the louvre museum is one of the most important in France and an icon of the city of Paris in the world. Known not only for its extensive collection of works of art, but also for being a place of reference for the understanding of human history, thanks to an impressive archaeological sample.
However, throughout a history of more than three centuries, the louvre museum also houses great secrets and curiosities that few know. For which it becomes even more important. Join us to discover which are some of them.
1. It was the first public museum with free access
After the French Revolution it was opened for the first time as a Museum on November 8th, 1793. It was the first time in history that private collections were transferred to a publicly owned gallery. At that time, it started exhibitions with 537 artistic works belonging to the nobility. But, in addition, access to the museum was free and there were no restrictions for the public who could visit it.
2. The Louvre museum has the most famous painting of all time
We refer of course to the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. A work that was gifted by Da Vinci himself to Francis I of France and since then it has been the property of the French State.
According to Google Search results, the Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world ahead of other works known as «The Last Supper» by Da Vinci or «The Guernica» by Picasso. Something that is not surprising, if we take into account that it is the most contemplated work in the LouvreMuseum. With an average of 20,000 visits per day.
The fact that helped cement its popularity around the world is believed to have been its theft in 1911. By a former museum employee, who kept it hidden for two years. Something that made the painting known in popular culture since then, also exposing Renaissance art to the world.
3. It has the only copy of the Code of Hammurabi
The Code of Hammurabi is a set of laws written by Hammurabi, who was the sixth king of Babylon and the creator of the Babylonian empire. And they are considered the oldest set of laws in history. Their application is based on precepts such as the famous eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.
These laws are engraved in Akkadian cuneiform characters carved into a large basalt stone of 2.5 meters high. They date from ancient Mesopotamia and are believed to have helped regulate the coexistence between Mesopotamian peoples, as it had a divine origin.
Although its importance is not only limited to ancient peoples, but has transcended the modern world. Being the basis for legal law.
4. It is not the only Louvre Museum in the World
Just as you are reading it. Since there are currently three museums that have this name in the world, including the original located in Paris. This is how we have the Louvre de Lens inaugurated in 2012 in the city of Lens in northern France. And the Louvre in Abu Dhabi officially opened in 2017 and installed on the island of Saadiyat.
The latter was created to become the first great museum of a universal character in the Arab world.
5. The Louvre Museum is the most visited museum in the world
According to information systematized by the National Museum of France and released by the EFE news agency. In 2019 the louvre museum received 9.5 million visitors. Figures that make it the most visited museum in the world, followed by the National Museum of China in Beijing with 7.5 million visitors.
Then there are the US Museum of Natural History, in Washington, with 6.9 million visitors and in fourth place the British Museum in London, which is visited by 6.7 million people a year.
6. It was converted into a warehouse during World War II
Upon their arrival in Paris, during the Second World War the Nazis tried to loot the louvre museum. However, to their surprise there was not much they found. For the most important works were evacuated to private castles and quiet places in the French countryside.
Although the less important works that were in the basement of the museum did not have the same fate. Being wrapped and transferred to Germany along with other works of art, from the looting of private collections. This is how the Nazis hijacked the museum, using it as a repository for stolen works of art.
After the war ended, some works stolen by the Nazis were returned to their owners. Only those that could not be delivered to their owners remain in the custody of the French government. Even today the louvre museum houses orphan works, which are still waiting for their owners.
7. It is difficult to see all the works that it houses
The Louvre has 73,000 m² dedicated to exhibitions, 403 rooms, 14.5 kilometers of corridors and 10,000 steps. But, as of today, it also adds about 35,000 works on permanent display and a total of 450,000 works.
So, if we spent just 30 seconds looking at only the pieces on display, it would take us 12 continuous days. And without any break complete the task. However, if we consider the total of the works, knowing them all could be an impossible mission.
8. It was not always a museum
Although it seems incredible, before being the iconic museum that we know today, it was a palace. In fact, it was originally a medieval fortress erected by King Philipe Auguste in the 12th century.
Later it was converted into the Royal Palace, becoming one of the most important palaces in Paris in the 14th century. Being Felipe II and Carlos V the monarchs who collected and stored the greatest amount of works of art. Many of which were part of the museum’s first collections.
However, after the monarchy moved its residence to the Palace of Versailles. The then Louvre Palace would be abandoned and in ruins. But thanks to the arrival of Napoleon, it regained all its splendor.
After the French Revolution and after a process of transformation, it opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1793.
9. Different locations for the Mona Lisa
Although she currently has a corner in the Louvre specially designed for her, known as “La Sala de la Gioconda”. This famous painting by Leonardo Da Vinci also known as the “Mona Lisa” has occupied different locations.
In the year 1530, it was placed in the bathroom of Francis I of France. But it would not be until 1789, that after the outbreak of the French Revolution when the Louvre, an old castle now transformed into a museum, would exhibit it to the public for the first time.
Later after the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of France in 1804. This would have ordered to place the Mona Lisa in his private rooms of the Tuileries Palace. However, after his reign of him the painting was returned to the LouvreMuseum. But in 1911 the painting would be mysteriously stolen, although it was recovered and returned to the museum.
During the Second World War the painting remained hidden in various places. Among them the Amboise Castle, the Loc-Dieu Abbey and the Ingres Montauban Museum. And it was not until 2005 that it would definitely be located in the seat it currently occupies, protected by an anti-reflective glass.