LOUVRE MUSEUM IN PARIS: MUST-SEE WORKS OF ART AND FUN FACTS

While the last valuation conducted in 1962 estimated the Mona Lisa’s worth at $100 million, accounting for inflation would now bring its value to an astounding $860 million.

The artwork’s immeasurable value is reflected in the precautions taken for its safeguarding, including its encasement in bulletproof glass and the installation of barriers to prevent visitors from approaching too closely. Indeed, the painting even boasts its own team of bodyguards!

6. It Once Held the Name Musée Napoléon

In 1804, when Napoléon assumed power, he rechristened the museum from Louvre Museum to Musée Napoléon. This name persisted for 11 years, until 1814, when his rule concluded.

7. The Mona Lisa Held a Special Place in Napoléon’s Heart

Discussions about the Louvre would be incomplete without the frequent mention of the Mona Lisa, given its status as the museum’s most renowned artwork.

However, did you realize that the illustrious Napoléon had an affinity for the Mona Lisa as well? To the point that he cherished the painting to the extent that it graced his bedroom for a number of years during his reign. It’s believed that this connection contributed significantly to the Mona Lisa’s enduring fame up to the present day.

8. The Mona Lisa Experienced a Theft

One of the most captivating aspects of the Mona Lisa—and perhaps the pivotal event that distinguished it from Leonardo Da Vinci’s other works—is its history of theft.

The Mona Lisa was stolen! Although this scenario is highly unlikely to recur given the extensive security measures in place today, in the past, an Italian individual named Peruggia perpetrated this audacious act in 1911.

Reportedly, Peruggia had been engaged by the Louvre to craft protective glass cases for several artworks, yet he somehow managed to conceal himself within a closet, rendering himself unable to exit after his shift concluded.

Under the cover of night, when the museum was deserted, he secreted the masterpiece within his clothing. Come morning, he simply departed the museum with the priceless artwork.

Astoundingly, the theft went unnoticed for a full day, only coming to light after 24 hours had passed. This singular event propelled a seemingly “ordinary painting” into the global spotlight, generating widespread interest and intrigue.

9. The Louvre Encompasses Over 380,000 Artifacts

While approximately 35,000 artifacts are showcased across a sprawling 60,600 square meters (652,000 sq ft), the Louvre actually houses an astounding art collections of over 380,000 objects.

This signifies that the museum’s display encompasses less than 10% of its entire assortment.

10. The Louvre Originated as a Fortress

One of the lesser-known facts about the Louvre Museum is its initial role as a fortress.

During the reign of King Philippe Auguste, recognizing Paris as Europe’s largest city with a monarchy that was consistently expanding, a need arose for a fortress to enhance the city’s defenses. In response, the Louvre was constructed in a strategic location in 1190.

However, as Paris outgrew the confines of the Louvre fortress’s original walls, its defensive purpose diminished, and alternative protective measures became necessary, as the fortress’s defensive towers were no longer sufficient to safeguard the city.

11. The Louvre Once Served as a Palace

Continuing with the historical trajectory of the Louvre, it’s essential to highlight its stint as a palace.

Tracing the course of its history, as the Louvre’s suitability as a fortress waned, King Charles V took the decision to convert it into a grand royal palace.

Undergoing a transformation from a fortress into a palace, the building received a lavish makeover, including opulent furnishings, exquisite paintings, and intricate embellishments, all aimed at reflecting the stature of the royal families it housed.

Throughout the passage of time, the Louvre palace underwent a series of renovations, each tailored to the preferences of the reigning monarchs. From King Henri IV and Napoleon I to King François I, King Louis XIII, and beyond, these transformations reflected the distinct tastes and styles of each ruler.

However, it was under the commission of King Louis XVI that a pivotal shift occurred. In 1793, the decision was made to transition the palace from its role as a royal residence to that of a museum, thus heralding the inception of the Louvre Museum as we know it today.

12. The Louvre Only Had 537 Paintings When It First Opened

When the Louvre first debuted as a museum on August 10, 1793, its reputation as a globally recognized art repository housing over 380,000 objects was yet to be established.

As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the Louvre’s journey to prominence unfolded in a similar manner. In its initial incarnation, the museum featured a modest collection of just 537 paintings. However, over the course of subsequent years, the collection expanded dramatically, eventually blossoming into the extensive array we recognize today.

13. The Louvre is Thought to Harbor Ghosts and Possess Haunting Legends

Here lies one of the captivating narratives—or perhaps myths—concerning the Louvre. It’s conjectured that owing to the warriors who met their end within its walls, a host of apparitions wander its corridors. Particularly, a specter known as Belphegor, believed to be a mummy, is said to haunt its hallways

Moreover, a phantom dubbed the Red Man, purportedly originating from the Tuileries Gardens, is believed to haunt the premises. A few individuals claim to have encountered this entity.

Whether one subscribes to these accounts depends largely on personal beliefs in the supernatural. Nevertheless, this intriguing notion was too captivating to omit!