Former Palace, now Museum

One of the largest museums in the world today is the Louvre. It was once a palace but now celebrated as a must-visit museum for the well-known works of art such as Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo.

It was in the late 18^th century where Louvre Museum was opened for public viewing, Situated in the 1^st arrondisement in the heart of Paris. More likely there are 35,000 objects on display all over the palace of Louvre. The museum has a huge collected works of art aging up to the mid 19^th century. Mostly are from European painters and sculptors. There are rooms for relics containing Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Oriental Art as well.

Who can forget the painting of Mona Lisa by the famous Leonardo da Vinci? The Venus of Milo, the Nike of Samothrake and the Dying Slave by Michelangelo, these are just some arts located in the museum. The Louvre Museum was originally built as a 12^th century fortress. In 14^th century, it was converted as a royal palace.

The current appearance of the museum is inspired by 15^th century architecture, when the original castle was demolished and a wing along the Seine River was constructed. The palace was expanded with two courtyards during the 16^th century by Architect Lescot. After a decade Cathalina de Medici build the Tuileries palace in the west of the Louvre. The structuring of the Louvre stop in progress some time when king Louis XIV decided to transfer to the Versailles Palace.

In the 19^th century Second Empire, the Louvre was reconstructed and now has four wings attaching a large courtyard. In 16th century, the collection for the Louvre, including the famous Mona Lisa was initiated by King Francis I. It turned out to be one of the climaxes of the museum. The collection grew increasingly because of the great efforts and purchases displayed by the kings. The private royal collection was finally opened to the public during the French Revolution.

The latest attraction to the Louvre was the construction of the Glass Pyramid, which serves as the museums main entrance. American architect I.M Pei built it in 1989. There were criticisms when the Glass Pyramid was built. Some say the modern addition contrasts with the classical design of the Louvre, but today it is now recognize as a good act which has given the museum a spacious entrance.

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