# Louvre Museum

> art and archeology museum in Paris, France

**Wikidata**: [Q19675](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19675)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/louvre

## Summary
The Louvre Museum is an art and archaeology museum located in Paris, France. Established on August 10, 1793, it is one of the world's largest and most visited museums, housing over 38,000 works of art, including the *Mona Lisa* and the *Venus de Milo*. It is operated by the French Ministry of Culture and is a key cultural institution in France.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: August 10, 1793 (originally as the Musée Central des Arts du Palais du Louvre).
- **Location**: Paris, France (coordinates: 48.861111, 2.335833).
- **Operator**: Ministry of Culture of France (since 1959).
- **Founded by**: Napoleon Bonaparte.
- **Named after**: King Louis XV (originally the Louvre Palace).
- **Instance of**: Art museum, archaeological museum, tourist attraction, and museum of culture.
- **Has parts**: Multiple departments, including the Denon Wing, Sully Wing, and Richelieu Wing.
- **Owned by**: Ministry of Culture of France.
- **Sponsor**: French government.
- **Website**: [www.louvre.fr](https://www.louvre.fr/).
- **Sitelinks**: Available in 164 languages, including English, French, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.
- **Awards received**: Musée de France (official designation) and other cultural honors.
- **Notable works**: *Mona Lisa*, *Venus de Milo*, *Winged Victory of Samothrace*, and the *Pyxis of al-Mughira*.
- **Director/Manager**: Jean-Luc Martinez (current director).
- **Collection size**: Over 38,000 works of art and archaeological artifacts.
- **Annual visitors**: Approximately 10 million (as of recent data).
- **Architectural style**: Classical and Renaissance, with modern expansions.
- **Related entities**: École du Louvre, Louvre Palace, Louvre-Lens (branch museum).

## FAQs
**What is the Louvre Museum, and where is it located?**
The Louvre Museum is a world-renowned art and archaeology museum located in Paris, France. It is situated in the historic Louvre Palace, which was originally a royal residence.

**Who founded the Louvre Museum, and when was it established?**
The Louvre Museum was founded on August 10, 1793, by Napoleon Bonaparte. It was originally named the Musée Central des Arts du Palais du Louvre.

**What are the most famous works of art in the Louvre?**
The Louvre houses iconic works such as the *Mona Lisa*, *Venus de Milo*, *Winged Victory of Samothrace*, and the *Pyxis of al-Mughira*.

**Who operates the Louvre Museum?**
The Louvre Museum is operated by the Ministry of Culture of France, which oversees its management and exhibitions.

**How many visitors does the Louvre attract annually?**
The Louvre receives approximately 10 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited museums in the world.

**What are the main departments of the Louvre?**
The Louvre is divided into several departments, including the Denon Wing, Sully Wing, Richelieu Wing, and others, each specializing in different art periods and regions.

**What is the Louvre’s official website, and is it available in multiple languages?**
The Louvre’s official website is [www.louvre.fr](https://www.louvre.fr/), and it is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.

**What awards has the Louvre received?**
The Louvre has been designated as a Musée de France and has received other cultural honors recognizing its significance as a national museum.

## Why It Matters
The Louvre Museum holds immense cultural, historical, and economic significance. As one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, it serves as a vital repository of art and archaeological treasures, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its collection, which includes masterpieces like the *Mona Lisa* and the *Venus de Milo*, represents centuries of artistic and cultural heritage. The museum plays a crucial role in preserving and displaying these works, making them accessible to the global public. Additionally, the Louvre contributes significantly to France’s cultural diplomacy and tourism industry, enhancing its reputation as a leading cultural institution. Its influence extends beyond art, as it also supports educational programs, research, and public engagement, fostering a deeper appreciation for history and culture.

## Notable For
- **World’s Largest Art Museum**: Houses over 38,000 works of art and archaeological artifacts.
- **Iconic Artworks**: Features the *Mona Lisa*, *Venus de Milo*, and *Winged Victory of Samothrace*.
- **UNESCO World Heritage Site**: The Louvre Palace, where the museum is located, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- **Most Visited Museum**: Attracts approximately 10 million visitors annually.
- **Cultural Hub**: Serves as a major center for art, archaeology, and cultural preservation.
- **Historical Significance**: Founded during the French Revolution, it has evolved into a modern institution.
- **Multilingual Presence**: Offers content in over 164 languages, including English, French, Chinese, and Spanish.
- **Educational Programs**: Provides extensive educational resources and public engagement initiatives.
- **Architectural Landmark**: The Louvre Palace, with its classical and Renaissance architecture, is a historic landmark.

## Body

### Definition and Taxonomy
The Louvre Museum is a comprehensive art and archaeological museum located in Paris, France. It is classified as an instance of an art museum, archaeological museum, tourist attraction, and museum of culture. The museum is operated by the Ministry of Culture of France and is housed within the historic Louvre Palace, which was originally a royal residence. The Louvre was founded on August 10, 1793, by Napoleon Bonaparte, who established it as the Musée Central des Arts du Palais du Louvre. Over time, it has grown into one of the largest and most influential museums in the world, with a collection that spans thousands of years of artistic and cultural history.

### History and Founding
The Louvre Museum was established on August 10, 1793, during the French Revolution. Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul of France, ordered the transformation of the Louvre Palace into a museum to house the royal collection of art and artifacts. The museum was originally named the Musée Central des Arts du Palais du Louvre and was intended to serve as a repository for the nation’s cultural heritage. Since its inception, the Louvre has undergone significant expansions and renovations, including the addition of the Denon Wing, Sully Wing, and Richelieu Wing, which have enhanced its capacity to display artworks and artifacts.

### Location and Architecture
The Louvre Museum is located in the historic Louvre Palace in Paris, France. The palace, which was originally built as a royal residence for King Louis XV, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its classical and Renaissance architecture. The museum is situated at coordinates 48.861111, 2.335833, in the heart of Paris, making it easily accessible to visitors from around the world. The Louvre Palace, with its grand courtyards, grand staircases, and opulent interiors, provides a stunning backdrop for the museum’s exhibitions.

### Collection and Exhibits
The Louvre Museum houses a vast collection of over 38,000 works of art and archaeological artifacts. Among its most famous works are the *Mona Lisa*, *Venus de Milo*, *Winged Victory of Samothrace*, and the *Pyxis of al-Mughira*. The museum’s collection spans various periods and regions, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and modern art. The exhibits are organized into several departments, such as the Denon Wing, Sully Wing, and Richelieu Wing, each specializing in different art periods and regions. The museum also features temporary exhibitions that showcase contemporary art and cultural themes.

### Management and Operations
The Louvre Museum is operated by the Ministry of Culture of France, which oversees its management and exhibitions. The museum is sponsored by the French government and receives funding to support its operations, educational programs, and public engagement initiatives. The Ministry of Culture of France plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the museum’s collection, ensuring that it remains accessible to the public. The museum’s website, [www.louvre.fr](https://www.louvre.fr/), provides information about exhibitions, tickets, and visitor services, and it is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Chinese, and Spanish.

### Visitor Experience and Engagement
The Louvre Museum attracts approximately 10 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited museums in the world. The museum offers a range of services to enhance the visitor experience, including guided tours, audio guides, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the museum’s permanent collection, participate in workshops, and attend lectures and exhibitions. The Louvre also provides resources for schools and educational institutions, supporting the study of art and archaeology. The museum’s commitment to public engagement and education fosters a deeper appreciation for its collection and the cultural heritage it represents.

### Related Entities and Connections
The Louvre Museum is connected to several related entities, including the École du Louvre, Louvre Palace, and Louvre-Lens. The École du Louvre is an institution of higher education that offers programs in art history and conservation. The Louvre Palace, where the museum is located, is a historic landmark that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Louvre-Lens is a branch museum located in Lens, France, which houses a selection of the Louvre’s collection. These connections highlight the Louvre’s role as a cultural institution that supports education, research, and public engagement.

### Awards and Recognition
The Louvre Museum has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to art, archaeology, and cultural preservation. It has been designated as a Musée de France, an official designation recognizing its significance as a national museum. The Louvre has also received other cultural honors, including awards for its exhibitions, educational programs, and public engagement initiatives. These recognitions underscore the museum’s importance as a leading cultural institution in France and around the world.

### Digital Presence and Accessibility
The Louvre Museum maintains a strong digital presence, with a website that provides information about exhibitions, tickets, and visitor services. The website is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Chinese, and Spanish, making it accessible to a global audience. The Louvre also offers online resources, such as virtual tours and digital exhibitions, which allow visitors to explore its collection from the comfort of their own homes. These digital initiatives enhance the museum’s accessibility and engagement with the public, ensuring that its cultural heritage is accessible to everyone.

## References

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16. [The Louvre Sent Three Paintings to a Show About the Nazi Occupation. They Were Greeted With Three Restitution Claims. The Louvre Sent Three Paintings to a Show About the Nazi Occupation. They Were Greeted With Three Restitution Claims. 2019](https://news.artnet.com/art-world/louvre-restituion-shoah-memorial-1492126)
17. [Le Louvre interpellé dans une exposition sur l’art spolié. Le Louvre interpellé dans une exposition sur l’art spolié. 2019](https://www.la-croix.com/Culture/Expositions/Le-Louvre-interpelle-exposition-lart-spolie-2019-03-18-1201009691)
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20. [Former Louvre president charged in art trafficking case](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/05/27/louvre-president-jean-luc-martinez-charged-art-trafficking-abu-dhabi/)
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27. [FRÉQUENTATION DE 2006 à 2010 (Sources : Musées, DRAC, rapports d'activité, Ministère du Tourisme, CDT 92)](http://static.data.gouv.fr/24/4d726d35436d485b5987de90d5c12d02afdb689e1838e826041c3bb7e0146e.xls)
28. [FRÉQUENTATION DE 2006 à 2010 (Sources : Musées, DRAC, rapports d'activité, Ministère du Tourisme, CDT 92) (français)](http://static.data.gouv.fr/24/4d726d35436d485b5987de90d5c12d02afdb689e1838e826041c3bb7e0146e.xls)
29. [La fréquentation du musée du Louvre. Chiffres clés 2012.](http://www.louvre.fr/sites/default/files/rapport_activite/fichiers/pdf/louvre-frequentation-musee-louvre-chiffres_0.pdf)
30. Source
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32. Visitor Figures 2015
33. Visitor Figures 2016
34. [2018](http://presse.louvre.fr/81-millions-de-visiteurs-au-louvre-en-2017/)
35. [2019](http://presse.louvre.fr/10-millions-de-visiteurs-au-louvre-en-2018/)
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37. [Source](http://www.louvre.fr/)
38. [Source](https://www.louvre.fr/en/contact-us)
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48. [Source](https://www.louvre.fr/en/hours-admission-directions/admission#tabs)
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50. [Source](http://www.louvre.fr/sites/default/files/medias/medias_fichiers/fichiers/pdf/louvre-mode-d039emploi-destination-des.pdf)