Louvre

The Louvre (Le musée du Louvre), is a venerable European museum? in Paris, France. It is located not quite directly across the Seine? from the Eiffel Tower, from whose summit the view of the huge and ornate museum is excellent. It is one of the oldest and greatest museums in the world, with a long history of holding the rich artistic heritage of the French people from the early Capetian Kings through the Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte and to the present day.

The museum was built on the foundation of a 13th century castle?. Does it have a name? Its construction was commissioned by King [Charles V of France]? (1322?? - 1328?) in the 14th century. It has been constantly enlarged by other kings, and by presidents of the French Republic.

Major modications were performed under [François I]? (1515? - 1547?) in the 16th century and Louis XIV (1643 - 1715?) in the 17th century, among others.

The most recent significant modification of the Louvre happened under president [François Mitterand]?, who added a glass pyramid designed by Chinese architect I. M. Pei) at the center of the palace (circa 1989).

The Louvre is managed by the the French state under the Réunion des Musées Nationaux.

The Louvre attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the world, with arguably the best art collection anywhere. Among the thousands of priceless paintings is the [Mona Lisa]?, perhaps the most famous painting in the world. Visitors often schedule several days or even a week to view any significant portion of its treasures.

While most famous for its art, the Louvre also has many other types of exhibits, including archeology?, history, painting, sculpture, and architecture.