About the Museum
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century under Philip II, it was converted into a royal residence and later transformed into one of the most celebrated museums in history. Its vast collection spans thousands of years, from ancient civilizations to the mid-19th century.
Housing more than 380,000 objects and displaying 35,000 works of art across eight curatorial departments, the Louvre presents an unparalleled journey through human creativity. The museum's iconic glass pyramid, designed by architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1989, serves as the main entrance and has become a symbol of modern Paris. The collections include masterpieces from Egyptian antiquities, Near Eastern antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities, Islamic art, sculptures, decorative arts, paintings, and prints and drawings.
Notable Collections
Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci, 1503–1519
Perhaps the most famous painting in the world, this portrait of Lisa Gherardini captivates millions of visitors each year with her enigmatic smile.
Venus de Milo
Alexandros of Antioch, c. 130–100 BC
This ancient Greek marble sculpture depicts Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Discovered on the island of Milos in 1820, it is one of the most celebrated works of ancient Greek sculpture.
Winged Victory of Samothrace
Unknown, c. 190 BC
This Hellenistic marble sculpture of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, stands dramatically at the top of the Daru staircase. Its dynamic pose and masterful rendering of flowing drapery make it a triumph of ancient art.
Liberty Leading the People
Eugène Delacroix, 1830
This iconic painting commemorates the July Revolution of 1830. The figure of Liberty, personified as a woman holding the tricolor flag, leads a diverse crowd over the fallen.
