in Italy.
The Louvre is much more than just an art museum, it is a historical and cultural marvel filled with intrigue, mystery, and astonishing stories. Whether you’ve visited before or are planning your first trip, these surprising facts add a new layer of wonder to this extraordinary place.
