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Contents
Top 12 Louvre Museum Facts | History, Collections and More
Louvre Museum Paris is a symbol of the evolution of French culture in all its glory. Situated on the bank of the Seine, the Louvre Museum is a sprawling structure that has been standing tall for centuries and has witnessed both war and peace. Generations of viewers have been left in awe due to its sheer size and extraordinary collection. Read on to find out some really interesting facts about the museum.
Louvre Museum Facts
1. The Louvre is the Most-Visited Art Museum in the World
The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world followed by the National Museum of China, the Tate Modern in London and the Vatican Museums. It reached the status of being the most-visited museum in 2018 when it crossed the 10 million visitor mark. In 2020, the Louvre attendance dropped by 72 percent from 2019. Despite this, the Louvre continues to see millions of visitors and continues to be the most visited museum in the world with about 15,000 people visiting the Louvre daily.
2. The Louvre’s Galleries Span Over 15 Acres
Along with being the most-visited museum in the world, the Louvre is also the largest museum in the world. Originally built as a fortress in 1190, the Louvre was reconstructed in the 16th century to serve as a royal palace. During its time as a royal residence, the Louvre saw tremendous growth. Today, as a museum, the Louvre covers a total area of 652,300 square feet (60,600 square meters). Which makes sense, because where else would it hold its impressive collection of 480,000 pieces of artwork?
3. The Lourve was Originally a Fortress
The history of the Louvre dates to 1190 when it was constructed as a fortress by King Phillip II of France to protect the city from outsiders. The fortress was completed in 1202, and in the 14th century, King Charles V turned the Louvre into the royal residence. It was amidst the riots and the bloodshed during the French Revolution that the Louvre museum was born. Once Louis XVI was imprisoned, the royal collection became national property. In 1793, the Louvre opened to the public as Muséum central des arts de la République.
4. Louvre was Named After Napolean for 11 Years
In 1803, the Louvre was renamed to Musée Napoléon, and the name remained till 1814. The renaming was inspired by the expansion project undertaken by Napoleon III. With his conquests, the collection at Louvre increased exponentially triggering a need to expand the space available to showcase these treasures. In 1815, when Napoleon abdicated, nearly 5,000 works of art were sent back to their country of origin. Some stolen works continue to be housed in the Louvre, one of the most important ones being “The Wedding at Cana” by Veronese.
5. The Mona Lisa was Stolen in 1911
On 21 August 1911, Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia stole the masterpiece from the Louvre. The painting, which at that point had not quite yet captured the attention of millions, suddenly was brought to everyone's attention. Images of the artwork appeared in international newspapers and eventually became a household name. For two years, as Mona Lisa catapulted to fame, she remained in the dark. Even Pablo Picasso was a suspect until the glazier tried to sell the painting to an Italian art dealer, who alerted the authorities. The Mona Lisa was recovered and by the time she returned home, she had become the most famous painting in the world.
6. The Louvre was Empty During World War II
At the onset of Hitler's conquests, his forces systematically looted artworks from various museums and private collections. Jacques Jaujard, the assistant director of French National Museums, anticipated the need to safeguard the Louvre. Just ten days before the war's outbreak, he orchestrated the wrapping, boxing, and relocation of 3,690 paintings, sculptures, and other valuable works. Despite the immense challenges, Jaujard successfully executed the operation between August and December 1939. With 200 trucks transporting these treasures in about 1,900 boxes, each accompanied by a curator, the Louvre greeted the invading Nazis with empty frames, having protected its treasures.
7. Mona Lisa's Mysterious Smile and Allied Communication
During the war, the artworks were relocated multiple times. To safeguard them from bombing, Jaujard transmitted a coded BBC radio message ("La Joconde a le sourire," translating to "The Mona Lisa is smiling") to the Allies, along with conspicuous "Musée du Louvre" signs placed on castle grounds for aerial recognition. Despite potential damage to the Louvre and 200 other museums, none were harmed or lost. By 1947, the dispersed artworks returned. Vestiges include bullet holes from Paris's liberation and Jaujard's name inscribed at the Louvre School's entrance, visible near the Tuileries Garden.
8. Nazis Stored Looted Art In The Louvre
Following Hitler's directives, the ERR, a unit for confiscating Jewish-owned property, was established. The unoccupied spaces in the Louvre provided an opportunity for the Nazis to store artworks under the guise of "safeguarding" them. Three rooms in the Louvre were requisitioned for this purpose. Jacques Jaujard aimed to maintain a record of these objects. Artworks looted by the Nazis form part of the Louvre's collection. The museum endeavours to return these to their rightful owners and has displayed many. However, since 1951, only 50 looted works have been returned, leaving approximately 1,752 artworks still under the museum's possession.
9. 66% of the Paintings in the Louvre are Works of French Artists
A significant portion of the artworks that the Louvre holds is made up of paintings. By most recent estimates, 7,500 paintings by artists across the world grace the museum’s iconic art gallery. The paintings are displayed across eight departments. And, more than 66% of these paintings were made by French artists. Some of the most famous French paintings to see include The Raft of the Medusa, Liberty Leading the People, and The Coronation of Napoleon.
10. There are Actually Five Pyramids in the Louvre
Not many people are aware that the iconic I. M. Pei Pyramid is not the only pyramid at the Louvre. In fact, there are a total of five pyramids at the Louvre. Three of them are the small glass pyramids surrounding the I.M. Pei pyramid. These three have been positioned so that they create light shafts that help highlight the museum's collection. The fifth pyramid is the Louvre Pyramide inversée (inverted pyramid) in Carrousel du Louvre.
11. Some Think the Louvre is Haunted
Given its nearly 800-year history, it's unsurprising that the Louvre is associated with ghostly tales. Reportedly, three harmless spirits are said to inhabit the museum. The most famous is Jean l'Ecorcheur, a butcher dubbed 'Jack the Skinner,' who was executed on Queen Catherine de Medici's orders due to his knowledge of royal family secrets. Jean is believed to roam the Tuileries Gardens, earning him the nickname the Red Man of the Tuileries. Moreover, the museum's halls are rumoured to be haunted by a mummy named Belphegor.
12. The world has two Louvre Museums
Apart from the one in Paris, there is another Louvre museum in the world. In 2016, Abu Dhabi finished constructing the second official Louvre museum in the world. This Louvre is the second-largest art museum on the Arabian peninsula. It cost Abu Dhabi over €600 million to finish constructing the museum. At present, the museum sees about one million visitors per year, which of course is nothing compared to the number of visitors that the Louvre Paris sees.
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All Your Questions About Louvre Museum Facts Answered
When did the Louvre become the most-visited museum?
The Louvre gained the status of the most-visited museum in 2018 when it surpassed 10 million visitors.
When was the Louvre originally built, and what was its initial purpose?
The Louvre was initially built as a fortress in 1190 by King Phillip II of France to protect the city.
When did the Louvre officially open to the public as a museum?
In 1793, the Louvre opened to the public as Muséum central des arts de la République.
What are some famous French paintings in the Louvre's collection?
Some famous French paintings in the Louvre include The Raft of the Medusa, Liberty Leading the People, and The Coronation of Napoleon.
Which famous painting was stolen from the Louvre in 1911?
The Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911 by Vincenzo Peruggia.
How did the Louvre protect its artworks during World War II?
Assistant director Jacques Jaujard ordered the evacuation of 3,690 paintings, sculptures, and artworks, moving them to safe places before the war began.
How many artworks looted by the Nazis remain at the Louvre?
The Louvre still houses approximately 1,752 artworks looted by the Nazis since 1951.
Are there reported ghost sightings at the Louvre?
The Louvre is rumored to be haunted by three spirits, including Jean l’Ecorcheur and a mummy called Belphegor.
Where is the second Louvre museum located?
The second Louvre museum is in Abu Dhabi and was completed in 2016.
How many visitors does the Louvre typically receive daily?
The Louvre Museum receives around 15,000 visitors daily.
How big is the Louvre Museum?
The Louvre Museum is the largest in the world, covering a total area of 652,300 square feet.
What is the history of the Louvre before it became a museum?
Initially constructed as a fortress in 1190, the Louvre was later turned into a royal palace during the 16th century.
How many paintings are housed in the Louvre Museum?
The Louvre Museum holds around 7,500 paintings, with over 66% created by French artists.
Are there other pyramids at the Louvre?
Yes, apart from the I. M. Pei Pyramid, there are three smaller glass pyramids and an inverted pyramid on-site.
