Instantly recognizable and world-famous, here you are standing in front of the magnificent Louvre pyramid! The museum is not only the largest art and antiquities museum in the world but also holds the title of the most visited, with over 10 million entries each year. Unsurprisingly, it is also the most paid-visited site in France. The Louvre’s history dates back to the 12th century when King Philip Augustus commissioned the construction of a fortress to defend Paris. In the 14th century, Charles V transformed the fortress into a royal residence. However, it wasn’t until the 15th century, under Francis I, that the Louvre began to take its current form. Francis I asked architect Pierre Lescot to fully renovate the medieval castle, turning it into a stunning Renaissance palace inspired by Italian architecture. Yet, the most ambitious project came with the Great Design of Henry IV, which aimed to connect the Louvre to the now-destroyed Tuileries Palace. The Louvre, already a royal residence since Charles V’s reign, became a symbol of artistic preservation. Wanting to project himself as a connoisseur of culture and art, the king installed a library full of precious books. As for Louis XIV, he moved to Versailles, preferring it to Paris, but as an art enthusiast, he played a significant role in shaping French culture, leaving a lasting legacy. He was a true patron and protector for artists of the time and invested enormously in the project to transform the Louvre into a museum. During the French Revolution, the National Assembly accelerated renovations. It opened in 1793 under the name of “Central Museum of the Arts of the Republic”, showcasing 660 private artworks. Collections progressively grew thanks to wars, donations, bequests and archaeological discoveries, sometimes contested. Covering over 72 000m², it’ll take you an entire day to scatter through the whole museum, where you’ll get to admire the world’s greatest masterpieces while reflecting on their complex history. Do you think Emily visited this place too?