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The Louvre MuseumThe Louvre was once one of the largest royal palaces in the world. Originally built as a fortress in the 13th century, it was intended to defend central France against Norman and English invasions. It became a royal residence during the 14th century and remained so until Louis XIV abandoned it in favor of Versailles. In 1793, during the revolution, the first state museum was opened in one wing. From spoils of the Napoleonic wars and, most significantly, by purchases and donations, the Louvre has grown into the world's primer art museum. Recent construction has uncovered remnants from the original dungeon walls of the medieval fortress. These excavations are visible in the Carrousel under the Pyramid. |
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