Louvre Museum

The museum of Louvre is, without a doubt, one of the main tourist attractions in Paris. This museum that houses more than 300,000 works of art has been the favorite by tourists. As it covers nearly 500 years of works of art, it’s has also become a place to know not only the expression of the famous artists but it has also become the reference point. Most the artists don’t just create anything for the sake of art but their creations tell of their beliefs ideals and what they actually saw. Their works has forever reminded the people of the future generation on what was then and what could have happened.

But the grandeur of the museum didn’t happen overnight. The museum was originally a castle from the 12th century and it was only developed as a museum when the French was looking for a place to store the works of art they took from other countries. The museum started out with 12 paintings and later grew to 2,500. During the 18th century, the museum is strictly for the Royal Blood to appreciate and public viewing is not permitted. It was only at the end of the 18th century that the museum was opened to the public. During those times, it was only limited to the mentioned number. However, when Napoleon came into power, he was able to collect not only lands but important paintings as well. Though it was done through pillaging and looting, they were able to keep or preserve these works of art and they are still on display until today.

The ownership of the building together with its paintings was transferred. As of 1848, the owner of the museum is now the State. This move was for the museums advantage as money doesn’t come well from the donations. With the support of the government, the museum grew and the extensive collection doesn’t’ seem to stop. Because of the increasing number of the works of art; Jeu de Paume and Musée de l'Orangerie museums were utilized. The works of art in these museums was again transferred to Musée d'Orsay in 1986.

The glass pyramid that you see in front of the museum was built in 1989. The entrance of the museum was slightly altered and the pyramid now works as the entrance to the museum. This addition was welcomed and criticized by the local and the international community but then it has become an accepted fact and the tourists seemed to like the new addition to the structure.

When you go to the museum during the peak periods or when the travelers flood the city, be sure that you have the patience of waiting in line. Since the Louvre doesn’t charge anyone for entrance, almost everyone wants to get inside and have a glimpse of the famous works of Da Vince, Rembrandt or Giotto. Sometimes the line can get so long you have to spend the whole day there but once you get inside, you’ll never regret that you have spent so much to take a look at something this magnificent and extensive.